>>>CLICK here to read the full article on the Evening Standard website

Travel bans, venue closures and cancelled ceremonies — the pandemic means that many of this year’s weddings are off. As the season approaches, Katie Strick meets the couples forced to say ‘I don’t’ to their planned big day.

What are the odds that there’s a global pandemic the year you decide to get married?” John deGraft-Johnson laughs nervously from the kitchen table of his flat in Dalston.

Not low enough, as 30-year-old advertising strategist deGraft-Johnson and his fiancée Sophie Christiansen found out last week. The couple had just received a message from their venue in Surrey, RHS Garden Wisley, saying their June 20 wedding is off in light of the outbreak. They’ve been given a new date in August, but it’ll mean losing important guests: Christiansen’s family in Australia have been banned from travelling for six months. He’s had to call off his May stag do, and an hour before our phone call the announcement came that Glastonbury — their honeymoon plan — has been cancelled too.

“We’re taking things day-by-day and everyone’s been very kind… probably not helped by the fact I’m in tears every time I speak to one of them,” sighs Christiansen, 29, also an advertising director….

…..“I didn’t pay the £50 cancellation fee because I was like, ‘Why would I cancel my honeymoon?’ Obviously I really regret that now,” says Islington-based consultant James Cunningham, 28, who has lost more than £2,000 on his honeymoon to Sicily in June.

For others, it’s a case of insurance. “We had an email from our wedding insurers to say, ‘If your wedding is cancelled because of an act of state you’re not covered’,” says Richmond-based strategy director Nicola Fish, 44, who was due to be marrying travel agent Finn McClean next month. According to event planners The Taylor Lynn Corporation, the majority of wedding event insurance won’t cover cancellations caused by Covid-19.

>>Click here to view the full article on Incentive Travel and Corporate Meetings

Collectively, the team at TLC is gathering quotes that inspire, reassure and motivate them through these challenging times, and daily the company shares one of these messages across its Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram platforms.  The aim is that each post will not only help followers now, but importantly the messages are being curated into a book of amazingly motivational quotations, titled ‘TLC- The Life Challenge’.  TLC has plans to publish the book for colleagues in the hospitality, events and hotel sector in the autumn, with proceeds donated to the NHS.

The company is now asking clients, industry colleagues and its social media followers to send-in their own words of wisdom and the advice that is helping to keep them positive.  People wishing to contribute a quotation for the book, can comment on any of the posts on Twitter: @taylorlynncorp, Facebook: @taylorlynncorporation or Instagram: @taylorlynncorp, Taylor Lynn Corporation on LinkedIn or email taylor.lynn@tlc-ltd.co.uk

CEO of Taylor Lynn Corporation, Liz Taylor, said: “Events that we have been planning for many months, years in some cases, suddenly began to cancel or rebook for the autumn.  This pattern was not exclusive to TLC; all event companies, hotels and venues are in the same situation.  It was devastating.  My company marks its 25th anniversary this year, and by far this pandemic is its greatest challenge. It would be easy to become overwhelmed by the road ahead, but that’s just not what we are about.  My team is channelling its inner optimism for the future, into being creative.  When things get tough … we get busy!

“The hope is that in the post-virus recovery stage, our industry colleagues can use the book as a reminder of how far they have come, what has been achieved and what is possible for the future.  A motivational guide created by friends, colleagues and even business competitors, who, have come together to rebuild our industry.” ….

>>> Click here to read the full article on Insider Media

Liz Taylor, CEO & creative director at Taylor Lynn Corporation, offer her expertise on choosing the right corporate event venue.

It all starts with the venue. Choosing the right corporate event venue is the foundation to your event’s success.  In 2020, my company, the Taylor Lynn Corporation, celebrates its 25th anniversary (we all love a birthday party!).  In that time, I have seen an abundance of exciting and engaging new venues open in our region. We have witnessed the birth of contemporary, independent, versatile spaces which are giving established hotels and historic buildings a real run for their money.  The venue sector is more competitive and exciting than ever.

Having venue choice is a great place to be as an event planner.  But having unique venue choices is even better. The growth in spaces that attract the more open-minded business clients. People coming to event organisers such as myself for a visual injection of bespoke creativity. Spaces and venues that are a blank canvas if you will. That, with the right infusion of ideas can be transformed into memorable conferences, staff recognition events and more. This has been the real change.  Remember, where others see an industrial space or an empty shell – I see opportunity!

If you are planning a business event this year, securing the right venue is your starting point. Here’s some tips to help you in choosing the right corporate event venue to make your event a success:

Location, Location, Location

This has never been truer.  The growing eco-movement means location and accessibility via public transport are now vital ingredients.  Ease of finding the venue, its proximity to any planned delegate activities, location to the company offices and suitable parking (electric charging points are being requested) for cars and coaches are to be considered.

>>> Click here to view the full article on BDaily

The Covid-19 pandemic is having a devastating effect on many businesses and the lives of individuals across the world. The UK hospitality and events sector has been one of those hugely impacted. This has inspired Manchester-based event management company, the Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), to undertake an initiative which shares daily optimism to industry colleagues during the difficult weeks ahead, but which the company also hopes will support a post-virus recovery for the industry.

Collectively, the team at TLC is gathering quotes that inspire, reassure and motivate them through these challenging times, and daily the company shares one of these messages across its Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram platforms. The aim is that each post will not only help followers now, but importantly the messages are being curated into a book of amazingly motivational quotations, titled ‘TLC- The Life Challenge’. TLC has plans to publish the book for colleagues in the hospitality, events and hotel sector in the autumn, with proceeds donated to the NHS.

The company is now asking clients, industry colleagues and its social media followers to send-in their own words of wisdom and the advice that is helping to keep them positive. People wishing to contribute a quotation for the book, can comment on any of the posts on Twitter: @taylorlynncorp, Facebook: @taylorlynncorporation or Instagram: @taylorlynncorp, Taylor Lynn Corporation on LinkedIn

CEO of Taylor Lynn Corporation, Liz Taylor, said: “Events that we have been planning for many months, years in some cases, suddenly began to cancel or rebook for the autumn. This pattern was not exclusive to TLC; all event companies, hotels and venues are in the same situation. It was devastating. My company marks its 25th anniversary this year, and by far this pandemic is its greatest challenge. It would be easy to become overwhelmed by the road ahead, but that’s just not what we are about. My team is channelling its inner optimism for the future, into being creative. When things get tough … we get busy!

“The hope is that in the post-virus recovery stage, our industry colleagues can use the book as a reminder of how far they have come, what has been achieved and what is possible for the future. A motivational guide created by friends, colleagues and even business competitors, who, have come together to rebuild our industry.”

TLC has worked with some of the biggest names in corporate life and showbusiness, to produce events across the UK and Europe. Founded in 1995 by event entrepreneur Liz Taylor and her industry partner Dianne Lynne, the company went from strength to strength with a successful team that was to last until 2008, when Liz managed an amicable partnership buy-out. That same year TLC bucked the recession by topping the £4M turnover mark. With its headquarters in Manchester, the event company works with some of the country’s most well-known brands, blue-chip giants, SMEs, private clients and celebrities to create business and celebration events.

>>> Click here to read the full article on Entirely North West

The Covid-19 pandemic is having a devastating effect on many businesses and the lives of individuals across the world. The UK hospitality and events sector has been one of those hugely impacted.

This has inspired Manchester-based event management company, the Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), to undertake an initiative which shares daily optimism to industry colleagues during the difficult weeks ahead, but which the company also hopes will support a post-virus recovery for the industry.

Collectively, the team at TLC is gathering quotes that inspire, reassure and motivate them through these challenging times, and daily the company shares one of these messages across its Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram platforms.  The aim is that each post will not only help followers now, but importantly the messages are being curated into a book of amazingly motivational quotations, titled ‘TLC- The Life Challenge’.  TLC has plans to publish the book for colleagues in the hospitality, events and hotel sector in the autumn, with proceeds donated to the NHS.

The company is now asking clients, industry colleagues and its social media followers to send-in their own words of wisdom and the advice that is helping to keep them positive.  People wishing to contribute a quotation for the book, can comment on any of the posts on Twitter: @taylorlynncorp, Facebook: @taylorlynncorporation or Instagram: @taylorlynncorp, Taylor Lynn Corporation on LinkedIn or email taylor.lynn@tlc-ltd.co.uk

CEO of Taylor Lynn Corporation, Liz Taylor, said: “Events that we have been planning for many months, years in some cases, suddenly began to cancel or rebook for the autumn.  This pattern was not exclusive to TLC; all event companies, hotels and venues are in the same situation.  It was devastating.  My company marks its 25th anniversary this year, and by far this pandemic is its greatest challenge. It would be easy to become overwhelmed by the road ahead, but that’s just not what we are about.  My team is channelling its inner optimism for the future, into being creative.  When things get tough … we get busy!

“The hope is that in the post-virus recovery stage, our industry colleagues can use the book as a reminder of how far they have come, what has been achieved and what is possible for the future.  A motivational guide created by friends, colleagues and even business competitors, who, have come together to rebuild our industry.”

The Covid-19 pandemic is having a devastating effect on many businesses and the lives of individuals across the world.  The UK hospitality and events sector has been one of those hugely impacted. This has inspired Manchester-based event management company, the Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), to undertake an initiative which shares daily optimism to industry colleagues during the difficult weeks ahead, but which the company also hopes will support a post-virus recovery for the industry.

Collectively, the team at TLC is gathering quotes that inspire, reassure and motivate them through these challenging times, and daily the company shares one of these messages across its Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram platforms.  The aim is that each post will not only help followers now, but importantly the messages are being curated into a book of amazingly motivational quotations, titled ‘TLC- The Life Challenge’.  TLC has plans to publish the book for colleagues in the hospitality, events and hotel sector in the autumn, with proceeds donated to the NHS.

The company is now asking clients, industry colleagues and its social media followers to send-in their own words of wisdom and the advice that is helping to keep them positive.  People wishing to contribute a quotation for the book, can comment on any of the posts on Twitter: @taylorlynncorp, Facebook: @taylorlynncorporation or Instagram: @taylorlynncorp, Taylor Lynn Corporation on LinkedIn or email taylor.lynn@tlc-ltd.co.uk

CEO of Taylor Lynn Corporation, Liz Taylor, said: “Events that we have been planning for many months, years in some cases, suddenly began to cancel or rebook for the autumn.  This pattern was not exclusive to TLC; all event companies, hotels and venues are in the same situation.  It was devastating.  My company marks its 25^th anniversary this year, and by far this pandemic is its greatest challenge. It would be easy to become overwhelmed by the road ahead, but that’s just not what we are about.  My team is channelling its inner optimism for the future, into being creative.  When things get tough … we get busy!

“The hope is that in the post-virus recovery stage, our industry colleagues can use the book as a reminder of how far they have come, what has been achieved and what is possible for the future.  A motivational guide created by friends, colleagues and even business competitors, who, have come together to rebuild our industry.”

TLC has worked with some of the biggest names in corporate life and showbusiness, to produce events across the UK and Europe.  Founded in 1995 by event entrepreneur Liz Taylor and her industry partner Dianne Lynne, the company went from strength to strength with a successful team that was to last until 2008, when Liz managed an amicable partnership buy-out.  That same year TLC bucked the recession by topping the £4M turnover mark.  With its headquarters in Manchester, the event company works with some of the country’s most well-known brands, blue-chip giants, SMEs, private clients and celebrities to create business and celebration events.  For details about TLC, visit www.tlc-ltd.co.uk

>>>Click here to read the full article on Pro Manchester

Wedding season is almost upon us, which means – for many couples – months (or years, in some cases) of planning will finally come to a head.

Well, that would normally be the case, of course, but this year coronavirus is disrupting nuptials all over the globe. New measures around social distancing and isolation for the elderly and vulnerable has meant that couples getting married have been forced to revise their guest list.

Not only that, but the Church of England has now advised that weddings should be limited to five people only.

A recent study carried out by hen and stag do company Chillisauce.com found that – out of 1,500 surveyed – one in six admitted they were planning to delay their big day and 76% said they would consider having a remote wedding ceremony using a video platform, such as Skype.

Those looking to cancel could face huge problems, too. Wedding insurers, such as John Lewis and Debenhams, have withdrawn their policies and most companies are now suspending new applications for insurance, due to the outbreak.

Liz Taylor, CEO of wedding and event planners The Taylor Lynn Corporation, says the impact of coronavirus on the wedding industry is unlike anything she’s seen in her career. She states that, in most cases, wedding event insurance will not cover COVID-19 cancellations.

Liz tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Such reasons for cancelling any event, or any individual element of it, such as entertainment, falls under a Force Majeure clause. In short, this is when one of the reasons that an event cannot go ahead is due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control. ‘

So sadly, there is no reimbursement for deposits paid on such things as wedding venues and no insurance cover available to protect against this. Our suppliers and the clients are relying on the goodwill of everyone involved to postpone the wedding wherever possible.’

Liz added; ‘This is one of the biggest challenges I have faced in 34 years but I have a strategy for my clients – turning the negative into positive.

‘We are swiftly rebooking for the autumn and recommending dates between Christmas and New Year. These decisions will impact who can attend revised dates, whether the entertainer, venue, Registry Office or Church is available on the new dates – so speedy action is required.’

>>> CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON METRO ONLINE

Conference News article…

Liz Taylor, MD at Taylor Lynn Corporation, looks back at how the industry has changed over the last 25 years.

The only real certainty in business is uncertainty. I am a glass half full person and for me, uncertainty is opportunity. Despite the challenges, the event sector, and agencies within it, have evolved into exceptional companies within a multi-billion-pound global industry. I admit to a slightly nostalgic moment here. My company celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and over that time, the rollercoaster of change has transformed my business world.

A chance meeting at Manchester’s Midland Hotel, brazen ambition and a creative spirit led to me setting up my first event business. When I began my journey, my company was fairly exclusive in the North of England, with most fledgling event companies based in London. This had its pros and cons.

Convincing a company to recognise what I could bring to their business was a big challenge: I was not just a party planner. I realised that the key to securing business was becoming a preferred supplier at every venue possible, so I networked until my feet hurt. During that time, I surrounded myself with loyal suppliers, delivering a first-class service and unique product. I decided from the start never to compromise my product by being cheap, to dig in my heels yet remain fair and honourable.

While agency numbers have exploded across the country, from large-scale convention producers to SMEs, what has been consistent is the need for flexibility. An agency model needs to reflect the demands of the market and have enough scope to develop quickly.

During the bank crisis of the 90s, the market changed almost overnight. We shifted much of our work into the private sector where budgets were still strong. We had to develop our corporate offering into creating innovative, smaller, and more cost-effective solutions. Sticking with our clients though until the market, and budgets rose once again. Agencies that wouldn’t evolve, were too slow to change, or couldn’t tap into other markets are no longer with us.

>>> Click here to read the full article

Media Article on The Independent website – Click here to Reed the full article

‘It’s worth spending a bit of time now looking at the contracts with the venue or with the supplier,’ insurance company co-founder advises

The outbreak of coronavirus, which has so far resulted in more than 125,000 cases across the globe, is having an ever-increasing impact on people’s daily lives.

While retailers ration sales of specific products in a bid to combat panic-buying and marathons are postponed, the full impact of the spread of the virus currently remains unclear.

As we approach spring, those who have organised weddings in the coming months will undoubtedly be feeling uncertain as to whether their nuptials will be able to go ahead, whether they are taking place in the UK or abroad….

Liz Taylor, CEO of event planning company The Taylor Lynn Corporation, told The Independent that it may be “impossible to secure insurance for what comes under a force majeure clause; which is where coronavirus fits in insurance terms”.

Legal website Lexology outlines the definition of force majeure, stating: “In contract law, force majeure refers to exceptional events which prevent or hinder the performance of an obligation.”

“This is when one of the reasons that an event cannot go ahead is due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control,” Taylor said.

“There are no reimbursement for deposits paid on venues and no insurance cover to protect against this.”

In preparation for its 25th anniversary in 2020, events management and production company the Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC) has made key changes to its team structure including the introduction of a new profit-share scheme for employees.

The Manchester-based event management company, which produces both corporate and private events across the UK and Europe, celebrates its 25th anniversary next year. Ahead of celebrations, TLC company founder Liz Taylor has introduced changes to the roles of key personnel that aim to establish a stronger and more flexible framework for future growth.

The changes see Taylor move to the role of chief executive officer and creative director, while Ellie Barnes returns from maternity leave in her capacity as operations director. Jess Randall has been promoted to the post of events director and Lauren Worsley to business development manager. The entire team will also benefit from the launch of a new performance-related profit-share scheme.

>>> Read the full article on Meetings and Incentive Travel