Partner Article

Freeman signs six-year contract with Ricoh Arena

Freeman, a major US events company who recently acquired So Group, has been appointed the exclusive mains provider and preferred supplier for exhibitions and events business at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Freeman recently announced up to 350 jobs will be created when it moves its UK headquarters from Wellesbourne to the old Peugeot site at Prologis Park in Ryton.

Now, the company which provides event services has signed a six-year contract to become the nominated supplier for mains electrics to service all exhibitions and also the preferred supplier of exhibition services held throughout the Ricoh Arena.

This will involve Freeman’s being the preferred supplier for shell schemes, carpet, furniture and the power supply for UK-wide organisers holding exhibitions at the Ricoh Arena which range from blue-chip companies to niche industry shows.

Liz Cooper, marketing director at the Ricoh Arena, said a natural partnership had developed over the last few years that they had been working with Freeman.

“Staging exhibitions continues to be a large segment of our business and it is growing all the time,” she said.

“It made sense to agree a contract for a company to be our exclusive supplier for mains electrics and negotiations have now been concluded with Freeman.

“We have used their services for some time and the fact they are moving their UK headquarters into Coventry is great news for the city and for the Ricoh Arena and as part of the new partnership they join our other sponsors such as Ricoh, Jaguar, Britvic, Lloydspharmacy and E.ON.

“Hall 3 is to be named Freeman’s Hall which is the exhibition space nestled inside the south halls which is an ideal setting to showcase Freeman’s product range.

“We are looking forward to developing our relationship with Freeman and this partnership is positive for our exhibitors.”

Justin Phillips, commercial director at Freeman which has its headquarters in Texas, USA, said this was another link to the city of Coventry.

“We have been working informally with the Ricoh Arena for the last four years and it made sense to make the arrangement more official and wider,” he said.

“The versatility of the space at the Ricoh Arena means organisers can grow their events at the venue and we will provide the services to help them achieve that in a professional manner to attract visitors.

“The Ricoh Arena has an excellent track record in enticing exhibitions back year after year and having the right kind of facilities for exhibitors and organisers is crucial in achieving that and to ensure the venue is used to its full capacity.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ricoh Arena .