Thorns romps home with 3-year Grand National contract

21 Dec 2006

Thorns Group has shown its thoroughbred status yet again by securing a prestigious three-year contract as official supplier to one of the sporting world’s premier events – the John Smith’s Grand National meeting at Aintree.

The agreement, which comes into effect from April 2007, will enable Thorns to build upon an existing strong relationship that has involved the supply of furniture to the famous three-day race meeting for a number of years.
 
It will see the group providing a large amount of stock to the course, which is due to open a range of stunning new facilities in time for next year’s Grand National meeting. Thorns Group has committed to buying a selection of new items, including a range of stylish leather dining chairs, specifically for the new contract.
 
Clair Whitecross, Thorns’ Group Sales Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been appointed official supplier to the John Smith’s Grand National meeting for 2007, 2008 and 2009. Thorns has established an excellent working relationship with the team at Aintree and we are proud to have been called on to further expand our service.
 
“With the major construction work currently taking place, Aintree is set to be bigger and better than ever. We look forward to providing furniture for use in the stunning new facilities currently being created.”
 
Under its latest contract, Thorns will provide furniture to all of the temporary hospitality facilities across the course and will supplement the furniture contained within a range of high-profile permanent facilities including the Queen Mother Stand, Princess Royal Stand and County Stand. Other areas in which Thorns will provide equipment include the Owners & Trainers pavilion, canteens for contractors and staff, media and photographers’ facilities, public bars, reception areas and trade stands.
 
The agreement for 2007 will also extend to providing additional furniture within the two stunning new grandstands – the Earl of Derby Stand and the Lord Sefton Stand – that are being constructed at Aintree in time for the 2007 John Smith’s Grand National meeting. 
 

 
The new stands will offer five levels of premium viewing facilities, with a combined capacity for 2,800 racegoers on the ground-floor terraces and 1,580 racegoers across two levels of tiered seating. In addition to this each stand will also be able to cater for around 1,000 visitors, in two levels of hospitality facilities and a number of luxury private suites.
 
As well as providing the Grand National with a new range of leather dining chairs, Thorns Group will also supply its recently introduced high-backed oak banqueting chairs, together with a diverse selection of items including bar equipment, settees, registration units, utility and trestle tables, office furniture, woven screens and Bali cane furniture.
 
 
 
December 21, 2006