Nick Ward, of Grays, under the marquee at Hampton Court.
AN ISLAND company proved it can fill a big gap in the market at one of the most prestigious events in the world.
Gardens Illustrated magazine wanted a traditional canvas marquee for the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and scoured the country for a company that could supply one to its exacting specifications.
Grays has built up quite a reputation for supplying traditional tents, while the Island Marquees part of the business provides more modern marquees.
Grays was chosen to supply a 180ft long canvas marquee, which was transformed into the Gardens Illustrated Pavilion at the show, held last month.
The Island company, which makes its own marquees, used a section of a much larger one for Hampton and modified it to suit Gardens Illustrated.
Grays’ Nick Ward said: "There would normally be 6ft 6in headroom at the sides but Gardens Illustrated wanted 10ft, so we made new sides and used larger poles to create the dimensions the customer wanted.
"It was great to get work off the Island and particularly at such a venue as Hampton Court.
"Hopefully, having our marquee shown off there, will lead to more business on the mainland in the future."
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk