Final adams 2014 8 hae award submission 2014

www.cateringhire.co.uk www.cateringhire.co.uk T: 0870 300 6000

T: 0870 300 6000

A GRAND DAY OUT A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ADAMS TEACUP

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zzZ ADAMS CATERING EQUIPMENT & FURNITURE HIRE COMPLETE CATERING HIRE FOR YOUR EVENT

HAE AWARDS 2014

EHA COMPANY OF THE YEAR (SINGLE OUTLET)

A GRAND DAY OUT

www.cateringhire.co.uk T: 0870 300 6000

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ADAMS TEACUP

TEACUP: THE DAY, AS TOLD BY THE

SUPPORTING PEOPLE Adams has grown a lot since Stef and Charlie took the company over in 2000 but it is still a familyrun business and stays true to its original values. Back then, there were only three members of staff, now there are twenty-four, and the company’s turnover has more than quadrupled in that time.

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7.30am

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9.30

am

Scarlett answered a call from a very stressed lady, could Adams supply an extra 100 dinner sets that evening for her do. Well, of course Scarlett said, “Yes, no problem, what do you need? We’ll be there as soon as possible”. And there I was hoping for a day off.

Spud pops in to check that the warehouse is tidy and there are no stray bones lying about, he likes to poke his furry nose in.

LE* *SPARK

I was rudely awakened by Tom’s whistling, the staff are always so happy here. He’d decided to start getting things ready for the wedding reception on Saturday. Boy these people are organised.

At the heart of everything we do is the local community. We employ and support local staff and last year we took on two apprentices to give them invaluable experience and help them in their new careers. That worked out really well both for them and us so we’ll be hiring two new apprentices this year.

We also like to support local charities and were thrilled to be able to help the East Dulwich Supper Club’s charity auction in aid of Action Against Hunger by providing all of their catering equipment for free. Two other causes we do as much as we can for are nearby children’s hospice Haven House and the MS Society, who we help through fundraising and donating our services for free.

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11.30a

Tom’s back with Andy, they count out 100 full dining sets – then count them out again - and load them onto the van. They’re always checking everything for damage and cleanliness, PAT testing the electrical items, it’s all about quality control with them. I’ll say one thing, they’re good with their hands those two – I can’t remember the last time there was a breakage.

FUN FACT last year we hired out the following

75,000 teacups 95,000 banqueting chairs and 140,000 champagne glasses. over

FUN FACT

We are available to our clients

24/7

just in case they need us.

HAE Awards 2014

EHA Company of the Year (single outlet)

A GRAND DAY OUT

www.cateringhire.co.uk T: 0870 300 6000

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ADAMS TEACUP

OUR ETHOS: BRILLIANT CUSTOMER SERVICE

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Spud again, teacher’s pet, he’s on the prowl, this time he’s looking to make sure that all the cardboard and paper has been put into the recycling bins and report back to the boss. No luck Spud, it’s all been done.

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pm

12.00

We’re off. I just heard Tom on his hands-free talking to the client and confirming that there’s a tracking device in the van. There’s no point worrying we won’t get there in time, they never get lost.

We provided all of the hire equipment for an event at The Copperbox at the Olympic Centre for the Duchess of Cambridge. We are also trusted suppliers to Geronimo Inns, the John Lewis Partnership and Searcys.

Our clients are loyal to us and know they can count on us in a crisis. When a wedding party in the Danube Delta realised they didn’t have any tablecloths for the reception, we happily couriered them over without a second thought.

We’re also happy to roll our sleeves up and muck in. A Chicago based newspaper magnate’s Personal Assistant asked us to provide everything (and I mean everything – glasses, tables, chairs, crockery and table linen) for a dinner for 30 on her employer’s yacht. We didn’t flinch when she asked for seating and settings for 60 – 30 inside and 30 outside - in case it rained and Stef even helped with the table arrangements.

Then, one day in June, we saved a Thames Riverboat from a dining disaster by stepping in at the last minute and dropping tables off at Victoria Pier. It’s our customer service that has kept clients coming back to us time and again since we started – plus we love providing excellent service.

pm

1.00

FUN FACT Tom and Andy unload us and we’re only on a boat in the middle of the Thames!

Well, you know me, I’m not much of a swimmer but the saucers are all excited, they seem to think they can float.

Oh, there’s Stef on the boat, they give her a wave, she’s out and about today updating Risk Assessments for the venues.

Now that is important, I don’t want Tom and Andy carrying me up 15 flights of stairs we didn’t know about.

100%

of clients who responded to our survey said they would book us again or recommend us.

FUN FACT

Our warehouse is

15,000 ft2 that’s enough space for 1000 seated wedding guests – plus a dance floor.

HAE Awards 2014

EHA Company of the Year (single outlet)

A GRAND DAY OUT

www.cateringhire.co.uk T: 0870 300 6000

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ADAMS TEACUP

TESTIMONIALS you so much for the excellent service note to thank you and Adams Catering for “ Thank “ Athequick provided, from start to finish it was easier than I efficient and friendly service provided.

1.30pm Everything looks beautiful, the tables are laid out on the top deck in the streaming sunshine. Tom has promised to pop back with more tables, he’ll no doubt be on the phone to the office in a minute making sure they’ll be ready to load when he gets there.

6.00pm

Show ti

10.00pm 1st Class

Well, that was a big success. Everyone commented on how lovely we were and I overheard the cruise organisers say that Adams is the best hire company they’ve ever used. She even said they’d “been given outstanding service from start to finish”, it made me feel quite proud.

ever imagined. Also, pass on my thanks to your driver who managed everything with a huge grin on his face despite the pouring rain.

Wedding Party, July 2013

”

a note to say I could not have managed this ” “ Just years events without you guys. We have been the

Adams Catering Hire just got a hire quote “ Wow. back to me in 18 minutes. That’s #excellent #customerservice #eventprofs ” Suzanne James Catering December 2013

me!

The next day...

The prompt quote provision, delivery and collection of the correct ordered items ensured there were no worries and a smooth process and … a successful event!

We would certainly recommend your firm from our experiences.

Jill, Investment firm in the City, November 2013

busiest I can rememember and if it wasnt for your lot, I don’t know how we would have coped. And as for buying in the stuff we like - you are AMAZING! JV, BandH Group Jan 2014

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9.00

am

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It’s no good Spud, they’re way ahead of you, and everything has been put away neatly. Finally, I can go to bed. I’m clean and back with the other teacups, ready for another day. I just wish I got to sleep in a warm bed next to the boss’ desk like that dog.

FUN FACT Adams supports a number of

local and national charities including Haven House Children’s Hospice and the MS Society.

FUN FACT

Stef and Charlie took over Adams in 2000 back when it employed three members of staff. Today there are

24

of us in the team.

HAE Awards 2014

EHA Company of the Year (single outlet)

A GRAND DAY OUT

www.cateringhire.co.uk T: 0870 300 6000

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ADAMS TEACUP

STEF LOWRY

Stef has been working in the events industry since 1986, and took over Adams Catering Hire in January 2000. With her flair for nurturing Clients and meeting their needs, she has gained a reputation for her complete dedication to every event.

Having left Lansdowne College, Bayswater in 2007, Scarlett joined Adams to learn the business. She has performed every job from picking and delivering to now manage the office, so she really understands what our Clients are asking us to do and the logistics behind every job. Her talent lies in top customer service, attention to detail with a friendly yet professional approach.

SCARLETT LOWRY

Having joined Adams from the start, Garry has really seen the changes in the Company. He’s now in control of every piece of equipment we own.

That includes, maintaining the fleet of vehicles to the required standard of cleanliness and safety, electrical and gas compliance and, with Dave, keeping the warehouse running at an extremely high standard.

SHERRIE WATERS

Sherrie is in charge of Promotions and Advertising at Adams Catering Hire. Her background includes experience in events and hospitality and she maintains one of our most trusted staff.

Dave has been with Adams Catering Hire for over 10 years and he is now Warehouse Manager.

With experience of warehouse management he maintains the warehouse at Adams Catering Hire with great precision and care with his team, making sure all products ordered by the clients are correct.

GARRY QUAIF

MEET THE FAMILY From humble beginnings in 2000, the Adams team has grown into a bustling staff of 24. Stef and Charlie still manage the company and their daughter Scarlett Lowry is a Customer Service Manager, having worked in all areas of the business.

The team also includes five drivers, a warehouse manager, three account managers and an accountant and everyone plays a crucial role in Adams’ success. That means that we feel valued and we value our jobs in return, the staff retention rate is extremely high for this sector.

Spud the dog, is our mascot, he’s very Health & Safety conscious and wears his high-vis jacket around the warehouse. Once he’s completed his inspections he’s the only one who’s allowed to curl up in his basket next to Stef’s desk.

DAVE SHEPERD SPUD LOWRY

REST OF THE TEAM

IAN TEPP HUCKS All the office staff, drivers, porters and maintenance staff work hard to make sure Adams Catering Hire get it right - First time, every time!

Spud is a unique and special member of the Adams Catering Hire team. He is cross between a Dachshund and Jack Russell and was won on a ‘toss of a coin’ in 2006. Spud has never missed a days work since. Health and safety is a priority, so when Spud is busy working in the Warehouse he wears a hi-vis jacket with his own name-tag on it.

Regulars who visit the Warehouse love Spud and he can be usually found downstairs working or having a rest in his bed by Stef’s desk.

FUN FACT

We won

‘Company of the Year’ at the HEA EHA Awards in 2013,

our proudest moment so far.

HAE Awards 2014

EHA Company of the Year (single outlet)

www.cateringhire.co.uk T: 0870 300 6000

AND FINALLY… A few words from Stef…

WHAT THE AWARD MEANS TO US: the HEA EHA ‘Company of the Year’ Award last year “ Winning meant so much to us, we’d love to win it again this year.

The team works extremely hard every day of the year to make sure our customers are happy and keep coming back, winning the Award would feel like recognition of all that hard work.

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