Leisure King, Northfleet, enters Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards
Published: 00:00, 11 September 2015
If you want to run a simple, fun or even lavish event with a big difference, then a visit to Leisure King offers a wide range of things for hire.
Everything from a bucking bronco to a funfair, garden games and casino can be hired out along with candyfloss makers and colourful drink machines.
It is not just private individuals who are customers but some high profile companies such as Amazon and Easyjet.
Leisure King has been trading for just under four years and the name has grown in the industry.
Director Sarah Redpath said: “At the beginning of 2014 we knew the demand was there for our products and services, we just didn’t have the capacity to do any more work and needed some help to take the next step.
“We joined the Growth Accelerator programme which introduced us to The Tiger Fund, a government backed scheme to loan money to business.
“With the help of our business advisor we began the process of applying for the loan to enable us to proceed with our business visions.
“We were successful and so in mid-2014 we were able to move into our new large warehouse in May Avenue Industrial Estate in Northfleet.
“The application process meant we had to plan for the next three years in terms of staff recruitment, product development, financial management and marketing. To date, all these new targets have been completed or are well on their way.”
Recruiting the right type of event crew is tricky in this industry. Aside from being knowledgeable about the equipment on hire, finding people prepared to work weekends and evenings can be difficult. Currently Leisure King employs seven full time and 21 on a part time basis.
Of the clients, Sarah said: “Our business would be nothing without our clients and so Leisure King offers uncompromising customer service and support.
“We understand that organising an event can be stressful and expensive, therefore a slick, well-informed and confident service is paramount. Whether celebrating a milestone or bringing people together, the perfect event is possible and we gear each booking around the customer needs. We build a relationship with each customer, leaving them confident that we have the experience and knowledge.”
The company is one of the contenders for this year's Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards, which are now in their 10th year.
They are supported by the Messenger, and each entrant gets a free profile in our papers and on our website.
This year’s award sponsors are Dartford council, Gravesham council, Barnes Roffe, Kent Business School (University of Kent), the KM Group (Dartford Messenger and Gravesend Messenger), Lloyds Bank, Thomson Snell and Passmore, Edinburgh House, University of Greenwich and Mid Kent College.
Entries have now closed. The winners will be announced later this year.
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