Cheers to Change 

A Case Study in Purpose-Led Events, Partnership, and Social Impact

Last month, The Pink Elephant had the privilege of delivering a truly meaningful event — one that perfectly blended hospitality, social impact, and community. Titled “Cheers to Change”, this charity-focused evening was created in partnership with Gleeds Global, the international construction consultancy headquartered in London, and hosted inside their stunning new offices at Louis and Fitz — an underground basement jazz bar space that feels both intimate and electric. From the outset, this was far more than a drinks reception. It was a carefully designed experience built around purpose, people, and positive change.

The Execution

A Venue Designed to Inspire

Gleeds relocated to their new London headquarters last year, and it’s clear that an enormous amount of thought has gone into every detail of the space. The offices are modern, design-led, and welcoming — featuring a striking reception area, beautifully considered workspaces, a rooftop terrace, and the hidden gem below ground: Louis and Fitz, their atmospheric basement jazz bar venue.

It was here, on Thursday 29th January, that approximately 70 guests gathered for an evening dedicated to the Gleeds Foundation and one of their key charity partners, Change Please. This event was built through close collaboration with the Gleeds team, particularly Michelle Regent, Global Chief ESG Officer, and Tanisha Manistry from the Marketing and Events Team. Their clarity of vision, attention to detail, and commitment to impact shaped every stage of the planning process. Working alongside them ensured the event felt authentic to Gleeds’ values while still delivering a warm, engaging guest experience.

The Purpose Behind the Event

The Gleeds Foundation supports initiatives that create tangible social value, and Change Please is a powerful example of that mission in action. Change Please is a UK charity and social enterprise that supports people experiencing homelessness by training them as professional baristas, helping them gain qualifications, secure employment, and rebuild stability and independence. Their model goes beyond short-term aid — it focuses on long-term transformation through skills, support, and opportunity.

To bring the evening to life in an authentic and values-driven way, Gleeds selected partners whose own missions align with social impact and second chances. Alongside Change Please, they chose The Clink Events — a catering social enterprise connected to the Clink Charity, which works to reduce reoffending by training people in prison with hospitality and catering qualifications — and The Pink Elephant, recognised their social impact on championing small independent suppliers and purpose-led businesses across our event work.

From Workshops to Welcome Drinks

The experience began earlier in the afternoon with interactive coffee workshops led by the Change Please team. Gleeds employees were divided into smaller groups and took part in hands-on barista sessions. Importantly, these were not just technical demonstrations — several individuals who had personally come through the Change Please programme were present and involved, bringing powerful lived experience into the room. That human connection set the tone for the entire evening.

Following the workshops, guests gathered in the main reception space for welcome drinks before being introduced to one of the Change Please coffee buses on site — a mobile unit that plays a key role in their social enterprise model, serving high-quality coffee while funding training and employment pathways.

Moving Underground: Atmosphere and Hospitality

Guests then moved downstairs into Louis and Fitz, where the main reception took place between 6pm and 7pm. The setting encouraged relaxed networking and meaningful conversation.

Canapés were served during the reception hour by Clink Events and  included:

Parmesan arancini with marinara dipping sauce

Moroccan-spiced lamb cigar with tahini & lemon

Miso roasted aubergine on lotus flower crisp

Spinach & feta roll with red pepper purée

These were paired with South African L’Ormarins MCC Brut NV, Cape Classique sparkling wine, alongside a curated selection of sustainable wines including Portuguese and Italian white wines and French and Argentinian red wines.

A dedicated cocktail station proved especially popular, featuring: Hendrick’s & cucumber gin and tonic, Bombay Sapphire & grapefruit gin and tonic, French Martinis, Merry Berry mocktails & Elderflower fizz mocktails

A huge thank you goes to our partners at Bancroft & Ipanema Events for delivering the bar experience with energy, precision, and warmth throughout the evening.

Production, Sound, and Storytelling

Lighting and AV played a crucial role in shaping the mood of the space. Thanks to Matt, Zara, and Lee for their work in transforming the basement bar into a focused yet welcoming presentation environment. The technical setup allowed the speeches to land with clarity and emotional impact. And impact they certainly had.

Guests heard from Richard Steer, Chairman of Gleeds worldwide, followed by Michelle Regent, Global ESG Officer , who spoke about ESG responsibility and why partnerships like Change Please matter. The founder of Change Please then shared the charity’s journey and model — followed by a speaker who had personally completed the programme. Their story was honest, moving, and deeply inspiring, bringing home the real-world outcomes behind the initiative.

Bowl Food with Global Flavour

After the speeches, guests were served a selection of bowl foods designed to be generous, flavourful, and easy to enjoy while networking. The menu included:

  • Beef shin massaman curry with coconut rice & crispy shallots

  • Fish & chips, beer-battered cod with triple-cooked chips & mushy peas

  • Miso mushroom & wild rice bowl with pickled daikon & sesame seeds

  • Halloumi shawarma pita with garlic yogurt, herbs & charred peppers 

  • Crispy cauliflower ‘katsu’ burger with shredded lettuce & curry mayo 

Working with George’s Kitchen was a pleasure, and the feedback on the food was exceptional across the board.To finish, guests enjoyed a striking Brazilian brigadeiro chocolate tower — a visual and culinary highlight — with thanks to Emmy for her support in delivering this element — a visual and culinary highlight — with thanks to Emmy for her support in delivering this element.

Styling and Finishing Touches

The visual identity of the event was clean, modern, and vibrant. Izzy from The Botanical Barn created beautiful floral installations that softened and lifted the space. Allen’s Hire supplied elegant poser tables with crisp white tablecloths, glassware, tapas bowls and carefully placed under-lighting that added warmth and depth. Printed menus and design elements were produced by Lorren Lintvelt from Fine Lines Design, tying the visual story together across the guest journey.

Why This Event Mattered to Us

“Cheers to Change” represents exactly the kind of event we are proud to deliver. It brought together corporate leadership, social enterprise, ethical supply chains, and hospitality — not as separate ideas, but as one connected experience. At The Pink Elephant, we believe events can do more than entertain — they can create opportunity, spotlight important causes, support independent businesses, and strengthen communities. Being trusted to help shape an evening like this is both a privilege and a responsibility.

A heartfelt thank you to our staff team for delivering outstanding service on the night, and to every partner and supplier who contributed their expertise and passion. We’re excited to continue growing our relationship with Gleeds and to support more purpose-led events in the future. Here’s to partnership, progress and passion… and most importantly real change worth cheering for.

Testimonial

  • A huge thank you to Ian and the team at The Pink Elephant for making my 40th birthday party absolutely incredible! Ian was always on hand to assist and nothing ever felt like too much trouble. The stretched tent he arranged looked amazing, the food and drink options were spot on, and the cocktail bar was a real highlight. The waiting staff were professional and perfectly timed, and the DJ kept the dancefloor buzzing all night with the most brilliant music. Ian was fantastic throughout the planning process—organised, communicative, and completely on it from start to finish. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone planning a special event!

    Rebecca Godefroy, August 2025

    Harpenden, Herfordshire