We are trying very hard to facilitate our regular customers that we have built good relationships with . If they commit to us , we will commit to them . We are a loyal company and value our customers .”
Building back Another key supplier that is seeing event operators engage earlier is ProTec . Founded by Stephen Lakin in 1999 , it has bases in Saudi Arabia and Dubai as well as the UK . With more than $ 50 million of equipment , the operation offers lighting , sound , audio-visual , staging , rigging , hydraulics , SFX and backline . Among the artistes it has worked with are Nicki Minaj , Flo Rider and Sergio Mendes , while festival work has included UNITE With Tomorrowland at Abu Dhabi ’ s du Forum ( 4,500 ).
ProTec marketing manager Eimear
O ’ Brien says that on the back of a period of strong growth , the company was preparing for what promised to be a great 2020 before the pandemic turned out the lights : “ We invested heavily , as we usually do , in some of the latest technologies in anticipation . We had taken delivery of a large order of Claypaky Xtylos and Absen indoor and outdoor PL series LED . It has been a devastating hit , but we are still here , rebuilding and feeling positive about the future and the opportunities in the region as restrictions lift .”
She says that while business hasn ’ t reached pre-pandemic levels , it is picking up well : “ One factor that has been a challenge is the shorter lead times due to the continuously changing rules , but , due to our large palette of technology across all departments and a well-stocked warehouse , we have been able to move quickly and help our clients deliver the events they envisioned mostly without compromises . We have also been happy to assist other suppliers with dry hire , which goes hand in hand with growing demand and shorter lead times .”
Since it was launched in 2003 , bar provider Peppermint Events has helped run events such as Electric Winter on London ’ s Southbank and the Lovebox festival , while also supplying around 40 events per year , including the Isle of Wight ( 45,000 ) and BST Hyde Park ( 65,000 ) festivals .
Peppermint co-founder and director Adam Hempenstall says his company is also experiencing strong demand but the pressure on resource , kit and equipment means this season is not going to be without considerable challenges .
“ The perfect storm of Brexit and Covid has created tough conditions for everyone ,” he says . “ Labour costs have risen by circa 40 % compared to 2019 , which has been a major headache for us and our clients . Transport costs with the rise of fuel prices and a lack of drivers has created a supply and demand imbalance , pushing up prices and availability of rolling stock . EU / Brexit red tape is causing delays for imported goods and is pushing up prices . I think it will be at least 12 months before the situation stabilises .
“ The positive is that people can ’ t wait to get back to a normal summer and , even though we saw about 50 % less events in 2021 , spends were up and people were in great spirits .”
Changing times Entec Live is one of the event industry ’ s longest established sound and light supply specialists . Launched in 1968 by Marquee Club and Reading Festival founder Harold Pendleton , its offering has been expanded significantly over the years and now includes full event production , live streaming services and UVC Safe Clean technology .
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