A CHAT WITH: Helen Peden
Helen sits down to share thoughts on how she co-founded the business, insights and inspiration for great events.
What are you working on at the moment?
We’re knee deep in planning at the moment, so have a few weeks in the office working on projects for next year before we head off to Sweden to deliver a live event. It’s all go!
How did you get into Event Management?
I’d finished university not really knowing what to do and I watched the Oscars and was fascinated with all the behind the scenes stuff. I wasn’t sure I’d ever work in Hollywood but knew I wanted to organise awards ceremonies so started job hunting. I started off working with a conference venue-finding agency (which was the perfect grounding) before moving across to event management. I’ve loved it ever since.
What’s been your favourite event?
There’s been loads! The ones with the most impact really stand out. A few years ago we supported Girl Guiding with an event for 13,000 young people across four halls of the NEC. The event was in full swing when I stepped into the ‘Silent Disco Hall’. There was about 3,500 girls all dancing away with absolutely no inhibitions whatsoever. It was a joy to watch and made me really emotional!!
What’s it like running your own business?
It’s busy! We run events all over the place so we’re constantly travelling and our events are so varied; one day we can be booking bands for a festival and next finding the perfect chairs for a screening so there’s never a dull moment. It’s been really great to see our business diversify over the last few years from purely event planning to an agency with loads of different strands like design, video production, promo staff, photography etc . It means we can be a one-stop-shop for our clients’ campaigns which has opened up a whole new world of clients.
Which event do you wish you’d organised?
I’ve got colleague who’s worked on elements of Glastonbury but I’ve never managed to get there myself. Such a world-renowned festival as that would be right up my street! I also love the creative direction of Happy Place Festival. It’s a wonderfully simple concept but delivered to a really high standard. And the Oscars of course. That would definitely be a full circle moment!
What does a day off look like for you?
Rare! When you run your own business I don’t think there’s such a thing… But I’m trying to get better at taking pockets of time. We’re on the doorstep of the Peak District so green space and fresh air are a must for me. Followed by a pub lunch. Perfect!
The Event Foundry in three words?
Creative. Independent. Useful.