Thorns' star role
By Karen Sibson, Manchester Chamber of Commerce
CATERING hire company Thorns is reaching for the stars - literally - after building an enviable reputation in the world of showbiz since the company arrived in Manchester four years ago.
Television companies and sporting giants are among the Salford company's high profile clients.
Last weekend Thorns supplied scores of cutlery, crockery and glassware for corporate hospitality guests at Old Trafford enjoying the nailbiting World Cup qualifier between England and Greece.
In recent months it has supplied the wedding cake stand and knife, as well as table linen, at Sarah Lancashire's marriage to BBC Executive Peter Salmon at Langar Hall in Nottingham.
Thorns is also in demand by television production companies with requests for champagne glasses for the marriage of Adam, played by James Nesbitt, and Helen Baxendale's character Rachel in ITV's Cold Feet.
And the company regularly provides a host of catering equipment for corporate guests at Lancashire County Cricket Club and superstar concerts which have recently includes U2 and Robbie Williams. Now the company has been lined up to provide linen for the forthcoming remake of the 60s drama series Forsythe Saga.
Thorns' sales director Hilary Gough says she's thrilled the company is associated with such high profile events.
She said: "It's so fulfilling when you've supplied equipment to an event such as Sarah Lancashire's wedding and everything goes extremely well.
"It's great working in Manchester because things are really happening here and I like to be in the know so Thorns has a chance of being involved."
The company's association with Coronation St has also been built up over its four years in the city. It supplied equipment for Mike and Linda Baldwin's extravagant wedding last year.
Hilary added: "Whether for lavish on-screen celebrations or quiet family weddings, it seems that Coronation Street and its stars are repeatedly calling on Thorns. We pride ourselves on being a one stop shop."
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