A new Norfolk events company is enjoying a post-lockdown boom, and has recently expanded to meet demand.

Kay Willmott, who runs Elle Belle’s Beauty Salon in Dereham’s Aldiss Court, set up Elite Events Norfolk with her husband Tom during the January lockdown - even though the couple had a newborn baby.

“He was a very easy baby, I was quite bored, and I thought: I know what I’ll do, I’ll start a business,” said Mrs Willmott, who opened Elite Events in another Aldiss Court shop space.

Dereham Times: Elite Events Norfolk cater to a wide variety of eventsElite Events Norfolk cater to a wide variety of events (Image: Kay Willmott)

The company debuted by organising the Neatherd High School 2021 prom.

“It was really stressful, for a first event,” said Mrs Willmott.

Dereham Times: Tables dressed by new Dereham-based business Elite Events Norfolk.Tables dressed by new Dereham-based business Elite Events Norfolk. (Image: Kay Willmott)

“It was a 200-person event, with so many tables to dress and it was a big room.”

She said however the event was “exciting” and “a great learning curve”.

Dereham Times: Elite Events Norfolk cater to a wide variety of eventsElite Events Norfolk cater to a wide variety of events (Image: Kay Willmott)

Now, the company has expanded to a warehouse to store its equipment, has hired a team member and has growing ambitions.

Dereham Times: Elite Events Norfolk cater to a wide variety of eventsElite Events Norfolk cater to a wide variety of events (Image: Kay Willmott)

“I’m talking to people across the country about maybe doing smaller franchises,” said Mrs Willmott, who wants an Elite Events branch in counties across the UK.