Somerset House aims for sustainability
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Commercial director Jenny Freestone said: “This is our first tender in five years. We view our suppliers as an extension of our own team, and so we have been committed to accrediting a broad range of companies who reflect our values, whilst also delivering premium, bespoke services.”
Both large and small businesses who identify with the venue’s beliefs and working practices were invited to tender. Freestone continued: “In addition to providing excellence, creativity and flexibility, a commitment to diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and responsible event management were a crucial consideration throughout the process. As the home of cultural innovators, we actively support and develop talent, regardless of age, stage, or background.
“We also wanted to shine a spotlight on small suppliers and provide a platform to gain experience through collaboration, with the potential to become future industry leaders.”
Retained production companies include Event Concept, Fisher Productions, Light Motif, Wise Productions, White Light and Storm, with new suppliers Rockit and Blue Elephant as a welcome addition. Florists Sage Flowers and Paul Thomas flowers have joined the list, whilst Lavender Green and Pinstripes & Peonies have been retained.
Velvet Living and Options Greathire will continue to provide furniture, and a new addition, Creative Output, offers sustainable furniture using cardboard furniture and plastic free print to reduce an event’s carbon footprint.
Entertainment agencies include Sternberg Clarke, Velvet Entertainment, Eight Ray Music and Euphonica. Exhibitions and walling will be provided by Aubreys and Stabilo.
Somerset House is run as a charitable trust, with revenue raised from event hire to fund its artistic programme and outreach work, and to contribute towards the maintenance of the Grade I listed building. It receives no regular funding from the Government.
