The Arena Group's increased international capabilities now extend into the Far East, with a permanent base set up in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia. This new venture is underpinned by significant investment, broadening the company's global services to now provide temporary events overlay, temporary structures, seating, interior design and fit-out to prestigious clients from offices across three continents.
Greg Lawless, Arena Group CEO, says, "The global Arena Group has developed from a highly respected UK based business, with an exceptional 'blue ribbon' client base and a reputation for delivering consistently high quality events infrastructure. The logical step for the business, in response to client's requests and business trends, was to offer Arena's services on an international basis. We began with growth into European countries, before forging a successful partnership as Harlequin Arena in Dubai. This has expanded the range of leading international brands and iconic sporting events that have come to entrust the Arena Group to deliver their live events brand experience.
"The Far East is a dynamic, exciting market that we are confident will embrace the new technology, along with high levels of service, creativity and engineering we offer. I am delighted that Paul Berger (CEO Harlequin Arena) and his team has delivered our first successful Asian contract in the form of the Ballantine's Golf Championship. The team put their heart and 'Seoul' into overcoming the new logistical and cultural challenges that come with this unfamiliar territory."
The 2011 Ballantine's Championship was hosted on South Korea's Blackstone Golf Club's Icheon course, with the world's number one golfer Lee Westwood making a come-back in the final round to seal a single shot victory over a competitive international field.
The Arena Group provided the first double decker hospitality structure to be seen in South Korea, overlooking the Championship's 18th green, along with temporary structures complete with a full interior fit-out for the event.
(Jim Evans)
