2015 Winner’s Words: Falcon Wedding Cars

Vital Statistics

Who: Peter Cook from Falcon Wedding Cars
What: Best Wedding Transport Supplier
Where: Online www.falconweddingcars.co.uk | On Facebook | On Twitter

Why did you enter TWIA 2015?

I wanted to pitch myself against fellow transport suppliers to see if I was comparable or good enough to hold my own in the industry. I appear to have got it right 🙂

Tell us about yourself…

I initially did a wedding for a member of my family, then a friend, then a work colleague and thought, “I’m enjoying this and I could do more of these if I had another car,” so I bought the Beauford as it was the same colour as the one I already had. In September 2012 I launched the business, with no expectations of success, but we did 25 weddings in the first year, 50 in the 2nd year, and 2015 is our 3rd year of trading and we have 30 pre-booked even before the awards ceremony.

I love it when a bride sees the car for the first time if it has been booked as a surprise by a family member, I have never had a negative reaction. Kids point as we pass through High Streets, people wave at the car, and it really really does turn heads.

How confident did you feel about winning?

I wasn’t at all confident about winning, even after the Regionals. I was up against some strong competition and was by no means complacent. I was very surprised to find out that I was the National Winner and I was thrilled for my clients, too. I was just happy to be there, but to win was just the icing on the cake.

What does winning The Wedding Industry Awards mean to you?

I’m very pleased that our efforts and those of my staff have been recognised; there is a lot that goes into providing the high standard of service we do and you are only as good as your last wedding. We have to get it right, first time and every time…no pressure!!

How has winning an award affected your business?

The enquiries have definitely increased. I take my trophy with me to wedding fairs so that potential clients can see that they’re dealing with an award-winning supplier. If waht I provide is not to their liking then that’s fine, but fortunately for me I now have this award that has the backing of so many of our couples.

What has been the most valuable part of TWIA 2015 for you?

Meeting and networking with other suppliers in my region has been really helpful, but also other national winners have got in contact since the ceremony and London and wanted to share website links, social media pages and so on, so we are building up our network of likeminded pros.

What were your highlights of the ceremony?

The evening was great fun! Everyone there was already a winner and it was nice to have a good old night out. Obviously the award being presented to me was terrific and the high point of the night.

Final thoughts?

If you’re thinking about entering The Wedding Industry Awards next year, just be yourself. If you have a good product and provide a good service, you will do well; just treat your customers with respect and as you would want to be treated if it was your big day.