insideKENT Magazine Issue 27 - June 2014 | Page 149
BUSINESS
insideKENT TALKS TO
Catherine James of Catherine James Events
With over 15 years' experience in the event industry, from corporate affairs and
intimate private parties, to weddings, birthdays and themed extravaganzas, it
seems there is very little Kent-based business, Catherine James Events, can't
turn from mundane to magnificent.
How did Catherine James Events
come about?
After years of working in the city attending
numerous events, tasting the same old limp
canapés, experiencing the same themes, and
being served by de-motivated staff, it did not
take long to realise that this experience could be
improved. So, with £500 and a small ad placed
in a local free magazine over 10 years ago, the
business was launched.
What services do you offer?
Well this is usually the first question I am asked,
and my response is, you name it and I will do
my utmost to get it or create it. I love clients who
want to push the boundaries and do something
different.
That said, all of our events are one-of-akind and custom designed to meet the unique
goals of our valued clients on varying budgets.
The list is endless, but being a full-service event
management company, we can offer everything
from the initial concept and design for our themed
parties, to all aspects of a wedding, such as
venue sourcing (worldwide), floral design,
photography, entertainment, bespoke stationery,
Bedouin tents and traditional marquees. We also
have a cleaning team to clear up after the event,
allowing our clients to go off to breakfast/lunch
the following day and come back to a gleaming
house.
Keeping it simple, we source our food from
local suppliers who share our passion for
freshness and quality. Our catering is based on
good ingredients and it's cooked with passion.
Fresh, exciting, with a traceable provenance, that
is all we ask.
What do you think makes Catherine James
Events stand out from its competitors?
It’s simple: be passionate, surround yourself with
incentivised people, don't overcomplicate things,
and place customer service at the top of
your list.
The team is professionally trained, and each
member holds outstanding achievements in their
own right. There is also no dealing with numerous
people; if you book an event /wedding with
Catherine James, that is who you will get – from
the initial discussions, to the end of the event.
of my fees to Maya’s Hope after watching a BBC
documentary on the orphans of The Kalinovka
Orphanage in Ukraine. It broke my heart, and I
am so proud that Catherine James Events has
funded a year's salary for a full time caregiver at
the orphanage.
What are the first steps a client should
consider when they're looking to plan an
occasion or event?
Don’t dread it, enjoy it! Employ a professional
and speak to their previous clients to get as
much feedback as possible. You may worry
about the cost of a planner, but they are worth
their weight in gold. You cannot plan an event
from your desk at work! Set your budget and tell
your planner; it saves an awful lot of time and
manages expectations.
Why Maya’s Hope?
It is run by Maya herself, who is passionate,
inspirational, and cares. It’s non-profit making,
so there are no huge salaries, advertising
campaigns or overheads, and there is clear
traceability as to where the money goes. She
also visits every year and I hope to be able to do
the same this year.
Catherine James
You're renowned for your themed events.
Have you seen tastes change over the years,
and if so, how?
We love themes as they give us an opportunity
to showcase our talents by creating something
completely bespoke. With the new wave of sweet
sixteen parties and graduation balls, we are now
mirroring the type of events and parties seen
across the pond in the US.
What is the most rewarding aspect of
your job?
Watching everything come together. My reward
comes from seeing my clients laugh and
sometimes cry (with joy!) when their special
occasion arrives. Also, supporting local
businesses and developing talent.
Tell us a bit about your involvement with the
charity, Maya's Hope.
I am lucky to have been helped along the way
by the kindness and support of many people,
and therefore I am passionate about giving
something back. Unfortunately, many people
have nothing. I decided to donate a percentage
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[email protected]
0208 306 2957
07956 340918
www.catherinejamesevents.com
[email protected]
www.mayashope.org /
www.mayashope.org/2012/06/19/ukrainesforgotten-children-bbc4-documentary
@MayasHope
/MayasHope