Reflecting on 2025 and Stepping Boldly into 2026
As we approach the close of 2025, it feels only right to pause, reflect, and say thank you. Because if there is one word that sums up this year for The Pink Elephant, it is gratitude. Gratitude for the fact that we are lucky enough to be building and growing a business that is truly powered by word of mouth. A business that exists because of trust, relationships, community, and belief. A business that has grown not through shortcuts, but through people — our wonderful existing clients, new clients, suppliers, venues, friends, collaborators, and the incredible business networks we are part of. The Pink Elephant is what it is today because of you.
A Brand Built on People
From day one, The Pink Elephant has never been “just catering”. It has always been about connection — connecting people through food, drink, music, atmosphere, and shared experiences. And in 2025, that vision has come to life more than ever before. This year has shown us how powerful collaboration can be. How much stronger we are when we support independence, champion small businesses, and work together rather than in isolation. Every platter, every event, every conversation has been shaped by the people behind it.
When we look back at the milestones of 2025, one of the first moments that springs to mind is being part of the Open Air Festival at The Roman Theatre throughout the summer. Hosting an incredible 70 shows, the festival was a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and community. We were absolutely delighted to be part of it, offering our charcuterie grazing boxes to theatre-goers enjoying unforgettable open-air productions under the summer sky.
What makes that moment even more special is how it came to be. It was thanks to a chance meeting — connecting with Faye from the OVO Theatre at last year’s Christmas party, brought together through the We Are Community small business network run by the wonderful Katie and Sabine. A reminder that sometimes, the most impactful opportunities come simply from showing up, talking, and believing in what you do.
“Built by people, powered by trust — 2025 shaped us, 2026 invites us to dream bigger.”
Growing with Our Corporate Community
Throughout 2025, we’ve continued to build strong relationships with corporate clients across Hertfordshire and London, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see those relationships turn into repeat business. What’s been particularly exciting is the variety of work we’ve delivered. While charcuterie remains a cornerstone of our offering, this year saw us expand far beyond it. From cocktail canapé parties to bowl food events, bespoke corporate catering, and full event planning, our clients trusted us to deliver experiences that felt thoughtful, generous, and memorable.
This support has allowed us to grow, to experiment, and to refine what The Pink Elephant can offer — proving that we are adaptable, creative, and able to meet clients wherever their needs are.
Celebrating Love in All Its Forms
In the private space, 2025 has been a truly special year. We’ve had the privilege of being part of a wonderful selection of weddings — each completely unique. From wedding re vows filled with energy and celebration, to relaxed barbecue garden weddings, to intimate sit-down grazing experiences with bubbles flowing freely. No two weddings have been the same, and that’s exactly how we like it.
At The Pink Elephant, we firmly believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to weddings. Every couple, every story, every vision deserves to be treated as its own. Being able to showcase just how bespoke and tailored our wedding offering can be has been one of the greatest joys of the year.
Alongside weddings, our charcuterie business had a fantastic summer, providing private and corporate clients with fresh, seasonal, beautifully curated charcuterie for picnics, garden parties, celebrations, and gatherings across Hertfordshire, London, and beyond. Seeing our food become part of so many personal moments is something we never take for granted.
Rooted in Community
Community has always been at the heart of The Pink Elephant, and 2025 has reaffirmed just how important that is to us. We’ve been proud to support and work alongside various business communities — whether through sponsoring events, providing food, or being part of wider campaigns. From the We Are Harpenden Community events, to catering the TEDx St Albans breakfast, to collaborating with The Harpenden Collective on a breakfast networking event — these moments reflect our commitment to showing up locally and meaningfully.
We are passionate about supporting independent businesses, and wherever possible, we choose to work with small suppliers and producers. It hasn’t been an easy year for small businesses scaling is hard, margins are tight, and challenges are constant. There have been moments where we’ve had to ask suppliers to bear with us, and we are incredibly grateful for their understanding, trust, and patience.
Sustainability sits at the forefront of everything we do — from sourcing responsibly, to reducing waste, to creating menus and experiences that are thoughtful rather than excessive. We believe growth should be intentional, not reckless, and that success should never come at the cost of our values.
More Than Catering and Events
People talk about entrepreneurship with shiny words, but let me be honest: it is hard. You sacrifice holidays, weekends, sleep, security, certainty. You give up versions of yourself. You grow through discomfort.
I didn’t have money to fall back on — I have built this business from nothing but hard work. And while I’m proud of that, I’ve learned that grit alone isn’t sustainable. You also have to learn to pause. To breathe. To find yourself again when the business becomes every corner of your life.
The Team Behind the Magic
None of this would be possible without the people behind the scenes.
This year, we were delighted to have Harriet join the team mid-year on a more frequent basis — a fantastic addition that has brought new energy and support. We also continue to be incredibly lucky to work with an amazing network of freelance talent — from catering support, graphic designers and accountants, to bookkeepers and marketers — all of whom play a vital role in helping the business run smoothly.
And of course, my deepest thanks go to my family — my mum and my sister — for their unwavering support, belief, and love. You are my constant.
A Personal Year of Growth
While 2025 has been a year of professional growth, it has also been one of personal challenge.
Navigating the loss of my dad just a year ago, finding my feet in a new barn, and continuing to grow the business has not been easy. There have been moments of doubt, exhaustion, and vulnerability. But there has also been strength, clarity, and an overwhelming sense of purpose. To everyone who has stood by me, believed in my vision, and trusted where we are going — thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Looking Ahead to 2026
And now, to the future — because 2026 is shaping up to be incredibly exciting. We are thrilled to be heading to the Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival next summer, alongside a couple of other pending festivals that we can’t wait to announce soon. We’ve also recently signed some exciting new collaborations that represent the next chapter of our journey.
One of these is Found In Pink, a collaboration with Richard Symons from Symons Studios. Launching in January, Found In Pink will champion up-and-coming musicians who have recently graduated and are looking for opportunities to share their talent. This concept is all about nurturing creativity, providing platforms, and supporting the next generation of artists.
We’re also delighted to be entering into another collaboration — to be revealed in the new year with an incredibly talented up and coming figure in the food industry, whose background includes MasterChef and a wealth of industry knowledge.
Beyond this, we’re excited to introduce corporate retreats combining wellbeing, self-development, and business coaching in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. Expect nourishing food, breathwork, wellness classes, and unforgettable days designed to reconnect teams and inspire growth.
From January onwards, we’ll also be offering workshops and experiences from our new barn venue floral workshops, art sessions, cheese and wine evenings, and more. And as always, we continue to look global. With the support of luxury travel expert Rebecca Godefroy, we’re now exploring ways to take The Pink Elephant events abroad — creating unforgettable experiences beyond borders.
Thank You
So, as we close the chapter on 2025, all I can really say is thank you.
Thank you for supporting The Pink Elephant. Thank you for believing in our vision. Thank you for trusting us with your moments, your celebrations, your businesses, and your stories. I wish you all a truly wonderful Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year. May this be a time to rest, reflect, and cherish time with friends and family. And for those for whom Christmas carries extra meaning this year, may it be filled with memories, love, and the quiet reminder that those no longer with us are always present in spirit. Here’s to 2026 — and everything still to come!
With love and gratitude,
Ian
Founder