In this issue of Business and Industry Today, we are pleased to have selected Event In A Tent as our Tipi & Tent Hire Company of the Year.
Established in 2010 by husband and wife team, Matt and Niamh Stephenson, while they were searching for the perfect venue in which to hold their own wedding celebrations. Event In A Tent has gone from strength to strength ever since.
After several years of weddings, parties, festivals and corporate events all over the UK and Europe, the Event In A Tent team is sure that it can help with any event, whatever the occasion, size or location. From its base in North Wales, the company provides tipi hire throughout Wales and the local counties
of Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Lancashire, Merseyside and Herefordshire, as well as the whole of the UK, Ireland and into Europe.
Matt and Niamh began their business with Tipis imported from Sweden, and these are suitable for 20 guests upwards, and as they are modular, a large number of guests can be accommodated. There are three types of Tipis called Nimbus, Cirrus 40 and Stratus 72, and these are all different sizes & can be combined to create the perfect venue for any event.
In around 2015, the company invested time and money in sourcing the very best quality Stretch Tents that are 100% waterproof direct from the premium suppliers in South Africa. These structures provide a highly versatile and visually stunning alternative to a standard marquee. The three-ply composite material
that allows them to stretch while still remaining waterproof, gives them their flowing shape that can easily be adapted to fit into the most challenging
of sites, whether it be over terraced lawns, walled gardens or a cobbled courtyard. These Stretch Tents also come in a variety of sizes and colours, and they are very adaptable depending on ground conditions.
In 2018 Event In A Tent designed and launched
its very own Timber Geodomes which are all manufactured in the UK. These come in two sizes, 12m and 15m diameter and cater for up to 280 people standing. The key element that makes these domes superior to those currently available is that they are constructed with a unique timber frame and a textured polycotton cover. They can also be transformed into an incredible dome stage with a few adjustments which has been very popular at festivals and a very unique alternative.
The dome has a high wind loading capacity, due to the inherent strength of the structure. They have been designed in accordance with an independent structural engineer to ensure they are capable of withstanding heavy loads (ie. lights, accessories etc.), and they are designed to be erected both quickly and safely.
Finally in November 2021, the company began importing Quad Domes, which are unique, square based Geodesic roofed structure with integrated lighting options. Event in a Tent have the UK rights to these structures, so they are a one-of-a-kind product in the UK. There are four different sized Quad Domes; a 5x5m suitable for 35 standing, 6m x 6m suitable for 40 people standing or 30 seated; an 8m x 8m suitable for 80 standing or 50 people seated, and a 10m x 10m suitable for 125 people standing or 80 people seated.
The Quad Dome has vertical walls with the aesthetics of a Geodome, but the practicality of a marquee. These are also modular, so they can be linked together to make larger, even more impressive spaces for an event. The coniferous wood used for
the beams is both dense and durable, making the Quad Dome a sure option for withstanding all kinds of weather.
All of the Dome Tents can be used all year round thanks to their strength and design, meaning that Winter events can be held in as beautiful a setting as any Summer party, and the Tipis look just as amazing in their natural, simple state as they do when dressed up for a night of celebration. Event In A Tent has an Aladdin’s cave of extras for hire from Edison bulb hanging lights, disco balls, through to furniture, fire pits and dance floors!
There is obviously competition in this industry, but Event In A Tent remains at the successful forefront for a number of reasons. Matt commented, “We were one of the very first Tipi hire companies in the UK, and no other similar company has the range
of stock that we have. We believe that we are the only company that can provide the whole range of Tipis, Stretch Tents and Domes, and we have vast experience and knowledge in the industry.”
While the COVID-19 time was a difficult period for all businesses, Matt said that the company came up with new ways of working to get by. “The first lockdown was very tough indeed while we tried to adapt, but when the ‘Eat out to help out’ initiative began, we hired lots of tents out to pubs and
restaurants for use in their gardens. We also created our own pop-up glamping sites during 2020 and ’21 during the staycation boom, these Tent Villages were in Llangollen and Anglesey and were very popular.
Event In A Tent provide their tents for any event from small birthday parties, right through to weddings, festivals and corporate events. The friendly and professional team are on-hand at all times, and take pride in ensuring that they meet all customers face-to-face in order to be involved in the plans and support clients at every step.
As the company looks to the future, the aims are to continue to grow the Tent Hub side of the business, alongside the sales area. Event in a Tent also has a base in Lake George, in upstate New York where they hire out Tipis with plans to increase the stock over there as it is the only company on the entire east coast of America offering these products.
Matt concluded, “With a quality product behind us to provide a top-quality service, we’re confident that we are the best supplier for any event. With the experience of well over 500 events, we really can facilitate the perfect setting.”
T 01978 661449 info@event-in-a-tent.co.uk www.event-in-a-tent.co.uk