After retiring from a professional award-winning performing career, business owner Kerry Carlton-Senior stepped into producing and managing her own theatre show. This successful career change led to her services being sourced for other events and entertainment venues which prompted her to launch her new company, Carlton Entertainment and Event Management in November 2018. We talked to Kerry about her start-up journey.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your business?
The business is located in Harworth but mainly supplies services across the Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire area. We supply entertainment and infrastructure services (lighting,sound equipment etc.) for special events. We also produce and manage several touring theatre shows.
We have built a solid reputation of producing and supplying high standards shows, DJ’s, bands and musicians/singers to entertainment and wedding venues across the UK. We are already working with a number of local councils, organising and managing their annual Christmas and community events, supplying not only their entertainment but lighting, staging, safety and security and help with marketing for their events.
What qualifications have helped you in your new business?
With a very strong background in the performing arts industry, working for over 20 years in theatre, stage, and the entertainment industry, we take pride in providing quality, reliable and hand-selected entertainment services. I am a dance champion with Grade 8 in 5 dance genres. I am also a fully qualified PGCE secondary music teacher and I hold a Batchelors degree in Performing arts. I am currently studying for my Masters degree in International event management and conferencing, meaning that clients can be assured of receiving an educated and professional service. After retiring from my professional performing career I produced and managed my own theatre show. This led to my services being sourced for other events and entertainment venues which lead to the launch of my company.
How did you find out about NBV?
I heard about NBV during a business support meeting with the D2N2 hub. The information regarding grant support for new businesses attracted me to find out more. As well as attending two free workshops on networking and social media support I was successful in receiving a grant of £2500 towards equipment that I needed to expand the business.
How has NBV’s business support helped you?
The business mentoring has helped me access the funding that I needed. This has allowed me to purchase additional sound and lighting equipment to allow me to supply bigger events. The service was fast and easy and I found it extremely supportive.
Are there any problems you have faced on the road to growing your business?
I have found it difficult to gain responses from some of the local councils in response to my emails but this is an area that I will continue to focus on. Hopefully once people are aware of my business in this new area and I build a solid relationship with people, this will come easier.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to expand business more in the local area with new venues and more council tender contracts. To date the business has grown well with lots of good networking and contact meetings arranged for the future.
If you wish to follow in Kerry’s footsteps, contact NBV today to see how we can help your business grow: www.nbv.co.uk/register 0844 887 2568*
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