Let me entertain you

MeeCarme Clews, co-founder and managing partner of Harlequin Marquees and Events Services, Dubai

If you have an idea, write it down, visualise it and make it happen. Look after yourself first. Believe in yourself. And try to learn to speak well in public. The most valuable life lesson I've learnt is: it's never anyone else's fault, only your own, I mean this in a positive way.

Life is not about being lowered in the grave with still a perfectly maintained beautiful body. I think you should rather skid in sideways, party hat in one hand, chocolate
and strawberries in the other, body totally used up and utterly
worn out, screaming, "Woo hoo! What a ride!"

I moved to Dubai to experience a new country, lifestyle and find adventure. I arrived in 1991 and worked for Emirates and later opened an arts and handicraft shop. My partner Charlie arrived in 1993 to initially set up an exhibition and conference company. But after we met, we decided to combine our skills and start an events company together.

Charlie came from Johannesburg, South Africa, where he had been working for a large exhibition and conference company. He had the organisational experience and a way with people.

Previously I had been in air traffic control in the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the UK. It was there I learnt focus and discipline. Then later as a cabin crew member, I honed my skills in communication, customer service and presentation.

I set my sights high for the new venture. We wanted to offer a high quality product to the events industry. We wanted to raise the standard and give people the opportunity to have a stunning setting for their event.

It was with these goals in mind that Harlequin Marquees and Events Services was born, with the name derived from the word for an entertainer – reflecting their primary commitment in their industry: to entertain. Of course, I was probably also a bit biased being a fan of the Harlequin rugby team in the UK!

Setting up a new company was simple
back then. It was as basic as finding the premises and applying for a trade licence. However, the beginning was not without challenges. We were the first company to set up this level of product and service. Previously, events were held in an open area or not at all. We were offering new ideas and possibilities.

We learnt early on that high quality products were the only way to build a strong business. We learnt this lesson the hard way.

In the beginning, we would buy products like cheap acrylic chairs. The quality wasn't good enough and consequently we lost money. However I persevered. We were three persons – Charlie, myself and Argun, a Nepalese ex-British Army soldier who was our first site foreman – managing the company.

Today we are a team of 65 and growing.
Our growth has been based on a combination of gut feel and what made economic sense. We joined forces with the UK's leading marquee structures company, Arena – and hope to branch out to become a globally formidable team. The idea to set standards not just locally but globally? I say, "Why not?!"

Turning 10 this year is a very proud and poignant moment for me. I feel very grown-up, especially when I look back at our early days when the company was small and young and learning to find its feet. I feel the company and myself have grown with Dubai!

There is definitely a highlight that stands out.
For me, this is when Harlequin housed the De Beers Millennium jewels – the most exclusive and expensive collection of precious diamonds in the world. Soon after being exhibited in one of our marquees, there was
an attempted robbery to steal the collection being held in the Millennium Dome in London. I am proud we managed to keep them safe.

I've worked with all kinds of people.
From celebrities to presidents, pop stars, humanitarians and world-class sportsmen and women, I've seen them all. Each meeting has been and continues to be exciting.

I don't believe in micro management.
I expect each individual to utilise common sense and take responsibility. Attention to detail
is crucial in this industry.

But what it boils down to and what is the most important, is to have fun and enjoy what you do.It's a certain type of person that fits into the events industry. It's the right personality that wins over one's previous experience.

To be good in events or any industry, you have
to genuinely care about what you do from day to day. The events business can be tough and long hours are a norm. There are always changes, pressures and demanding clients.

We have to be flexible, diplomatic and be great at problem solving.

Incredible minds inspire me.
I admire and take inspiration from two exemplary men. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who is incredible with how he rules his emirate. And Richard Branson, whom I have not yet met personally, but I loved his book.

I owe my personal success to hard work, perseverance and a continual positive outlook. And of course, being surrounded by a great team.

At first impression, I've been told that I can
be a bit intimidating. I think that this is because I have tremendous confidence and self-assurance. I'm really happy being me.

In 20 years time I see myself in beautiful Plettenberg Bay in South Africa. If not there then travelling all over
the world in a tardis, which is a time machine from the British TV series, Doctor Who.

As told to Alex Westcott, Sub Editor, Friday