The Fast Track 100
Awards brings together
top entrepreneurs from
Britain’s 100
fastest-growing private
companies.
These companies are
ranked in the latest
Sunday Times Fast Track
100 league table of
Britain’s 100 private
companies with the
fastest-growing sales over
a three-year period.
This year saw the recent 10th annual Fast Track 100 awards dinner held, once again, at the Oxfordshire home of Sir Richard Branson. Vikki Carter, project director at Watermark Event Management talked about the staging of the conference and awards dinner for this select crowd of business guests. Bethany Hutton-Stigga
VC Fast Track 100 was our client and the brief was to install a temporary structure suitable to entertain 350 guests for an afternoon conference and evening dinner.
Build challenges
The event took place at Mill End House, Kidlington, the home of Richard Branson and it was a very sensitive build because the marquee was erected on the cricket pitch (the only flat suitable area). We had to ensure that the groundsman was informed of all decision regarding the grounds and we had the trackway in the relevant places and plenty of it. There were no particular obstacles as we have done this particular event in a similar way for 10 years so we have learnt from our mistakes and perfected it now. The only thing we have to watch is the river levels as if these rise too high the river banks are likely to burst and we would be in real trouble and the marquees would need to be relocated. Luckily the levels were low for this year.
Build sequence
The build took approximately two weeks with a defined sequence.
Two weeks beforehand - Marquees erected complete with flooring, carpets, lining etc.
Five days before event – Trackway laid and Watermark site manager in place
Two days pre-event – Toilets installed, Watermark electrician on site, generators delivered and installed
One day before event – Furniture delivered
- Car park cut and prepared
- Outside lighting installed
- All technical equipment installed, lighting etc.
- Security in place overnight
Day of event – Caterers and all associated equipment on site
- Fresh gravel laid
- Security in place for front gate and all access points
- Watermark valet parking staff in place
- Directional signage installed
Industry winner
Dirk Mischendahl, founder and chairman of Leeds-based design and communication agency, Logistik and brand and sales director, James Wilkins stake their place at
number 39 in the Fast Track 100 league table.
Client feedback...
"Fast Track has been working with Watermark for the past 10 years. Every year they have done a great job helping us to run our large conference and award dinner at Sir Richard Branson’s Oxfordshire home. Each year the dinner is attended by over 200 entrepreneurs running Britain’s fastest growing companies as featured on our Fast Track 100 league table published with the Sunday Times. Guests and speakers have included Charles Dunstone of Carphone Warehouse, Sir Alan Sugar and Chancellor Gordon Brown.
Virgin Atlantic have been title sponsors of the event for all ten years. Since the event began, Watermark have worked with us, delivering the commitment and professionalism we need, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”
Kirsty Morris - Deputy head of events, Fast Track 100
Crew
Catering – Create (Fast Track)
Marquees – Oxford Marquees
Security – Guardian Guards
Trackway – TPA
Toilets – A1 Mobile
RK