Marinda Potgieter

Saffron Weddings, The Lighthouse Venue/Training centre

www.instagram.com/saffronfunctions?igsh=YXFzdXN4Njg4OHly

What does your company do?

We have been a thriving Events company for 12 years. It has become very clear that an Event space is needed in the Overberg region that is specially designed to host an array of Events, Weddings and Conferences. One that is a destination, that includes accommodation and offers an incredible experience. What sets us apart is that we offer all the services within one company. Other events companies outsource these services where we have highly trained staff that operate in all the different areas of our business, i.e. catering, event planning, on the day coordination, accommodation, butler services, floral design, décor, lighting, front of house staff, bar staff etc. We truly understand the market and the demand and have excellent knowledge of the Overberg region and very good relationships in the industry and municipality to support us and our ventures.For 12 years my clients have asked for a venue space that is versatile, has accommodation and is located close to the ocean. Our coastline offers some of the best backdrops and both local and international clients are yearning for an Event space that is true to our beautiful region.At Saffron Events we create lasting experiences to all our clients. We believe it has been this all in one approach to Events that has driven our success story. Apart from just organizing and coordinating Events, we also specialize in flowers, décor, lighting, stage building, catering, wait staff, bar services, shuttle services and arranging accommodation and excursions for our clients. Clients both local and abroad has complemented us on the ease of dealing with one company for all their Event needs. We truly go the extra mile in creating a one stop shop with big attention to each client's individual vision and detail. For 5 years we managed a venue in the Elgin valley and built the business from the foundations up to a thriving enterprise. Throughout the 12 years of operating in the Overberg region, many hours has gone into training our staff to 5 star standards. We believe that empowering students and staff is part of our passion and success story. Students and staff acquire training in ALL the areas of an event. I have realized that training students and staff in a practical/in-operation setting in the hospitality areas is something that is much needed in the Overberg. Apart from theory these students/staff members can also be trained in operation for other hospitality establishments in the area. The courses that we want to combine with our Event business is based on years of experience in all the different fields of hospitality. I would be able to acquire a CETA accreditation in order to deliver diploma courses to our staff and students. Apart from just acquiring skills to operate Events, Guest Houses, Restaurant Staff, Hotel Staff we would also aim to empower people with basic business skills and social media skills. Their is a very broad array of services that we are able to teach and implement, thus creating skilled and well trained hospitality staff. Saffron Events has a proven track record and testimonials to showcase should you want to read more about what our customers have to say about our services on offer. We pride ourselves in 5 Star standards and service. Whilst continuing creating extraordinary we can empower staff and create many opportunities. As this is not a new venture we would be able to offer a portfolio and financial business records.The only thing that is missing for us to reach even higher standards in creating Events is to own our own farm to host destination experiences. We have spent countless hours in market research and carefully selecting appropriate land and think we have finally found the perfect location. There are so many offerings we can discuss. Eco pods, romantic safari tent setting, boutique hotel, conferences, music shows, weddings and events. Below a little more insight into the Training Academy that we would like to merge with our already successful Event company. In our 12 year journey, this training was already done but was never formalized. It would make sense to become accredited trainers in order to provide more legitimacy. The Training Academy aims to provide high-quality training and development services to individuals and organizations. The focus of the academy will be on developing technical and practical skills through a combination of classroom training, online courses, and hands-on projects. The academy will target professionals looking to upgrade their skills, students seeking career advancement, and organizations seeking to train their employees. The academy will differentiate itself from its competitors by offering customized training solutions and a comprehensive learning experience. We want to empower people from previous disadvantaged circumstances with our academy training programs.