Great Events Start with Great Partnerships: Meet Our Preferred Suppliers
November 2026
Many different factors contribute to an event’s overall success. The venue itself plays a pivotal part, while elements including catering, production, styling and photography all shape how guests experience and connect with the occasion. Less visible, but equally significant as a factor, is how well everyone involved works together. When the venue team and event planning suppliers share the same values and standards, as well as understand each other's ways of working, planners sense the difference at every stage.
This autumn, we revealed our updated preferred supplier list at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace, bringing together 41 accredited and recommended London event suppliers for the next three years. During the tender process, we carefully considered how these relationships benefit organisers trusting us with their events and why we invest so much in getting them right.
Why the Right Event Suppliers Matter
Every supplier brings a specialism, but the most impactful qualities they possess when supporting planners aren’t typically itemised on a quote. Reliability, clear communication and a willingness to adapt when plans change can make even the most complex brief straightforward to deliver.
The right combination of suppliers also lightens the load for whoever is leading on the planning side. Executive assistants, office managers and in-house teams are often organising events alongside the other demands of their day job. So, partners who respond quickly, anticipate questions and coordinate with each other save time and reduce the number of moving parts to manage.
The Benefits of Working with Suppliers Who Know the Venue
Every building has its own rhythm and nuances, and ours has more character than most. As a pair of Grade I listed Georgian townhouses designed by John Nash, {10-11} Carlton House Terrace has specific access arrangements, load-in routes and conservation requirements that must be adhered to.
Our preferred suppliers already understand how the venue operates, from the event logistics and timings to the restrictions protecting its historic interiors. Many have worked here on numerous occasions and can offer practical guidance based on first-hand experience. Their expertise helps determine which spaces suit a particular layout, how long an installation will take, or how to bring a creative idea to life within the building's parameters.
They also bring portfolios of real events held in our spaces, including photography and case studies, so organisers can see exactly how a room has been transformed for an event like theirs. That familiarity saves time during planning, makes setup smoother on the day and gives clients confidence that they're working with people who know what's possible here.
What Makes a Great Supplier Partnership?
Beyond exceptional products and services, the qualities we value most are responsiveness, flexibility and creativity. As the home of the British Academy, we look for partners who share our values, including our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and sustainability. We select companies that demonstrably take the same client-centred approach as our team: understanding each organiser's objectives, budget and requirements before recommending a solution.
Every supplier on our current list evidenced experience of working in listed buildings and committed to our sustainability and EDI pledges. We consider our event planning suppliers an extension of our team and we work together year-round on collaborations that go beyond one-off events.
Partnership runs both ways. We share feedback after events, collaborate on content and showcases and involve suppliers early when a brief calls for something new.
Introducing Our Updated Preferred Supplier List
Our previous supplier agreements had been in place for three years, so this was a natural time for a full review. Even during an exceptionally busy period for the venue, we made it a priority, because the supplier list is central to the service we offer.
Our open tender attracted 61 applications and the final list brings together 41 suppliers across nine categories: 21 returning partners our clients already know and trust, and 20 new names. Many of the newcomers are smaller or emerging businesses bringing fresh perspectives and new approaches. We're proud to support suppliers who share our commitment to inclusivity, sustainability and exceptional client service.
Floristry and production
Our accredited florists, including Rust Bloom, Floral Evolution and Lavender Green Flowers, style everything from weddings to receptions and corporate dinners. Our production partners provide the staging, lighting and AV expertise behind conferences, launches and hybrid events. Production has been almost entirely refreshed, with Carby & Co., Clownfish Events, Focus Lighting & Productions and London Filmed joining returning partner Ash Event Productions. Blank Canvas Entertainment is also taking a new direction with a focus on event production.
Accessibility
MyClearText (live captioning, BSL and International Sign), TranslateAble (interpreting and translation) and Safe and Sound Events (event childcare) help organisers build inclusion into their events from the start.
The finishing touches
Our recommended photographers and videographers, entertainers, planners and stylists, cake makers, and décor and furniture specialists give clients options across a wide range of styles and budgets.
Sustainability was a key factor in every appointment. The list includes B Corps Lavender Green Flowers and London Filmed, ISO 14001-certified décor house Balloonista and Green Mark-accredited furniture specialist Hire It. Catering is provided by our in-house caterer Searcys and we’re planning to open applications to specialist external catering suppliers early next year.
Working Together to Create Better Events
Collaboration starts early. Our events team introduces organisers to the suppliers best suited to their brief, then works alongside them through planning, setup and delivery. This allows access times, installation schedules and the protection of our period interiors to be agreed well before the day.
The recent multi-day event for Economist Enterprise is a good example. When attendance numbers increased at the last minute, our in-house team liaised quickly with the relevant event planning suppliers to make the necessary adaptations. Lucy Coffey, Economist Enterprise’s Event Manager, says: “They were super proactive and adjusted to changes really quickly. When guest numbers jumped, the natural flow between spaces made it easy to flip the Lecture Room to an overflow room, and the AV team set up a live stream from the SHAPE Room really quickly so no one missed out.”
Our partnerships also reach beyond individual events. We've worked with TranslateAble on client events and thought leadership content, helping us champion accessibility across the events industry. Rust Bloom and Blank Canvas Entertainment have become trusted partners during our busy Christmas season, bringing fresh ideas and creative solutions.
Choosing the Right Suppliers for Your Event
Start with the essentials when choosing event suppliers: the type and scale of your event, your budget, the experience you want guests to have and any specific venue requirements. Share your objectives and constraints early, so suppliers can give accurate quotes and realistic recommendations.
Client priorities are evolving too. Budgets are under closer scrutiny; organisations want their branding reflected in every element of an event and demand is growing for immersive production at conferences and launches. Our list reflects those needs.
Clients have a fair amount of flexibility. Floristry and production suppliers must come from our accredited list, as these services are closely linked to the operation of a historic building. Where an agency has long-standing relationships with its own florist or production company, external suppliers can work at the venue subject to an administration fee and our approval process. For all other categories, our recommended list is a guide rather than a requirement. Clients are welcome to bring their own suppliers, provided they supply the required insurance documentation and meet our operational and compliance requirements.
Planning Your Event at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace
Overlooking The Mall and St James's Park, {10-11} combines a central London location with historic interiors and ten versatile event spaces, hosting more than 500 events a year for 10 to 400 guests. From conferences and meetings to receptions, dinners and weddings, our experienced events team works alongside Searcys and our trusted suppliers to support corporate event planning in London. Every event hosted here also helps support the work of the British Academy.
Better Events Start with Better Partnerships
Good planning, experienced people and effective collaboration are critical to the delivery of successful events. Our preferred supplier list represents more than individual services: it’s relationships built on shared values, helping us and our clients deliver events that run smoothly and leave a lasting impression.
Explore our updated full preferred supplier list, with contact details for every partner, or get in touch with our events team to start planning.
Get in touch:
Phone: 0207 969 5224
Email: info@10-11cht.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a preferred event supplier?
Preferred event suppliers are businesses a venue recommends because of their credentials and proven track record there. At {10-11}, our list includes accredited suppliers for floristry and production, and recommended suppliers across photography, entertainment, planning, cake, décor, furniture and accessibility. All have completed a rigorous tender process, evidenced experience of working in listed buildings and committed to our sustainability and EDI pledges.
What are the benefits of using a venue's preferred suppliers?
Fewer surprises. They know the building’s access, timings and restrictions, can advise on what works in each space and show you examples of previous events here.
Can I bring my own suppliers to an event venue?
It depends on the venue. At {10-11}, florists and production companies should come from our accredited list, with external suppliers considered subject to an administration fee and approval. For all other services, you're welcome to bring your own, provided they meet our insurance, operational and compliance requirements.
How do I choose the right suppliers for a corporate event?
Begin with your objectives, guest numbers and budget, then look for suppliers with relevant experience, ideally in your chosen venue. Responsiveness, flexibility and clear communication matter as much as the service itself, and your venue's events team can recommend partners suited to your brief.
What types of suppliers do I need when planning an event?
Most events involve catering, AV or production, and styling such as florals and décor. Depending on the format, you may also need photography or videography, entertainment, furniture hire, a planner or stylist, and accessibility services such as live captioning, interpreting or childcare.
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