One Amazing Experience

I am delighted to be joined for this episode of One Amazing Experiences by Atul Lakhani, Managing Director and Founder of Sanjay Foods. Sanjay Foods have won no fewer than 17 Catering and Event Management Awards including Best Caterer in the British Asian Wedding Awards. Atul has also won a Pride of India Award for his for his company’s professional, creative, innovative and forward-thinking contribution to the hospitality industry in the UK.

He has also recently been nominated to Chair the Large-Scale Weddings Working Group representing the Government appointed UK Weddings Taskforce and takes a lead role in the promotion of the UK Hospitality and Events Industry.

Atul talks us through his beautiful and opulent Maharaja themed party taking place at The IXL, Dallas Burston Polo Club for 400 industry colleagues and friends to celebrate his 20 years in the catering industry.

A magical musical symphony of musical acts and virtual elephants welcome guests as they arrive in the opulent surroundings to be greeted with cocktails & mocktails, Laurent Perrier Rose and Whisky flowing freely. Sanjay’s exceptional Indian and Asian fusion food is served by traditionally dressed staff. They deliver succulent seafood and delightful vegetarian dishes, including the house specialty Chaat, plus breads straight from  their in-venue tandoori ovens. Guests are entertained by numerous exceptional interactive entertainers, DJs and the performances culminate in George Michael playing live.

Atul also offers great insight into his career and how he has successfully built up his business. From standout moments such as feeding 40,000 people at Olympia to how fate played its hand in delivering an opportunity for him to buy into his own special events venue.

He talks through his learnings, through the good times and the bad, and the very varied and exceptional influences that have ensured he remains focused on delivering a quality product in an ethical, caring and commercially successful way.

He touches on the importance of continual investment into your product, of following your passion and putting your all into your business. All while learning from your mistakes, never taking yourself too seriously or allowing yourself ego trips.

It was an absolute pleasure to talk to Atul and as he says "when we come through this pandemic it will be time to be happy" and his party will make certain of that.

I am delighted to be joined by Graham Hill, Awards Director for the Event Photography Awards, previously Managing Director of Square Meal Events & Venues and now Founder of Graham Hill Consulting. Graham’s career, from the age of 16, has been entwined in the organising of parties and events and he throws a truly exceptional and fun occasion for his guests.

Taking place at the stunning Burgh Island Hotel the black tie event plays up to the 1920’s Art Deco feel of the location. Graham’s passion for food & wine, and love of fine restaurant dining, ensures he has a near encyclopaedic knowledge in cuisine. This is demonstrated in the gastronomic adventure he takes his guests on from starters inspired by Alain Ducasse, proper Yorkshire Roast Beef, and an Italian influenced retro dessert. With Strictly Dancers, “Bandeoke” and the exceptional raconteur ,Stephen Fry, adding a touch of Jeeves to the event it will be a party not forgotten.

Graham also discusses how he made it in the industry including the importance of helping people who ask for help, pulling together at difficult times, having a clear and easy to understand brand and keeping a positive attitude - as displayed by the many industry leaders he cites as influences.

Graham also talks through lessons learnt in life including the importance of a full drinks cabinet and the surprising virtues of Wensleydale cheese being served with Christmas Cake. It was a pleasure to to interview Graham and his joie de vivre, passion for events and love of food and drink come together to provide an entertaining and educational hour for listeners.

I am delighted to have Paul Jackson, Managing Director of High-End Caterers Alison Price, join me for One Amazing Experience. Prior to his 21 years with Alison Price he worked with esteemed caterers, Searcy’s and started his career working as a Private Butler.

Paul takes us through his fabulous birthday event at Blenheim Palace while discussing both educational and funny experiences from his time in events. 

From working for a high net worth individual who owned 32 Rolls Royce and his own gunboat to being stuck in a lift with Nelson Mandela to how the Queen likes to mix her own martini and the importance of a properly addressed hand delivered event invite.

He also addresses how the events industry has adapted in recent times and the importance of leading by example: only asking people to do what you would be happy to do yourself.

Paul touches on how Alison Price have dealt historically in recessions and equally how they have scaled up from doing events for up to 200 to now comfortably catering up to 2000.

Paul gives us a glimpse of the  unique experiences working in the events industry has provided him, and his passion and creativity which culminate in him putting on a spectacular event for his 300 guests including his chosen celebrity, Elizabeth Taylor.

I am delighted to be joined by Bonnie May, the Global Operations Director of catering and hospitality specialist, Global Infusion Group. Bonnie epitomises what many would see as the ultimate role in events.

Over 30 years Bonnie has flown the world touring with some of the biggest bands and singers such as James Brown, The Eagles and Coldplay as well as unique acts such as Cirque du Soleil. She has also been involved in the catering delivery to 5 major International Games and has delivered corporate events around the world for up 12000 guests. In 2021 GIG are the chosen caterers for the British Pavilion at the World Expo in Dubai for 6 months.

At the National Business Women’s Awards 2019 Bonnie won the Veuve Cliquot International Women’s Award category before receiving the accolade of Overall Winner.

Bonnie takes us through a delightful festival themed event close to home with amazing entertainment and lovely little touches to make it an occasion to remember. While going through her event she talks through the amazing stepping stones, including working with Red Bull from its infancy and getting it on the Bruce Springsteen tour, that have led GIG to the point it’s at today. We discuss her learnings from delivering international projects, how they have had to adapt their business in the current crisis and what continues to drives her and the whole Global Infusion Group team forward. An insight not to be missed.

One Amazing Experience is produced by Philip Atkins, Founder Managing Director of www.offtowork.co.uk to promote the importance of the events industry and to provide uplifting and fun insight for those working in the events industry, running their own business or simply interested in the business of events.

I am delighted to be joined on One Amazing Experience by Mike Kershaw. Mike is one of the most influential and experienced Directors, Advisors and Investors within the events industry. He is the former Chairman of leading integrated events company The Concerto Group and former President of the UK Chapter of ILEA. A very experienced event professional and venue marketeer, he led Concerto through several acquisitions and the development of numerous venues across London. Having recruited a new CEO in 2013, Mike stepped down in 2015 and has set up Kershaw Partners to bring his extensive experience to bear on emerging event companies and venues. In 2015 he was appointed non-executive Chairman of AOK Events Group and wefindvenues.com and he is a senior advisor to leading caterers Smart Group and Caper & Berry, mobile pub company Pubs on Wheels, marketing agency Air Social and event tech companies Tapfuse and Simpli-Fi.

Mike provides a real insight into the overall development of the Events Industry over the last 40 years and the importance it plays in society and the business world. He shows his immense passion for the industry and equally his huge entrepreneurial spirit.

While taking us through his fantastic party at Old Billingsgate Market in London he reflects on the fun and educational time his career has provided. From dressing up as US Colonel to greet his guests, to putting on indoor barbeques, to buying a US muscle car as an events’ dice game prize, to company leadership of a integrated events company turning over £50m+ a year, appearing on national news and successfully petitioning government to double the tax free amount companies could spend on their staff events - he has done it all.

More than anything Mike shows his exceptional positive spirit and joie de vivre that his led him to great success over the last 40 years. He gives thoughtful advice as to how we do get through this unseen before difficult period for the events industry, the importance of working in unison as an industry, and puts on a party we would all love to be on the guest list for.

One Amazing Experience is produced by Philip Atkins, Founder Managing Director of www.offtowork.co.uk to promote the importance of the events industry and to provide uplifting and fun insight for those working in the events industry, running their own business or simply interested in the business of events.

This week I am delighted to be joined by Sue Barnes, founder of renowned and Royal florist, Lavender Green. Over their 30 years of trading Sue, and her husband David, have built Lavender Green up to be regarded by many as the leading event florist in London and the home counties. Listed as a preferred supplier at over 70 of the Unique Venues of London, and having done the floristry for Prince Edward & Sophie Wessex and more recently Pippa Middleton and James Matthews wedding, they have an exceptional reputation for providing flowers to Royal and Society events.

Sue remains very much hands on in the business and has personally been to over 1500 weddings to oversee their support. Sue gives listeners an insight into the success of Lavender Green and those stepping stones that led to her business development. From a guest

From all her experience Sue takes us through a magical event at the Palace of Versailles with an event that blends the stunning French setting with English character, fun and wonderful attention to detail.

This week I am delighted to be joined by Industry legend, Johnny Roxburgh. Johnny has worked in the events industry for over 40 years and, as other Podcasts in this series have certified, has been an inspiration to many companies and leaders over the years. One of the co-founders of The Admirable Crichton, and now of Johnny Roxburgh Party Architects, he is renowned for his exceptional creativity, joie de vivre and immense intention to detail. His vision and event designs have allowed him to manage some of the most high profile and uber budget events.

Johnny talks to us from his sun drenched garden in Norfolk (please excuse slight inherent connection challenges!) about the event he would put on at Spencer House and all the magic he would provide for his guests. From Polar Bears to waiters in tutus his creativity and understanding of how to put on a show are on full display for his 700 guests.

While talking us through the event we touch on how his business has evolved over the years, the influences on him, what has driven his success, his exceptional work ethic and the importance of looking after your team in an economic downturn. His passion, ideas and experience of managing over 9000 events, from Spice Girl weddings to exotic events around the world, provide an inspiring and colourful insight into his world for listeners.

In this episode Philip, Managing Director of Off to Work,  talks to David Wise , Founder and Managing Director of Wise Productions, on the party he would organise.  David chooses a location very close to home and in his normal underplayed style ensures all his guests are in for a treat..

David also talks through his amazing career and the development of Wise Productions. From starting on his own and going through many, what only can be described as "Only Fools & Horses" moments, to being listed at Royal Palaces, Stately Homes and providing audio visual services to high profile and celebrity events. David has exceptional words of advice for those running their own businesses on both how to go towards success and how to deal with the difficulties in an economic downturn. 

This week we have the pleasure of meeting Lena Bjorck, Co-Founder and Managing Director of caterers, Alexander & Bjorck. Lena takes us to the magical beaches of Ireland for her party and talks us through the highs and lows of her business life. From setting up her original company, Inn or Out, with no culinary experience, to serving Royal Families and American Ambassadors.  Lena then sold her company  to start a family, and then started again with Des Gunewardena as the events arm of D & D Restaurants. Lena has seen highs and lows through her many years of business leadership and offers wise words for those looking to set-up their own or struggling with leadership through the present Covid-19 Crisis. Lena is inspirational showing the merits of hard work and sticking to your values.

This week I am joined by Hattie Mauleverer, Founder and Managing Director of Top Hat Catering. Founded in 2002, Top Hat's reputation has grown to the point where they were voted Small Caterer of the Year at The London Catering Awards 2019. 

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, and having changed her career from original starting as a headhunter, Hattie takes us through the influences, highs and lows of growing her business. Hattie has also been particularly prolific in her lobbying action to get the challenges that event suppliers are struggling with during the Covid pandemic recognised and we discuss her thoughts and hopes.    

Hattie takes us to a party at the Roundhouse in Camden where the influences of her 7 year old daughter become clear. Talking through the food, drink, entertainment, celebrity guest, industry influences Hattie provides some great creative ideas and inspiring thoughts for listeners.