Cardiff based 11th Hour Events, which supplied the power for the recent Michael Forever Tribute Concert at the Millennium Stadium, has acquired 6,500 sq ft of warehouse and offices at Southpoint Industrial Estate in Cardiff Bay.
The company, which also recently supported the Welsh Rugby Team by supplying staging and lighting for the screening of the two Rugby World Cup games at the Millennium Stadium, has been experiencing steady growth since it was established in 2006 by Directors Andy Hopkins and John Davies. It is a major supplier of technical services and facilities to the events industry, specialising in event lighting, temporary electrics, staging and pyrotechnics. The move will allow the company to expand and also provides facilities that allow it to be more client-facing. Cooke & Arkwright and Fletcher Morgan acted as joint agents on behalf of the landlord, Longford Investment (No 1) Ltd.
Mr Hopkins, a graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama said, “After over six years of steady growth we felt the time was right to make an investment in the new premises so that we can continue to develop and grow the business.”
11th Hour Events recently appointed Lisa Buckley as Business Development Manager to implement a planned growth strategy. The company employs nine members of staff and since moving to its new larger premises, has plans to recruit two more.
John Jones of Cooke & Arkwright said, “Southpoint is one of Cardiff’s prominent business locations and the location was ideal for the tenants. The condition of the unit was such that they were able to move straight in, with the minimum of disruption”.
As official supplier to the Michael Forever Tribute Concert, 11th Hour Events provided 6,000 KVa of generator power, 5km of 240mm Power Lock, 28,000 litres of diesel, 500m of cable ramp and over 1,000 man hours to power the lighting, sound, screens, follow spots, broadcast vehicles and artist Winnebagos. It was one of the biggest productions in the UK this year, featuring acts including Christina Aguilera, Jamie Foxx, Leona Lewis, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, the Jackson Brothers and Ne-Yo, and was broadcast to a global audience.
“It was a great privilege to be involved,” said Mr Hopkins. “We were proud to be a Welsh supplier supplying to a world-wide event.”
Clients and recent projects include Cardiff Council (Cardiff Big Weekend, Winter Wonderland, Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival), Wales Rally GB, OsFest, Wakestock and Bloodstock Festivals, Polo in the Castle, Polo at the Celtic Manor and Santa Pod Raceway. 11th Hour Events is an accredited member of NICEIC, Chas, NOEA, Plasa and BSI.
South Point Industrial Estate is within five minutes’ drive from the City Centre, close to Cardiff Heliport and the Bay, and within easy access of the A4232 and junction 33 of the M4. There are various light industrial warehouse units available from approximately 3,000 sq ft on flexible lease terms. Other tenants already on the popular estate include Chubb Group, Sega Amusements and Arup Group.