EXCLUSIVE EVENTS UK, the York-based events solutions company, has won a contract worth £200,000 to provide the corporate hospitality for one of Sir Elton John's British concerts this summer.

The company has been selected by promoters Martial Arts to run the corporate hospitality operation at the Hop Farm Country Park concert in Kent on Sunday, June 20.

Fiona Sidwell, managing director of Exclusive Events, said today: "This is a massive coup for a young company like ours and we are absolutely thrilled.

"We were recommended to Hop Farm by a Yorkshire business client and we then had some tough pitching to do against 11 others to win the contract.

"Elton John is a legend, and the chance to do the corporate hospitality for one of his concerts is a dream come true. It is also an amazing challenge.

"This is a real chance for us to impress and, as it says on our logo, guests should expect the unexpected. For many people this will be one of the most exciting events of their summer. Sir Elton is one of the finest contemporary rock and pop musicians and his concerts are legendary."

She added: "Our role is to ensure that the evening is one that no one will ever forget."

The corporate hospitality package, which costs £265 plus VAT per head, will include a three-course dinner with wine, VIP parking and seats, a pre-concert drinks reception and post-concert bar, a souvenir programme and a jazz band.

Ms Sidwell explained: "Tables are for preferably ten to 12 guests, but we do have a number of tables that we can use to cater for smaller groups and we will do our very best to accommodate all requests. We are also more than happy to arrange travel and overnight accommodation."

This is one of the most significant contracts won by the rapidly-expanding Exclusive Events, which moved from Bootham Terrace to new offices in Clifton Moor, York, last summer.

Now she is considering opening up a London branch, given that she is bound to impress Martial Arts, whose other showbiz clients include singers Cher, Katie Melua and Pink.

Her other clients include Deloitte, The Institute of Directors, Land Securities, and software firm Minor Planets.

Updated: 12:03 Wednesday, February 18, 2004