ICMP alumni business SJARK leads successful Caffè Nero event

Congratulations to ICMP alumni business SJARK on their recent work leading the production of a three-day event for top coffee brand Caffè Nero. 

SJARK, which is run by BA Songwriting alumnus Sean Arkless alongside fellow alumnus Lasse Corus, specialises in event project management and has become one of London Stadium's preferred suppliers. 

This led to SJARK managing the production of Caffè Nero's three day event, including handling every aspect of the A/V tech supply and operation. 

Commenting, Sean said: "It's honestly been wonderful, and so affirming to be involved." 

We've spent over two years believing we had something special to offer in the events sector: a different mindset, if you will, that was capable of inspiring great change in the industry."

"Now, we're still nowhere near able to demonstrate that to the scale we've had mapped out since the company's inception - but it's a big step forward."

The event came as a result of audio engineering projects SJARK has excelled at for West Ham United Football Club at the venue. The team were subsequently recommended to Caffè Nero.  

Gareth Hopley, Caffè Nero's Communication Director, said: "SJARK recently supported us on a significant corporate event, which ran across multiple days, and across a complicated series of different rooms and spaces and timings."

Lasse and his team were great, nothing was too much trouble and their expertise was clear throughout. Even when we made customary last minute changes to the set up, and altered things part way through, nothing was a problem, Lasse calmly, accurately and happily took care of all the details."

"They felt like part of our own team, and even helped tidy up things which had nothing to do with them at the end, just to be helpful. All the AV worked perfectly, and there were backups just in case it didn't. The team was a pleasure to work with, they definitely contributed to the success of the event, and I wouldn't hesitate to work with them again."

SJARK was previously the recipient of the Ace Accelerator @Bureau initiative when Sean was in his second year of study at ICMP.  

The rest of 2024 and 2025 is expected to be full of plans and new projects as Sean and Lasse look to develop the business further. 

Commenting on the future of SJARK, Sean said: "There's lots of behind the scenes work to be done (probably in a Caffè Nero where we started - how's that for full circle!), building on our reliable database of freelance talent, delivering on the contracts we have with our repeat clients. Learning how to handle VAT returns and PAYE for employees."

"It's a wild adventure, and one we intend to get right – so for now, we're taking it step-by-step, but it won't be long before this SJARK grows a pair of wings!” 

Visit sjark.co.uk to find out more. 

Find out more about the Ace Accelerator @Bureau initiative.