Company gets ready for an eventful future
LAST July, 10,000 people ascended upon Collins Barracks in Cork City to enjoy the delights of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, at one of the year's most spectacular concerts.
This was not going to be an easy concert to organise. For a start it was an outdoor event and, given the inconsistent Irish weather, this would be a risk. Also there was the task of transporting the revellers to the event and seating them once they got there.
This is where Alternative Cater Hire came in. The event hire company supplied over 10,000 chairs for the concert.
The company's Sales and Customer Care Manager, Mary Harney said: "The Bocelli concert was great but the smaller events are just as important to us and big events.
"Our motto is that no job is too big or too small and we make sure that our company's commitment remains the same to all customers," she added.
The idea for the creation of what is now one of the top event hire companies in Ireland began when Managing Director, Dave Henry, took over the business almost ten years ago.
In that time it has grown from employing two staff at their Cork base to 12 full-time staff nationwide. They even looked after the catering hire for the Special Olympics in Dublin.
Over the next few months the company is finalising plans for a major expansion which will see them increase their nationwide profile and a move to new premises in Cork. From May of this year Alternative Cater Hire will be known at National Event Hire.
This new direction will bring together the existing Alternative Cater Hire company as well as Pats Party Rentals. Together they have over 35 years experience in the market.
Company Managing Director, Dave Henry said: "What you will discover about National Event Hire is that we provide the ultimate in event hire solutions. There is no other event hire company in Ireland that can offer a product range like ours."
The company has outlets in both Cork and Dublin as well as bases throughout Ireland. It is run and managed by husband and wife team, Dave Henry and Siobhán Finn-Henry.
Mr Henry was no stranger to the catering business when he took charge, having worked as a Hotel General Manager for years.
Ms Harney said: "The business really has grown from strength to strength, especially over the last two years. People are now more than ever entertaining in their own homes and weddings are being held more often in marquees," she added.
Alternative Cater Hire provides everything from cutlery and table cloths to tables and chairs. They also provide cooking equipment for caterers which includes ovens, BBQs and deep freezers.
They literally offer everything from lobster picks to egg slicers to red carpets and fire extinguishers. In terms of furniture they have stock which includes banquet chairs, picnic benches and hat and coat stands.
They also have a range of bar equipment on offer ranging from ashtrays to corkscrews to ice buckets. They have showrooms in Cork and Dublin in which all items are displayed.
"We work towards the event being a live show, it is not a rehearsal and we know that," said Ms Harney. The company provide a nationwide delivery and collection service from their outlets in Cork and Dublin. It also works with other companies which offer services such as catering, marquees, event-planning and sound and lighting.
Ms Harney said that the nature of the business in which they operate allows them to work with competitors rather than against.
"Competition is healthy, it keeps us on our toes," she said.
Mr Harney complemented the staff employed at the company, who she said play a vital role and make a major contribution to the success of the business.
Ms Harney's role is such that she is constantly out meeting clients as well as entertaining customers at the company's base in Cork.
"I love meeting people and showing them what we can offer. Every event for us is as special as the last and no two days are the same."
"People often think organising an event outside of a hotel is daunting but we come in and provide the middle link to help make sure everything runs smoothly," she added.
One of the major challenges for the company over the next few years will be maintaining their position in the market place, said Ms Harney.
"We have had a very good year and we hope that 2006 will be just as successful. Catering hire is very much in demand at the moment."
Moving location will be exciting and we must make sure that we keep our eye on the ball by maintaining where we are and growing from there," she added.
The 10,000 chairs which once provided an exquisite sea of mesmerising white colour for the Bocelli concert are now stored in a warehouse in Cork, waiting and ready for their next call of duty. Be it the next major concert, wedding or intimate party. As the company's moto goes no job is too big or too small.
Alternative Cater Hire is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm and on Saturday mornings from 9am to 12 noon.
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