News

Thorns Group

27 Aug 2010

Four-year deal is plain sailing for Thorns

Thorns Group is on the crest of a wave after securing a new four-year contract to provide furniture and catering equipment to the world-famous PSP Southampton Boat Show.

The agreement builds on a longstanding relationship with the event’s organiser National Boat Shows which has previously seen Thorns’ stock being used across key areas such as exhibitors’ halls, restaurants, hospitality areas, organisers’ offices and sponsors’ suites.

It also follows a stunning success last year when the furniture and catering equipment specialist worked closely with the event’s organiser to help redesign a number of the show’s most prestigious dining and hospitality areas.

New concepts for high-profile facilities such as the Mayflower Complex and the Piper Heidsieck Champagne and Seafood Bar proved a tremendous hit with organisers and visitors alike.

Murray Ellis, Director of Operations at National Boat Shows, said: “Thorns have taken care of our furniture, catering equipment and floral needs for the PSP Southampton Boat Show for a number of years and we have always been impressed with the service they have delivered both pre-show and at the event, together with their reliability and commitment.

“They have always been creative when suggesting furniture and floral ideas for key restaurant areas and have consistently invested in new ranges that have benefited the look of the PSP Southampton Boat Show.”

He added: “Working with Thorns means that we know our exhibitors will be offered a wide choice of products and an excellent level of customer service.”

Adam Aston, Thorns Group’s Director of Exhibitions, said: “The PSP Southampton Boat Show is a great example of how exhibition organisers and their suppliers can work together in engaging visitors and creating areas in which to relax and enjoy the hospitality. Excellent relationships have been a key factor in reinventing a number of core areas on the show site, further enhancing the reputation of this leading international gathering.”

He added: “We believe the new contract is fantastic news for Thorns Group as it cements our relationship with PSP Southampton Boat Show for another four years.”

For this year’s event Thorns is transforming the Piper Heidsieck Champagne and Seafood Bar with a red and white theme with interchangeable-panel bar while the show’s Platinum Suite will be decked out in nautical blue and white furniture from Thorns’ Vision Range. Soft furnishings are also being introduced into the Mayflower complex bar area to provide overall a more colourful and comfortable experience for visitors.

Thorns’ involvement in redesigning the show’s prestigious dining and hospitality areas forms part of ongoing efforts by National Boat Shows to constantly enhance the experience for visitors, exhibitors and sponsors.

The 2010 event will take place from September 10-19 and will once again feature one of Europe’s largest purpose-built show marinas offering berths for up to 350 vessels and over 150,000 square metres of space on land.