Moving Venue set for Jubilee bank holiday revenue boost

Event caterer Moving Venue will achieve a bank holiday revenue boost of 72% compared with last year, as a result of business related to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Gross revenue for the weekend will be £44,000, up from just £12,000 in 2011 and the caterer is expected to increase its labour spend by 65% on its full and part time workforce, as Moving Venue caters for more than 1,500 guests at Jubilee celebrations.

According to Moving Venue managing director Richard Beggs this goes against the negative economic focus from much of the media when addressing activities involving the Royal Family.

"Last year the Royal Wedding was considered an over-indulgence of expenditure and the additional bank holiday frivolous," he said.

"Recently the media reported a likely £8b loss to the country for the cost of the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee. This loss was again linked to the media's view of another unnecessary bank holiday.

"Aside from the great pride Moving Venue detects among clients, suppliers and staff in the British feelgood factor, many companies have elected to celebrate the achievements of our Queen with stunning events over the forthcoming celebration weekend."

Beggs said this has enabled Moving Venue to benefit from the additional boost in weekend revenue, adding that while the caterer had only two events on last year's bank holiday it is booked to operate at eight large Jubilee events.

"This is a trend likely to be common in all parts of our industry," he added. "What a welcome change to the double dip recession and Greek crisis, both of which the media regularly update us on. Hopefully our industry's good fortune will be picked up by the media and reported on."

This weekend Moving Venue will cater for 470 guests at Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens while they watch the river procession as well as work with Thames Luxury Charters to serve VIP guests, including members of the Royal family and government, on seven boats during the river pageant.

By Janie Manzoori-Stamford

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