Newcastle events platform finds new success with virtual bookings

An events booking platform which faced a loss of business during the lockdown has found renewed success after introducing new services.

Poptop, based in Newcastle has introduced food deliveries and online events in an attempt to find new sources of income for the suppliers on its platform after live events were cancelled.

Around 2,000 people a day from around the country are visiting its website searching for suppliers for afternoon tea and, while the company is currently offering the service in Newcastle and Essex, it aims to expand nationwide to meet demand.

Poptop is also benefiting from the trend for corporate team-building events, such as quizzes, to maintain morale amongst staff working from home.

Eugene Shestopal, co-founder and CEO of Poptop, said: “Maintaining social connections is even more important during a lockdown. While online services can’t replace live events, they help maintain morale and support people’s mental health. They also allow our event professionals – many of whom are self-employed – to earn a living.

“I suspect that some of the trends we are seeing now will continue long after the lockdown, especially amongst companies which are operating from different locations and families living in different parts of the world.

“However for weddings and other major celebrations, people will still want to meet face to face and the signs are the events market will bounce back.

“While bookings from March to May are on hold, only 15 per cent have cancelled and the rest have rescheduled.

“Since Easter we have also seen more and more bookings for 2021 and 2022, which gives a lot of hope for the future of the industry.”