Lifestyle

Chris Sarchet Bell On His Journey To Building The Biggest U18 Event Brand In The Uk

Published

3 years ago

March 24, 2021

Chris Sarchet Bell is one of the few entrepreneurs who are proving that you can have a good time without alcohol. In 2014, he founded Shutdown events as a response to the market gap in providing entertainment for 14-17 years olds. 6 years later, he has taken that business sky-level and transformed it into the biggest U18s events brand in the whole of the UK.

Starting Small

Shutdown Events was established in 2014 in Chris’ home town, Burnley. Before venturing into the day-time event space, Shutdown had previous experience in the events/nightlife industry from hosting their over 18 events.

“We decided to try and tackle the younger market to be able to get interest from a young audience,” Chris says. “Then, once they came of age, we would be able to pass them on to our over 18s brand, Grenade.”

Shutdown quickly made a name for itself in Burnley and soon started to attract clientele from out of the town and further.

“With each event, more and more people were talking about us. Within 6 months, we branched into a second area and by month 8, we were in another 4 cities.”

It was at this stage the Shutdown team realised they had created something special.

Building a Legacy on Connection

The resounding success that Shutdown Events currently enjoys did not happen by accident. In fact, it was the result of persistent effort and never taking no for an answer.

“ I never give up,” Chris shares. “It took me 4 years before I made a penny. No matter what hurdles have been thrown at me over the last 6 years I always get back up and keep going and my determination is exactly why I am where I am today.”

Crushing Goals

Within the first 2 years, Shutdown became the UK’s largest leading U18 brand. Now, Chris and his team tour the country every couple of months, hosting events from Scotland to as far down as Newquay. Shutdown has now hosted events across 10+ cities nationwide.

“We bring together some of the biggest names in the music industry, originally we used to bring PA’s from some of the most popular reality tv shows, paint & foam parties and Co2 & confetti parties. But now, it’s all about putting on that indoor festival vibe, the biggest acts/djs we can get our hands on, huge production, including pyros, screens, streamers, and transforming venues with a huge themes, nobody is doing it like Shutdown now and that’s why our social media is constantly growing. We keep getting requests from more and more clients across the country asking us to come to a town/city near them. Because of this, Shutdown is continuing to grow and build such a high in-demand brand on a weekly basis.”

Chris has big plans and an ambitious vision for the future and growth of Shutdown Events.

“Success to me is brand recognition, hearing great feedback, being able to look after my family,” Chris says.

“ Now more than ever, the music, live events and concerts scene is bigger and more in demand than ever before, especially with the younger generation. We offer the “night of your life” for 14 – 17-year-olds before they are legally allowed to go out to events. Over the next few years, I would like to think we will be touring across 15 cities nationwide.”

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.