Monday 30 September 2013

Simply Medieval Splendour... Langley Castle Wedding Fayre date announced- one not to be missed!

On Sunday 24th November Langley Castle open their doors for their Autumn Wedding Fayre. Doors open at 11am and the event closes at 4pm.
 
 
Langley Castle is a beautiful medieval castle that offers a unique and breath-taking wedding venue. We are delighted to be recommended suppliers to Langley Castle and will be there on the day to offer advice and inspiration...
 
 
 
Images supplied by Julie Winspear Photography

Wednesday 25 September 2013

Simply Original... Cheese Wedding cake anyone?

What is company name?
Northumberland Cheese Company

What is your line of business?
Artisan cheese makers


How and why the company begin?
Since 1984 Mark Robertson has been making farmhouse cheeses in the heart of Northumberland. The Northumberland Cheese story began in the Rede Valley, where Mark had a small flock of sheep from which he produced a ewe’s milk cheese; Redesdale. It was such a success with the locals that our range expanded to include fine cow’s and goat’s milk cheeses too, and the accolades began to pour in.
In 1996 we moved to a 19th Century granary on the Blagdon Estate, South Northumberland. Here we have the capabilities to marry traditional cheese making craftsmanship with modern best practices. Our knowledge and expertise in the cheese industry has led to a full range of 16 artisan cheeses including our newest innovation; Blagdon Blue.
We have been providing brides with alternative and bespoke cheese wedding towers since about 2010 when they first came in to fashion. We love this diversification as it is a great way to showcase our handcrafted cheese and they look great garnished with fruit and flowers.


Are you married? If so tell us a little about your wedding….
No but I’m sure there will be cheese everywhere when I do!

Why do brides come to you?
We offer such a unique product with a really friendly service. When brides first speak to us on the phone or email we invite them to book a wedding cake consultation. This is a chance to come out to the farm and see the cheese being made whilst sitting and having a coffee upstairs. We give you a chance to try all of our cheeses and advise on good combinations (cheese to suit all palates at the wedding party). The look on customer’s faces when we bring out an 8kg cheese is priceless; it really is a big wheel of cheese!

What is your favourite design and why?
It looks really good when you alternate between cellar ripened cheese and the flavoured cow’s cheese. E.g. a big Nettle cheese at the bottom so you can see the flecks of herb, then a Brinkburn goat’s cheese with its mouldy rustic surface, then a chilli with flecks of vibrant red and a truckle of Blagdon Blue on the top to complete the tower with a blue mould. It’s not just about having your favourite cheese; it has to look good too!

We have seen some great designs for the finished cheese cake. As we supply the cheese undressed it is up to the brides to get creative with how they decorate. Fresh fruit, flowers and ribbons all look really good. And don’t forget the personalised sugar mice on the top.

What is the most popular item you supply and why?
Our best-selling cheese is Nettle. It is a really creamy cow’s milk cheese blended with dried stinging Nettles. It is such an easy crowd pleaser most brides have a nettle cheese at some point in the tower!

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Our main inspiration comes from our customers to be honest. We have some really unusual requests before that we would never think of ourselves but are always willing to be flexible and give anything a go. My favourites include making cheese in a heart shaped mould for one customer and also cellar ripening a Nettle cheese.
What is in store for you in 2013/14
Hopefully continue providing brides with bespoke cheese wedding cakes!

Who would be your dream client, and what sort of design would you envisage for them?
Wallace and Wendolene (of of Wallace and Gromit!)

What would be your top tips for brides when searching for a supplier in your industry?
I know we are biased but, it is much better to buy your cheese directly from the artisan producers or a local cheesemonger. Some supermarkets have started selling cheese cakes that are so generic; you don’t get any choice with sizes or cheese and they generally taste quite bland. When you come in to see us you can taste our range and chose the sizes. We make all of the cheese to your personal specification so it is truly unique.

Tell us something super interesting about you or your business that we wouldn’t already know…?
Did you know that in 2011 we made 40.8 tons of Northumberland Cheeses (the equivalent of about 7 elephants!) Pretty impressive as it is all handmade by our 2 cheesemakers.

Where are you based and where can you supply?
We are on the Blagdon Estate, South Northumberland (just 10miles North of Newcastle). We can supply the whole of main land UK and can also deliver your cheese directly to the hotel or wedding venue. www.northumberlandcheese.co.uk for more info!

How can I get in touch to discuss my requirements or place an order?
Please call if you would like to book a wedding consultancy to try our farmhouse cheese and discuss your wedding requirements. 01670 789 798 extension 1- ask for Heather or email heather@northumberland-cheese.co.uk. If you are too far away to pop in for a coffee please call for a phone consultation and we will sort something out for you.


Why do you like to work with Simply Bows and Chair Covers?
They cover a great range of wedding products and unique accessories that we love to see and read about!

Friday 20 September 2013

Simply a great opportunity to view The Croft Hotel... perfect venue for a stunning wedding reception....

The Croft Hotel is a Grade II Listed Hotel situated near Darlington in the picturesque village of Croft-on-Tees. Under new management, the Hotel is newly refurbished to the highest standard.
 
Couples and their families are invited to enjoy a reception drink and canapés whilst taking in the new elegance of The Croft Hotel...
 
 
 
See the stylish Dining Room set for a stunning wedding breakfast in elegant tones of gold and chocolate brown
 
Show your families and guests around the sumptious bedrooms allowing them to pick their favourite for their stay
 
Meet 16 of the very best local wedding suppliers ready to discuss your very individual requirements including Dawn Marie, the regions longest established, independent wedding planner.
 
Experienced event staff will be available to show you around, answer any questions and check available dates
 
Another exclusive event by Dawn Marie Wedding & Event Design, leading the way with Elite Wedding Events in the north-east...
 
Open Noon - 3pm
Admission and parking free, complimentary reception drinks and canapés.

Monday 16 September 2013

Simply seeking fabulous people! National franchise opportunities......

Simply Bows and Chair Covers are frequently receiving enquiries for events in areas where we don't have an office... this is incredibly frustrating for both us and our brides/ event coordinators.
 
 

Our main hot spots for such enquiries currently are London, Chester, Liverpool, North Wales and Birmingham.

Are you looking for a exciting new challenge our lifestyle business has to offer?

 

 

Recruiting Franchisees

Our recruitment process has been designed to be informal and completely transparent so that you have all of the information about our franchise that you need to make an informed decision before there is any commitment.
The recruitment process takes place over two meetings. The first is to explain how the business operates and to give you some background information.
The second is for when you have decided the franchise is something you wish to pursue. Here we ask you to sign a confidentiality agreement and we will then disclose our contract supported by financial information.

Franchising

Franchising is now a well established industry with a successful track record, and you’re possibly already aware of some of the general potential benefits franchising offers, such as funding arrangements with most of the high street banks, operating your own business but with the ongoing support from the franchisor. As the franchise network grows additional benefits will include greater brand awareness which in turn generates more demand for your service. You’re in business for yourself but not by yourself.
 
 

The Simply Bows & Chair Covers Franchise

The franchise is described as a ‘lifestyle’ business because it allows you to have the flexibility to have a great lifestyle whilst working from home. Franchisees need to be confident about their business the service provided, and they must also enjoy meeting people, socialising and talking about the benefits of the service they provide. Our franchise is based around a franchisee working to provide the service in specific territories. Franchisees will be responsible for promoting the business as well as delivering the service. Each territory is protected, and this will allow individual franchisees to build up their businesses over the long term.
Our business format has been designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible therefore be managed by most people given the right training.

Our service

We provide high quality chair covers and table linen with a creative edge for people who wish to add a touch of glamour to their events. The UK has a vibrant and varied events calendar. Our clients range from event organisers, venues to private individuals booking their own wedding. Our services are in demand throughout the year and we have built up a preferred supplier status with many of our clients through the great work we have done regularly in their venues. We also get many referrals from our brides and other service providers in the industry.

Personal qualities required

We are dedicated to providing a high quality service that regularly exceeds customers expectations because we want repeat business and we want satisfied customers to tell others about our service. Our prime concern is to ensure that customers get value for money with a service that reflects well on their event. In order to succeed, you must have high personal standards and a commitment to providing a quality service.
In addition, you need to be organised, self motivated and have a determination to succeed. If you go ahead with this business, then the onus will be on you to manage it properly, giving it the attention it deserves. We will assist you with training and support, but you must be ready to work to develop and maintain the business at all times.
 
To discuss this opportunity in more detail please contact Simply Bows and Chair Covers Managing Director Sarah Pittendrigh at sarah@simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk
 
 

Monday 9 September 2013

Simply superb date for your diary... Seaham Hall Wedding Showcase


For your VIP invitation to Seaham Hall's exclusive Wedding Showcase on September 22nd call them now on the number below... it's one not to be missed!





Wednesday 4 September 2013

Simply Beautiful... Heath House in Essex

What is your venue name, industry rating and where is your venue located?
     Heath House 1898 Colchester Essex
 
 
 
 What facilities does your venue boast?
We are an exciting bespoke outside marquee wedding reception venue right here in Colchester Essex.
The back drop of the venue is a late Victorian house set in mature grounds with access to our private woodland.
The aim of our venue is provide a flexible and unique wedding venue that will lend itself well to many different styles and themes, including vintage and traditional .
Uniquely set in our private woods, we offer GLAMPING accommodation with a selection of bell tents that will be fully equipped for the night. The bride and groom will also have their own secluded area in the woods where their Bell tent will be romantically dressed and waiting for them with champagne and a roaring fire.
 
 
 What numbers can you accommodate?
    500 people max and we can tailor make package to suit each bride and groom
Can guests stay over at your venue?  What accommodation is on offer?
     Glamping in our private woods
 
 What sets your venue apart from others?
Stunning, Exclusive and Unique outside marquee venue. Very bespoke and no real restrictions, it’s your day

 Anything special that we should know about the venue?
    We think that we are ideal for a personal and bespoke day and our glamping side of our business adds such a fun element to your big day! Don't follow the crown! Stand out from it!
Where can we get more information?
Have a look at our website :)
Happy planning!
 
http://www.heathhouse1898.com