From Crufts to the X Factor – Thorns’ staffing venture supports high-profile NEC eventsNewly created staffing supplier Thorns Support Services Ltd is already making its presence felt – thanks to a series of assignments including major events at Birmingham’s NEC. The venture, which was formally launched in January, has provided short-term staff to events as diverse as world-famous dog show Crufts, the X Factor UK Live Tour and concerts by Simply Red and Snow Patrol. Support is also being provided to the busy summer schedule of events being tackled by Amadeus, the NEC’s outside catering arm. The succession of dates at the NEC has helped to further establish the credentials of the fledgling staffing business, which provides both short-term assistance and longer-term contract personnel and which has already built a database of a broad range of highly skilled individuals. Thorns Support Services Managing Director Wayne Smith said: “We’ve been absolutely delighted by the response since launching earlier this year. The interest shown in our services proves there’s a demand in the events sector for cost-effective staffing solutions from a trusted supplier.” He added: “In the current tough operating conditions organisations need to have flexibility in their staffing arrangements – and that’s where Thorns Support Services can play a key role. We can supply the right people in the right place at the right time.” The business was launched as a stand-alone staffing specialist by the team at Thorns Group, which has more than 50 years’ experience as a supplier of furniture and catering equipment to the events, exhibitions and conference sectors. Thorns Support Services is working with a broad range of customers including catering companies, hoteliers, restaurateurs, exhibition organisers and sporting arenas. Other customers being targeted are as diverse as office-based businesses and shopping centres. Individuals available through the venture include porters, cleaners, logistics personnel, back-of-house staff, warehouse operatives, security personnel and kitchen assistants. With every business looking to keep a check on costs, the company is able to offer its customers highly competitive prices because Thorns Support Services greatly restricts its back-office costs by utilising Thorns Group’s existing London-based facilities and expertise, in areas such as administration, IT and accounts. Wayne Smith added: “Ongoing improvements to the NEC – including the transformation of its LG Arena to create new hospitality, bar and restaurant areas – mean the venue has an ever-greater need for high-quality, but flexible, staffing. Thorns Support Services welcomes its growing relationship with the NEC.” 11 June 2009 About Thorns Group:Thorns Group is the UK's premier independent supplier of equipment, services and expertise to the events, exhibitions and conference sectors. With operations in London, Birmingham and Manchester, the group acts as a single-source supplier through four specialist divisions - Thorns Furniture and Catering Hire, Camden Exhibition Services and Classic Technical Services. It can meet every furniture and catering equipment requirement, whether clients are seeking tables, chairs, office furniture and bespoke furnishings or the finest china, cutlery, silverware, glassware and linen. Thorns Group also offers designer floral arrangements, electrical fittings and power supplies, plasma screens, carpeting and specialist flooring. MEDIA CONTACT: PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
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