A look at why the ‘smallest room’ at an event does not have to be bog-standard despite the economic downturn, courtesy of Natasha Mawer, sales director, IGLOOS.
The practical issues of certain types of events start with advance logistical planning with the client
Consideration for other contractors on-site is imperative
An agreed timetable of actions can reduce unnecessary waiting on-site
IGLOOS provides fabulous event lavatories at temporary and fixed venues both across the UK and internationally throughout the year.
With a large concentration on some of London’s most sought after venues this summer, such as ‘The Room’ by the River on the Southbank, Sugar Quay’s structure situated on the Thames, The Conservatory at Chelsea, The Garden Room Marquee at Syon Park, IGLOOS also supplies for sporting events such as Royal Ascot, The British Grand Prix and Goodwood Festival of Speed. Additionally, smaller private parties and Christmas festive events are well looked after.
The practical issues of certain types of events start with advance logistical planning with the client. This is absolutely vital to ensure work is carried out to budget. Consideration for other contractors on-site is imperative and where a venue has restrictive access it is especially important that mutual schedules are agreed. An agreed timetable of actions can reduce unnecessary waiting on-site; prevent unforeseen labour and other costs - essential in the current economic climate. Teamwork among contractors is also helpful to ensure a successful co-operative installation: communicate and agree your requirements with each party before the build commences. Clients’ expectations have reached unprecedented levels despite current budget cuts; to retain business and maintain a good working relationship it is important to deliver what has been promised both in terms of service and equipment.
A risk assessment is performed by the operations department before every event to assess what could go wrong and how to prevent it. This usually covers most areas of risk, however there are sometimes unforeseen circumstances within venues that can cause problems. Being available to the client to rectify any problems in the shortest, most practical timeframe is much appreciated. Matters that arise out of poor planning or communication, whilst unfortunate, are frustrating for all parties so it is important that everyone involved is on top of these. It may not necessarily be the supplier’s fault but it becomes their problem and is ultimately costly to the business.
Preparation on-site for the loos is essential for ensuring they perform well at the event; therefore on-site communication with a key contact is vital to ensure that delivery runs smoothly. There are various things that the crew may need in order to complete the installation, for instance depending on the type of product, they may need access to: fresh water, power and occasionally mains drainage.
The event hire market is not easy to measure but IGLOOS’ niche is in the private events and corporate entertainment sector for which there are rolling three to five year contracts in place. To encourage clients to show their commitment in this way, IGLOOS invests in the business, both the infrastructure and research and development. R&D is carried out either following consultation with key clients or as a direct response to logistical challenges and particular end-client requests. For instance when temporary loos were required on the third floor of a building, IGLOOS developed the Panelled System. The events industry as a whole covers a vast area which includes, but is not exclusive to, the private party market, music festivals, product launches and company conferences.
Due to the company’s vast experience, reputation and product portfolio, IGLOOS has been in demand to travel across the world installing temporary loos in locations that include: France, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Dubai, Libya, Ireland and many more. An obvious factor with supplying outside the UK is transport and shipping costs as well as the costs involved in sending crew to carry out the necessary work. IGLOOS has looked into setting up offices abroad but is currently concentrating on product growth in the advanced UK event market.
IGLOOS prides itself on retaining annual contracts with clients but this does not make up the entirety of the business. Due to the economic climate in 2009, there has been a noticeable change in clients’ attitudes towards booking their event suppliers. Some have cancelled events all together, either because they don’t have the money or are worried about the perception of spending money on events, in case they are seen to be too extravagant by their shareholders.
Others are enquiring and booking equipment at the last minute; a retail mentality seems to be seeping through that requirements can be purchased ‘off the shelf’ instantly. Sometimes last minute delivery is possible but not always, so advance planning by the client is always advised. In addition, this does not help the company’s cash flow, logistical or business planning purposes so is extremely frustrating. Other clients are either downsizing their budgets meaning a lower specification on what they might previously have booked or expecting the same specification for less money, which may or may not be practically possible. Loos are naturally a vital part of any event alongside food and drink, but they are often given a low priority and it can sometimes be difficult to convince the client of their high value in terms of the benefit they can bring to an event. Bad loos will always be remembered at any venue or event.
A positive result of the current climate is that the business is evolving in unexpected ways; IGLOOS now offers a concierge service to clients who want to hold their events in their own venues. This saves the client money and means they can still create a luxury loo area to complement their event. IGLOOS provides vanity baskets for male and female areas with appropriate toiletries for each gender and an attendant to keep the loos looking clean and tidy throughout the event. This addition to the business means they can get a positive experience of the service IGLOOS offers and hopefully when they do have the budget and requirements, they will know that IGLOOS is a reliable supplier with great products.
Comments