Perfect people for great events

Most successful businesses can trace their origins to a carefully planned
strategy. WA Carr & Son’s journey into the events industry began rather
differently – with a collection of crockery that nobody came back to collect.

Fifty years ago, the Hertfordshire-based company was a traditional hardware and
ironmongery business. When a customer failed to collect an order of crockery, someone suggested hiring it out instead. What seemed like a simple idea became
the foundation of a business that now delivers everything from intimate family
celebrations to major public events.

One hire became two. Crockery led to furniture and then furniture led to
catering equipment and, eventually, to marquees, lighting, bars, power, production, décor, staging and event management services.

Today, WA Carr & Son is one of the region’s leading event suppliers,
transforming gardens, fields and venues into weddings, corporate events and
large-scale productions. As the firm marks its 50th anniversary, we hear how
its business has evolved.

DID YOU IMAGINE THE COMPANY WOULD GROW TO THIS SCALE?
“Absolutely not. It has grown by listening to customers. Whenever someone asked
if we could supply something else for their event, we looked at how we could help.”

That customer-led approach has resulted in a complete event solutions business. “Many clients come to us because they want one experienced company capable of handling everything rather than coordinating multiple suppliers.”

While marquees remain central to the business, they are often just the starting
point. “Clients usually need much more than a structure,” the team says. “They need furniture, lighting, power, catering equipment, bars, décor, staging and experienced people to bring everything together.”

Because so much is provided in-house, clients benefit from a single point of
contact, one delivery schedule and one invoice. WA Carr & Son now works as a
preferred supplier to well-known venues.

WEDDINGS CONTINUE TO BE A MAJOR PART OF THE BUSINESS
“Every wedding is unique. Some couples want a classic country garden celebration, others a luxury marquee reception, while some want a blank canvas. What we enjoy most is helping turn ideas into reality.”

From planning through to the final dance, the team manages logistics, infrastructure and styling, allowing couples to focus on enjoying the occasion.
Corporate events require a different approach. “Product launches, award ceremonies, conferences, and hospitality spaces all have specific objectives and
tight schedules.”

The company works with local businesses and national brands, creating
professional environments while ensuring everything runs smoothly
behind the scenes.

Asked what sets WA Carr & Son apart, the answer is simple: “We genuinely care
about the success of every event.”

Because the firm owns its equipment and employs experienced in-house teams,
it can maintain quality and remain flexible when plans change. Many clients return
year after year, trusting the team with everything from private garden parties to
large-scale public events.

“Events often mark some of life’s most important moments – weddings,
celebrations, company milestones and community gatherings. Being trusted to
play a part in those occasions is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

Fifty years on from that unclaimed crockery order, the industry may have
changed dramatically but WA Carr & Son’s philosophy remains the same: reliable
service, creative solutions and helping clients create memorable events.

wacarrandson.co.uk