Ship celebrates the 'unsung hero' - the event organiser - for British Tourism Week
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Left to right: Sarah Dibley from Wilmott Dixon Construction, Mr Brunel (Martin Williamson), Jo Scholz of Scholz PR, and Bronwen Rolls Brunel's ss Great Britain Events and Bookings Manager
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UNSUNG heroes from offices across the south west attended a stunning showcase event at Brunel’s ss Great Britain on Thursday (March 26).
Secretaries, personal assistants, marketeers and event organisers are regularly asked to do all the work for events, but like Cinderella do not always receive an invitation to attend. And if they do attend the events they organise, there is little opportunity for enjoyment.
The event gave 200 event planners from across the region the chance to see the stunning ocean liner for themselves, without the pressure of work, and to taste fine food and wine – during British Tourism Week (March 23 to 29).
The evening started with a champagne reception and canapés on the Promenade Deck.
Guests experienced different function styles, from gala and Christmas events in the ship’s First Class Dining Saloon, to more contemporary styling on the Promenade Deck, and cocktails in the Hayward Saloon.
There was an opportunity to talk with members of the Brunel’s ss Great Britain events team as well as the chefs, and to explore the beautifully restored ship.
Brunel’s ss Great Britain Steward Bob Evans, who is shortlisted for the national Excellence Award for Outstanding Customer Service, acted as host and answered questions about the ship’s rich history.
The ss Great Britain events team also unveiled new special packages, designed to make life easier for events planners. And Mr Brunel made appearances throughout the Victorian ship during the evening.
The ss Great Britain Trust is an independent museum, receiving no central or local government funding, and generates income to care for the historic ship through venue hire, weddings and civil ceremonies as well as through visitors.
Locally-based companies supporting the event were Stage Electrics, Space Works, Casino Royale, Emma Petersson Designer Florist, and Firetop Photography.
Events held at Brunel’s ss Great Britain range from gala functions, AGMs, meetings and networking sessions to media and advertising launches.
Guests planning to marry also had the chance to discover why the ss Great Britain is Bristol’s most popular venue for weddings outside of the registry office, with ceremonies held on the Promenade Deck and receptions in the First Class Dining Saloon.
The showcase event followed major investment in the function spaces onboard ship, including air-cooling, PA and chiller systems – all hidden behind the First Class Dining Saloon decorations.
Events and Bookings Manager Bronwen Rolls, for Brunel’s ss Great Britain, commented: “This was our opportunity to show event organisers we care about them, and what they think. All too often the organisers are the unsung heroes who do all the hard work. Here they had the chance to enjoy fine wine and food in a stunning and historic waterfront setting.”
She added: “The event also showcased Brunel’s ss Great Britain as a flexible and unique venue providing excellent customer service and value. We worked closely with suppliers on the night to show event planners what could be achieved with flowers, modern technology, lighting, furnishings, entertainment and photography.
“Events at this beautiful ship are a great way to network and do business, to showcase products and services, as well as demonstrating appreciation for staff and clients.”
Clients range from Rolls-Royce and RIBA to the Society of Editors, and Orange.
Venue hire fact file:
- The hosting of banquets and dining events in the Dining Saloon contributes nearly 28% of the turnover of the Trust.
- The Trust must generate in excess of £1 million per annum to meet the conservation and maintenance costs of the ss Great Britain – Brunel’s only surviving ship.
- The Trust’s venue hire business generates an annual turnover of £720,000 – especially important in providing cash flow during the museum’s low season – with profits helping to care for the historic ship.
- A total of 16,000 venue hire guests experienced the First Class Dining Saloon in 2008, through 77 corporate events, 16 private functions, and 35 wedding receptions.
- The Trust is constantly making improvements to improve its sustainability rating, and wherever possible sources Fair Trade products, and champions local produce where practicable.
- Historically those who have enjoyed onboard hospitality include Queen Victoria, the novelist Anthony Trollope, and the first ‘All England’ cricket team to tour Australia.
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