About Us
Our Story
Sussex and Surrey Tipi Hire have been established for over sixteen years under our umbrella company Ground Control Marquees. We cover all of the home counties; encompassing West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, Greater London and London itself.
We undertake all events where a good temporary construction is required, supplying teepees and marquees in almost any shape, style, or configuration that may be needed in order to make your particular function work. Remember - it's not only wet, cold weather protection when a marquee/tipi is required, but equally hot sun can spoil a party, wedding, corporate event or business promotion in the same way if shade is not available. We supply everything needed from heating and lighting, dance floors and staging, trailer toilets and bars to create the environment that's right for you.
As a credit to our operation and professionalism we are the preferred supplier to many large and small venues through the South East.
We pay special attention to using the very best suppliers when required and offer a broad spread of options from which to select in order to achieve what you want for your event.
Meet The Team
Director
Ben Mayhew
Ben has spent many years in the events industry and there are not too many things that he has not seen.
Starting in the early nineties, he worked as a freelance set builder working mainly in the London area creating fantastic sets for extravagant parties. He also worked on many sets at London's prestigious fashion week. From here he moved into Marquee structures and would build the frames then move on into the insides to again create fantastic themes within.
After years in London a move to Billingshurst would see him start at Fare Catering and Marquees as their full time marquee manager in charge of all the set ups for their busy summer seasons. Moving up the company to head of logistics and then to managing director. He ran the company as if it was his own for eight years until the owner offered him the company which he took over completely in 2008, renamed as Ground Control Marquees. From here he has not looked back, enjoying more and more challenges of running his own business. Ben can be found in the office most evenings but spends the summer days working with his team erecting the marquees so that he can be sure each job has his stamp of approval.
Director
Holly Mayhew
Holly has had many years to get used to the industry being married to Ben since 1999.
Holly was originally a Montessori school teacher running her own business for 6 years in West Sussex.
Not long after Ben obtained the business, she joined him in the office using her fantastic listening skills to great effect with their clients. They are now a great husband and wife team.
Holly is always available for a chat to help you achieve your dream event.
Site Team
The Crew
Our team have a rich tapestry of backgrounds but really enjoy working in the great outdoors. The work is extremely labour intensive and often demanding 6-7 day weeks in our high season but they find it very rewarding when they receive fantastic feedback, along with being able to see clients enjoy they spaces that they have created.
Our guys work tirelessly throughout the season in order to create structures with an attention to detail on the final product and are always approachable for any questions during the build process.
We are fortunate to have a great site team who are the backbone of our business. Problem solving and service with a smile. A credit to have as the face of our company, hats off to them!
We are always on the look out for new members of our site crew during the busy summer season. If you feel that you fit in with our company ethos, please feel free to get in contact!