Klare Stratton, Owner and CEO of Event Flag Hire, shares details about her successful summer campaign, supporting and supplying over 800 events in four months, signaling an industry rebounding and thriving, post-Covid-19.
Event Flag Hire specialises in creating custom flags for festivals, corporate events, lighting displays, and special projects. Since its founding in 1999, the company has become a leading name in the industry, known for its creativity and commitment to quality. From covering music festivals to corporate events, sports gatherings to cultural celebrations, flags have become a key visual.
Klare turned her hobby into a business after spotting a gap in the events market. Initially working with smaller independent clients, she has since built a strong clientele, collaborating with major names like We Out Here, Big Feastival, Camp Bestival, Happy Place, TV shows (e.g., Bake Off), film/Netflix productions, Nando’s, and Sky TV.
Expanding into the international market happened naturally, with clients from Australia, the USA, and Europe purchasing wholesale from Event Flag Hire and starting their own businesses, all with Klare’s approval—as long as they aren’t based in the UK! Commenting on whether to move production outside the UK, Klare said: “We are adamant to keep production local here in Somerset rather than outsourcing abroad. We pride ourselves on being a niche, bespoke, local and ethical business. Small is good!”
Highlights
The summer of 2024 marked a major success for the business, fueled by post-COVID enthusiasm for events. From May to September, they supported over 800 events, including a record-breaking 100+ installations, making it the company’s most ambitious season yet. Additionally, the team saw a significant increase in international sales, reflecting their growing global reputation and the worldwide demand for their high-quality products.
Challenges
During the height of summer the team faced many courier delays and logistics challenges but ensured every order was delivered, learning valuable lessons along the way. For instance, when a courier lost items, they had to use a same-day service at their own expense. In response, they now send orders earlier and keep extra stock on hand to manage potential delays or returns. Event Flag Hire ensures customer satisfaction despite the expense.
Going beyond flags
Klare and her team are frequently asked to design entire events, going beyond flags to create unique, standout experiences. In pursuit of new ideas, Klare traveled to India to source haberdashery and materials for giant lanterns. The result was a 16-foot bamboo scaffold adorned with intricate laser-cut wooden mandalas that cast beautiful shadow patterns, lit by a warm white bulb. This project has demonstrated the innovative thinking and technical capacity of the company.
Looking ahead, the team is developing marquee dressings and chandeliers for their 2025 event offerings.
Commenting on the importance of flags in the events industry, Klare said: “Many assume flag-making is about small, domestic projects and bunting for community events. While that is part of what we do, it’s just the beginning.
“Flags are increasingly recognised as powerful tools for branding, visual impact at large events and smaller parties. They’re no longer just accessories; they’re necessities in creating and delivering memorable visuals.”
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