​​​​​​​There is no disputing that 2020 has presented a series of challenges for many personally as well as within business. Amongst those in unprecedented times is the Corporate Hospitality industry within the Sports and Entertainment sector. In this blog Founder & Managing Director Michael Dunderdale shares the hurdles and approach implemented, to continue to drive the business amidst a climate of unparalleled uncertainty. As well as providing a glimpse ahead to how the future looks for clients of Hospitality Finder and fans of The Green Room experience.

March 23rd 2020 was a day on which our personal and corporate lives experienced a profound and significant change. With it came the postponement or cancellation of every major event scheduled to take place during the year.

When the confirmation of the pandemic and lockdown was put into force, the following questions were raised within the business; “what does this mean to our clients” and “how do we best support them through this period”. It was extremely important to ensure clear communication was the focal point of our next steps, not only within Hospitality Finder but also amongst all of our clients and friends of The Green Room.

With technology required more than ever, formal meetings were moved to virtual software-based discussions in the form of video conferencing calls allowing us to proceed and map out a strong path forwards.

During this time, it was vital that our strategy represented a level of fairness which would run concurrently with our core customer-centric approach, while being respectful of company finances and sensitive to the needs of our supply chain. Once agreed, our core team of staff liaised with all clients ensuring they were reassured and regularly updated in relation to the events which they were looking forward to and the capital they had invested with us.

Acutely aware of the difficult financial situation some of our clients were finding themselves in, we were keen to offer as much flexibility and support as the situation would allow, while doing everything we could to safeguard the investments made by our customers. I am pleased to confirm that we have been able to arrange solutions for all of the clients affected by the rescheduling of events and we are very much looking forward to repaying their patience and support by not only delivering on but exceeding upon expectation.

Adjusting our sails to a more favourable wind was the next priority and in true Hospitality Finder style, we made a commitment to come back from this bigger, better and stronger.

Since 2015 when Hospitality Finder propelled The Green Room into the events marketplace, we have continued to drive innovation and cement the reputation of The Green Room as a brand where quality goes hand in hand with experience to ensure a truly interactive environment that adds a whole new level of depth to the standard corporate entertainment package.

Hospitality forms such an integral part of our client’s strategies therefore, it was imperative that we reflected the importance of our service, in the enhancements we targeted. Consideration also needed to be made on how to achieve the desired improvements, while retaining the value of the proposition.

It is imperative for us to continue to provide the high standard of service for which we are renowned and with our continuous close relationships with the teams at The Kia Oval and Aintree Racecourse, it made perfect sense to select these as the first two venues in which to further drive excellence.

Relocating The Green Room at The Kia Oval into the prestigious “England Club”, regarded as one of the Oval’s most auspicious restaurants and with reserved seating immediately outside of The Green Room, our clients have instant access to the on field action, whilst still retaining that prime view from directly behind the bowlers’ arm. The light and more spacious surroundings afford the opportunity for clients to take advantage of viewing tables where they can enjoy incredible views of the field of play.

The Green Room at Aintree is moving into the hugely popular Corbiere Suite. With a reputation as the racecourse’s most sought after restaurant and an expansive balcony affording panoramic views across all of the key areas, The Green Room at The Corbiere Suite will ensure an atmosphere of ultimate quality and a great addition to The Green Room’s racing calendar.

This year is now coming to an end and the outlook for next year is very encouraging. The handful of events that have already taken place in front of spectators, coupled with the feedback we are receiving, demonstrates there is a huge appetite building around our clients attending events in 2021.

Corporately, socially, and emotionally, we are all looking forward to reinforcing the strength of relationships we enjoy and the team here at Hospitality Finder remain committed to enabling a level of engagement underpinned by a quality of service and depth of experience that will create memories to last a lifetime.

In what has been a rapidly changing marketplace, our one priority remains that the “customer is key” and with this ethos at the core of everything we do, the future is something to be very excited about indeed.

I would like to wish you all a very Merry and safe Christmas, a Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you at some of The Green Room events in the year ahead.