Company Profile

Who are we?

Our origins can be traced back to the 1970s. The two founders of the company, Richard Abbott and Mark Hutchison were at school together. This partnership goes back over 28 years, one of the longest and strongest in the event industry.

The company has had three main phases:

1. The Beginning

• Richard and Mark researched the events business sector from Scotland to Kent. The research and business plan that followed gave them the confidence to take the plunge
• They bought two marquees, collecting them from the manufacturer on a borrowed coal lorry!
• An advert was placed in the local Yellow Pages, and there was no going back
• Initially the business was run from Richard's parents' farm near Newbury
• The first contract was with what was then called Trust House Forte Hotels!

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2. The Second Phase: Event Experience Development

We had three 'breakthrough' events which really put us on the map. Little did we realise what exposure and benefit these were going to be.

• A small opening of a Thames Water Sewage Treatment Works

  This enquiry came through the Yellow Pages - a tiny marquee and refreshments for 40 people. This was to be the first of a huge number of projects we have undertaken (and continue to undertake) for Thames Water - one of our large clients.

• The Launch of The National Lottery

  One of our most difficult get-ins to date, with many site restrictions - a valuable learning curve. The marquee of course was finished on time for the Official Launch on the Monday.

  4am: November Monday Morning - 50 staff waiting at the gates of the Tower of London. When allowed in, the final touches are made to the marquee. The media begin to arrive, and catering prep is well under way.

  7am: The Prime Minister launches the Lottery and the first ticket is sold Champagne Breakfast is served to a host of celebrities, whilst they watch fireworks launched over the Thames. Five Channels broadcast live to the world.

  By 5pm: The entire site was cleared. This event had publicly put us on the map!

• 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'

  A strong recommendation by one of our suppliers to a film location manager resulted in our marquees being seen on the Big Screen around the world! We provided the marquees for the award winning film, where we received an acknowledgement in the credits.

  Our prestige film work had been truly launched and had come out with flying colours.

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3. The Third Phase: Large Events & Spectaculars

Richard and Mark are still fully involved in Complete Events. Now the team is well established and has huge strengths:

• We have the combination of over 100 years experience in the marquee events industry
• We have contributed to over 4,000 events
• We embrace the biggest of challenges, such as Microsoft UKs Millennium Party - 1500 guests, 35 sub-contractors, 65 lorry loads of equipment

Our Principles

We like to think we are an open, approachable company despite our size. We have always had a number of key philosophies:

• Clients: We have grown by exceeding our clients' expectations and looking after them. This has resulted in a very high retention of clients
• Value: We provide London Quality at Country Prices
• Employees: We like to keep them! We are fortunate to have a very low turnover of staff
• The way we look: Our crew wear a smart uniform, to maintain our corporate image and to uphold the standards we set as a company
• Communication: is open, honest, uncomplicated and up front, with our customers, our suppliers and ourselves!

• Product: As the name suggests, Complete Events offer the full range of event services beyond marquees and structures. Typically the product range falls broadly into two levels. They could be called:

  Hardware: i.e. marquees, and the furniture, lighting, linings etc to go in them, along with technical hardware such as generators, heaters, toilets etc

  Additional Services: anything else that you could possibly want to create an unforgettable party, from catering to décor, entertainment to ancillary services such as security and valet parking

Complete Events has developed into a unique client driven marquee events company. This website shows our infectious enthusiasm for the events we contribute toward, and our never-ending willingness to help our clients.