Family events firm scoops competition to win award

AN EVENTS business set up just 18 months ago has seen off the competition of larger and more established firms to win a prestigious national award.
Dave Wase, Julian Gamble and Lee Austin of Winner, with their events award SUS-140703-113934001Dave Wase, Julian Gamble and Lee Austin of Winner, with their events award SUS-140703-113934001
Dave Wase, Julian Gamble and Lee Austin of Winner, with their events award SUS-140703-113934001

Worthing-based Winner Group scooped ‘best equipment and plant hire company’ at the Event Production Awards, held in London.

The award delighted director Lee Austin, who said it was deserved recognition for his hard-working staff.

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He said: “It is fantastic that a local, family-run business has achieved such a prestigious accolade.

“Our company philosophy is to provide the highest quality support service possible to ensure that our clients’ events run smoothly.

“Winning this award is testimony to the dedication of the Winner Events team who all work tirelessly to be the best.”

The firm provides everything from lighting rigs, staging, fencing, generators and heavy plant and machinery, through to VIP transport buggies and utility vehicles.

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It was presented with the award by comedian Jarred Christmas, with the ceremony recognising and celebrating the top suppliers, manufacturers, teams and individuals from the past year.

Despite only being established for a short time, the company supplies equipment for the Isle of Wight and Shakedown Festivals, while it regularly works with Goodwood at its major events, such as the Festival of Speed.

Mr Austin said: “We have built our company by providing logistical support to all sorts of events.

“We now work on everything from film shoots to concerts, festivals, county shows and stadium and arena events right down to small local fêtes or weddings.”

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He added: “It’s all about providing the right level of support at the right cost and doing it well.”

The company is also keen on its charity work, with it regularly supporting Chestnut Tree House and supplying free equipment for local football clubs, which they sponsor.

And its latest charity involvement is with the 3,000-mile European car rally, the Scumrun, for which Winner Events will be main sponsor for this year.

The Scumrun is an annual event which sees around 100 cars travel across Europe over four days, raising money for charity.

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This year, it will be raising funds for baby charity, Tommy’s.

Events manager Dave Wase said: “When we were approached by Ed White, the Scumrun’s organiser, to see if we were interested, it was an instant ‘yes’.

“It is a fantastic way to raise money for a worthy cause, and there is a lot of local involvement, so we are very proud to be the main sponsors.”

Mr Austin added: “Scumrun is actually based just outside Chichester, and will be starting from Brands Hatch, so we’re looking forward to following its progress.”

For more information about the Scumrun, visit www.scumrun.com

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