Eleanor Whitby tells Courier Business about Red Pepper Events.
Q Which market does your company cater for?
A We are set up predominantly to plan and execute events for corporate businesses large and small.
However, we regularly work with individuals and families on garden parties, birthday events and special celebrations.
Q How many members of staff do you employ?
A Two, full-time.
Q How and why did you start in business?
A I set up Red Pepper Events in 2005. I had been working as head of events and sales at a nearby four-star golf hotel for the five years prior to that.
My options to stay involved in events were limited, so I decided to bite the bullet.
Q What is the ethos behind your business?
A To provide bespoke events for my clients no matter if this is a marquee event for 1,500 or a small conference for 10.
Q How did you get where you are today?
A Hard work and plenty of gumption. I never take no for an answer, and where some see problems I see challenges.
Q Who has helped you along the way?
A Red Pepper Events was initially set up with a lovely lady called Anita Marshall.
A change in circumstances led to my purchasing her shares in 2008.
My mum is a bit of an entrepreneur also.
My workaholic boyfriend Ed Murdoch also has a lot to answer for.
Q What is your greatest achievement to date?
A Working for Lorraine Kelly last year. We planned her OBE garden party. She was wonderful to work with and the event was a huge success.
Q Do you provide any unique product or service?
A We try to make sure we can offer our clients a very ‘event ready’ service.
What this means is we have all the equipment they could possibly need.
We have our own glassware, kitchen items, bar sundries, red carpet and even a nine-hole golf putting course.
Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
A Taking the plunge into business is never straightforward but, with plenty of determination and support, you can do it.
Make sure you take advice, and that you really listen to other business owners.