Yeadon based hospitality and leisure company First Event today announced it has received support from Barclays through the Government backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme (CBILS) in order to maintain the ability to trade through the COVID-19 crisis.

Established in 2001, First Event is headquartered at Ghyll Beck House, Gill Lane, Yeadon, Leeds The business is a leading corporate events company that operates globally, delivering unique events that provide memorable life experiences. Delivering conferences, exhibitions, celebrations, employee engagement events and incentives, the team provide a unique and flexible service from concept to close.

Richard Murphy, Managing Director of First Events said: “When we realised what the impact of COVID-19 would have on our growing business we knew we needed to act quickly to ensure our continued success and to protect the future of our employees and operations. We’ve banked with Barclays since we started up the business so it was great we were able to secure a CBILS loan and the funding was released within days of our initial application. The new funding will give us the flexibility to weather the storm and not be adversely impacted by contract delays.”

First Events Limited employ 36 staff and the CBIL scheme has secured employment for the staff in the local community and provided vital funding for the business during the crisis.

John Gray, Barclays Relationship Director put together the funding package for the deal and said; “We’ve watched Richard and the team grow over the years to build a truly inspirational corporate event business with a strong client base and global presence. Working in partnership we were able understand the scale of the challenge ahead and provide a funding solution that will not only enable them to weather the storm but to also be prepared with a plan for the future when business returns to more normal levels.”