If you’ve ever tried planning a big event from scratch, you’ll know just how many spinning plates are involved. Between venues, suppliers, furniture, catering and logistics—it can feel like a full-time job. That’s exactly where event management companies come in.
The best event management companies don’t just help you run your event—they help you plan it, manage the stress, and make sure it all runs like clockwork on the day. Whether you’re looking at event companies London based or ones that operate nationwide, it’s important to pick a team that really understands your goals and can bring your vision to life.
In this article:
Here are five key things to look for when choosing the right event partner.
1 – Look for event management companies with the right expertise
Not all event management companies are created equal. Some focus heavily on corporate conferences, while others specialise in weddings, exhibitions or festivals. So before you start reaching out, take a moment to define the type of event you’re planning—and what kind of help you actually need.
Are you organising a business conference? Look for a corporate event management team with experience in staging, delegate coordination and AV production. Planning a product launch or awards evening? You might want a creative events agency London UK that can deliver strong visuals and branding. For public-facing events, it helps to choose an event management agency that understands crowd control, licensing, and health and safety compliance.
Many experienced event companies UK will have case studies on their websites showing previous work. Don’t just look at logos—see if the style of event matches yours. And ask questions about the scale, timeframe, and challenges they’ve worked with in the past.
If you’re after event management companies in London UK, keep in mind that city-based firms often have strong relationships with local venues, AV suppliers and caterers—which can save you both time and money.
2 – Consider their hire partnerships and in-house services
A lot of people forget to ask: what does the company actually do in-house, and what do they outsource?
Some event planning companies act as the main point of contact, but outsource most logistics. Others have their own furniture, lighting, catering or AV equipment ready to go. There’s no right or wrong—it depends on the type of event and how hands-on you want the team to be.
At Event Hire UK, we regularly work alongside event organiser companies London based and elsewhere, supplying short-term hire items like tables, chairs, mobile bars, cutlery, and even event kitchen equipment. Whether you’re working with a full-service event production agency or a planning-only partner, it’s good to know what extra support you’ll need.
Ideally, you want an event management company that either has access to or can recommend reputable suppliers they’ve worked with before. This is especially important if you’re working on a tight turnaround or planning a corporate event management London based where timing is everything.

3 – Check for nationwide coverage (if you need it)
If your event is happening in multiple locations—or you’re managing events for different regions—make sure the company offers nationwide support.
Some of the best event management companies in England operate from a central office, but have a network of trusted suppliers across the UK. Others have regional offices in cities like Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow.
If you’re planning events in different places throughout the year, working with one consistent team can save you serious time. It also means your brand messaging stays consistent—something that’s key for corporate event management companies.
Ask questions like: do they manage logistics across multiple venues? Have they delivered events in other UK cities? Do they understand the local permit rules or venue quirks?
We regularly support event coordinator companies with short-term hire in cities nationwide—whether it’s a temporary bar for a gala in Leeds or dinnerware for an awards night in Bristol.
4 – Look for a creative spark (not just logistics)
Of course, logistics matter. But great event planning firms do more than just tick boxes—they bring energy and creativity to your concept.
If you’re working on a launch, awards show, brand event or anything with a visual or experiential goal, creativity is key. You’ll want an event planning agency or event organiser company that’s got a flair for design, lighting, layout and flow.
Look through portfolios, mood boards, and event photos. Do their ideas excite you? Does their style fit yours? Do they show variety or do all their events look the same?
This is particularly important when comparing event management services from larger event mgmt companies versus smaller boutique agencies. Sometimes the bigger players can offer scale, while the smaller ones offer a more tailored, personalised approach.
At Event Hire UK, we often work with both types of event management companies—helping to bring creative event visions to life with unique hire items like illuminated furniture, contemporary glassware, and pop-up mobile bar units.

5 – Read reviews and ask about client retention
Word of mouth still matters. When researching event management companies, take the time to read testimonials, Google reviews, or ask for references. Are clients rebooking them for future events? Do they mention communication, reliability, and the ability to handle pressure?
Some of the top event management companies in London UK pride themselves on long-standing corporate contracts or being the go-to partner for high-profile venues. That tells you a lot about their trustworthiness and ability to deliver consistently.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask about how they handle things when stuff doesn’t go to plan. Even the best-run events can have last-minute curveballs—weather, supplier issues, tech problems. A good company will be upfront and explain how they’ve handled things professionally in the past.
It’s also worth checking how transparent they are about budgets and fees. The best event management agencies will give you clear breakdowns, phased payment schedules, and honest advice about where to save or invest depending on your goals.
Event Hire UK works alongside the UK’s top organisers
While we’re not an event organizer company ourselves, we regularly support corporate event organisers UK wide with short-term hire for furniture, catering, glassware, and everything in between. If you’ve found your perfect planning partner, let us supply the kit you need to make your event look and feel the part.
From event companies London based to smaller event organizing services across the country, we’ve worked with teams of all sizes to provide reliable, eco-conscious hire for corporate events, product launches, press nights, awards dinners and more.
If you’re building a relationship with a new event agency UK and need support with logistics, we’re happy to work directly with them to make your life easier.

Final thoughts on event management companies UK
Choosing between event management companies isn’t just about who has the flashiest website or longest list of clients. It’s about finding the right fit for your event goals, your timeline, and your team.
Take time to assess their experience, creativity, supplier network and flexibility. Ask the right questions, trust your instincts—and don’t forget to look beyond the pitch deck. The best event management companies in England will work with you like a partner, not just a provider.
And once you’ve picked the right one, don’t forget—Event Hire UK is here to help you pull it all together with stylish, practical event hire that makes your event shine.