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We are a tent & generator rental and event infrastructure specialist company, mainly working B2B.
We handle weddings and private events, but our main business is supplying other marquee companies, production companies, festival organizers, and event organizers. We supply clear-span marquees…
Thomas Payne: We also specialize in generator hire and power installation. When we started Marquee Tech, we didn’t have any software. We were a small company, so invoices were created in Word documents…
Tim Verwey: Before using Marquee Tech, were there any major challenges the business was facing that you wanted to solve?
Thomas Payne: Definitely. Load lists were stored in my head or on crib sheets. We relied on people’s knowledge of structures to ensure the correct kit was sent to site.
Tim Verwey: And that can be slow and prone to mistakes.
Thomas Payne: Exactly. I used to go on every single job. I was the boss, the marquee rigger, and I had a small team helping me. Growing meant I needed software to streamline everything and reduce dependency on me being on-site for every job.
Tim Verwey: How long have you been using Marquee Tech now?
Thomas Payne: Since 2022, so this is our third or fourth year. Things have changed a lot since then.
Tim Verwey: That would have been around the end of COVID. The industry has changed massively since then.
Thomas Payne: Yeah, everything has evolved a lot.
Tim Verwey: What are the top three features of Marquee Tech that you use the most?
Thomas Payne: Stock control is key for us. As a growing business, we frequently run close to our equipment limits. The ability to quote efficiently and keep all quotes in one place is invaluable. Clients constantly request last-minute changes, and Marquee Tech allows us to update quotes in real time.
Tim Verwey: And the third?
Thomas Payne: Load lists. Being able to adjust them the day before loading—and knowing the team will always work off the most up-to-date list—reduces confusion and mistakes.
Tim Verwey: That minimizes the risk of arriving on-site without essential equipment, which can be costly.
Thomas Payne: Absolutely. We haven't completely eliminated mistakes—there's always human error—but the ability to assign initials for accountability has helped massively.
Tim Verwey: Have you tried the advanced load list with the ‘picked’ and ‘packed’ feature?
Thomas Payne: Yes, we’ve started integrating that, especially for our power side. We handle large power installations that involve lorry loads of cables and distribution. The ability to verify that a specific type of cable has been picked and packed is a game-changer.
Tim Verwey: Do your team members find it easy to use? Especially new or seasonal staff?
Thomas Payne: Yes. New staff don’t know any different, so they pick it up quickly. People from other companies that don’t use Marquee Tech love it.
Tim Verwey: Have you noticed any tangible time savings or efficiency gains since switching to Marquee Tech?
Thomas Payne: Definitely. Previously, we’d work until 9 or 10 PM loading for the next job. Marquee Tech has streamlined everything, so we no longer have late nights. The time savings have reduced overtime costs significantly.
Tim Verwey: That also prevents burnout, right?
Thomas Payne: Exactly. Staff retention was great last year because we weren’t overworking people unnecessarily.
Tim Verwey: Have you found that using Marquee Tech has helped secure more bookings?
Thomas Payne: Yes. While our regular clients book us regardless, new clients appreciate the transparency in our quotes. We recently won a power contract because we provided an itemized quote that detailed everything—including individual adapter costs. That level of clarity won us the job.
Tim Verwey: How has the system helped reduce expensive mistakes?
Thomas Payne: We rarely arrive on-site with missing kit anymore. When we’re working two hours from home, forgetting an essential piece of equipment can be a nightmare. Marquee Tech has virtually eliminated that issue.
Tim Verwey: Have you found the connection between the office and on-site operations smoother?
Thomas Payne: Yes. Foremen and team leaders can access load lists, delivery notes, and client requests instantly. Small details—like ensuring a door is placed in the third bay from the left—are no longer missed.
Tim Verwey: If another event rental business was on the fence about Marquee Tech, what would you say to them?
Thomas Payne: I’d say go for it. But use it properly. The system is what you make of it. The more you invest in using its features, the more it streamlines your business.
Tim Verwey: That’s a great way to put it. The more time you put in, the more you get out.
Thomas Payne: Exactly. The support from your team is fantastic too. If we ever have an issue, we just reach out, and it gets sorted straight away. That level of service is rare.
Tim Verwey: That’s great to hear. Thanks so much for your time, Tom.
Thomas Payne: Thank you!
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