Virtual conference company tipped for success
A Warwick-based company specialising in delivering innovative virtual meetings has been named as one of the top 100 creative business to watch in the UK.
Purple Monster, which has its studios in Warwick and an office base in Leamington, has been recognised by the Creative Industries Council.
The business pivoted during the pandemic to focus on the delivery of virtual conferences, events and communications for corporate clients, utilising emerging technologies to deliver a unique experience.
Purple Monster received £20,000 funding from Warwickshire County Council’s Adapt and Diversify grant scheme to support its innovative change of focus and is now reaping the benefits.
The business, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, used the funding to purchase key equipment such as lighting set-ups for its Warwick studio and it is now delivering virtual and hybrid events for its multi-national clients.
Purple Monster also invested in a green-screen studio, cameras, the latest AV equipment, mixing equipment and the strongest possible leased line internet connectivity to aid in the delivery of events.
The studio enables Purple Monster to create any backdrop their clients would like for their virtual event, utilising green screen technology to produce an immersive and engaging conferencing experience.
Alan Heap, Director of Purple Monster, said: “We had a standing start in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic when all of our face-to-face events were cancelled. We now have a full order book for virtual events with clients including BP, Mondelez International, Asahi Breweries, Kraft Heinz and Inmarsat.
“It’s been an incredible success. We are based in Warwick and operate from the town, but our footprint is truly international.
“When we decided we needed to build a permanent studio in Warwick we approached Warwickshire County Council and received the full-funding that we requested. It was the biggest grant we have ever received and helped us to set-up the studio which is the foundation of our success.
“To be named as one of the creative businesses to watch in the UK is great. Our model proves that you don’t need to travel the world now for great events, we’re pushing the boundaries of technology and we believe delivering virtual events like we do is the future of conferencing.”
Cllr Kam Kaur, portfolio holder for economy and place at Warwickshire County Council, said: “It is fantastic to see Purple Monster flourishing and to have been named as one of the 100 businesses to watch in the creative industries.
“The business is the perfect example of what the Adapt and Diversify grant scheme set out to achieve. Purple Monster has adapted to the circumstances presented after the pandemic and this pivot in its business model has seen the business establish itself as a leader in the sector.”