Obby Concierge Launches

In response to increased demand for creative private experiences, Obby - the UK’s leading booking platform for individual crafters - introduces ‘Obby Concierge’. This exciting new offering launches during a seismic shift towards more wellness-focused pursuits and enriching experiences. It also taps into the rising trend, prompted by lockdown, for craft-based activities as a means to improve mental health, avoid SAD and forge deeper relationships.  

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Obby Concierge is a private event planning service, coordinating bespoke and creative experiences in person or online. Their main goal is to provide immersive events for groups which have a strong wellbeing ethos. 

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There has been significant research around the positive impact of creativity on mental health, demonstrating how creativity can boost the mood, reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety, and improve the function of our immune systems.  This, combined with the popularity of shows such as The Great British Bake Off, The Great British Sewing Bee and The Great Pottery Throw Down, has seen therapeutic pursuits such as baking, knitting and pottery enjoying a significant come-back.

“We’ve seen growing demand for ways to celebrate significant occasions, from birthdays and hen parties through to the classic office party,” explains Obby founder, Tom Batting. “People no longer want to just go out for drinks, they want to engage in something more meaningful. Since 2018, we’ve had a 300% increase in hen-do bookings alone, centered around popular crafts like painting experiences, life drawings, clay throwing and more.”

In 2022, Obby’s fastest growing private enquiry was from corporates looking for interesting ways to entice workers back into a community environment. In September alone, the company received over £150k worth of enquiries to visit teams at their offices, or local excursions, for mindful creative experiences. As employers recognise the importance of a wellbeing focused culture to retain talent, resonate with customers and grow their brand value, they are increasingly seeking ways to bring their teams together in more engaging and inspired ways.

Quality Teachers & Trending Crafts
Offering unique and uplifting group learning experiences, Obby Concierge works with carefully chosen teachers and venues to bring a premium service to its clients. One such partner is MasterPeace, the five star rated mindful art studio in Ecclestone Yards, where clients can enjoy a range of classes from mindful painting, candle making, life drawing and needle felting.

Obby Concierge data has already cited the fastest growing craft trends - both for Christmas gifting and New-Year-New-You passion projects. These include British Wool Needle Felting, Vegan Candle Making and Glass Garden Terrarium Making. Other activities include pottery, wine tasting and floristry, bread baking and macrame.

Obby Concierge also works hard to support independent creatives who have turned their craft hobbies as a way to earn more money. “We’ve seen a 500% increase in teacher applications to join our platform. Over half describe themselves as Side-Hustlers, teaching their passion projects as a way to top up their income,” explains Tom.

The Obby Concierge Experience
Taking place either in your own or an especially chosen Obby venue, on-line or in person, these beautifully put together holistic experiences help to promote teamwork, nurture new skill sets and boost inner wellbeing. From venue, catering and decorating, every experience is fully bespoke and curated by the dedicated Obby Concierge team to ensure it runs smoothly and professionally. A transparent pricing is provided upfront to help with budget management.

With Christmas around the corner, Obby Concierge presents an exciting solution and alternative to the cliched office party. Equally, demand is already high for the wintry months of 2023, as a way to beat the January blues and have something exciting to look forward to in the early new year.

“With Obby Concierge, our goal is to share the stimulation of learning a new skill alongside friends or colleagues, as well as the positive benefits of getting creative,” adds Tom.

Costing from £35pp (for 10 or more), the curated collection of premium experiences service corporate events and team socials, through to hen parties, family gatherings and celebrations.

For more information visit www.groups.obby.co.uk

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