What began as a pop-up stall business at local events has grown into a national platform changing how vendors and venues connect.
This summer, Vendor Booking UK, a family-run business based in Calne, marks six successful years of transforming the way events are organised — from Wiltshire high streets to London skyscrapers.
Founded in 2019 by partners Chris Read and Kara Matthews, along with Kara’s son Arran and daughter-in-law Charlotte, the business was born from their own experience navigating the unpredictable world of pop-up trading. After years of running handbag stalls at corporate offices, fairs, gyms, and retirement villages, they saw first-hand how chaotic vendor and venue coordination could be — and decided to fix it themselves.
“We never set out to build a tech platform,” says Chris. “We just wanted to connect people better — and we have.”
From humble beginnings and personal savings, Vendor Booking UK has grown into a first-of-its-kind, fully automated system that takes the hassle out of event booking. The platform is now used by shopping centres, gyms, office complexes, leisure centres, retirement villages, and town councils across the UK — including landmark buildings featured on The Apprentice.
While they operate nationally, the team remains proudly rooted in Calne. From events like Calne Bike Meet to major offices in Greater London, Vendor Booking UK has become a go-to solution for venues needing reliable vendor management, and for small businesses seeking trading opportunities.
Beyond the technology, the company prides itself on heart. Kara explains that helping small businesses grow is what drives them. “Helping others succeed — that’s our real success,” she says.
The platform has made a real difference. One former solicitor turned jeweller rebuilt her career through Vendor Booking UK. Another trader, once on the verge of closing her business, made more in three months using the platform than she had in the entire year before.
Key features of Vendor Booking UK include:
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Fully automated bookings with document compliance support
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UK-first automated vendor marketing, including posters and materials
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A free sampling programme now used by national brands
- Personal customer support with real people on the phone
“There’s nothing else like it in the market,” says Kara. “We take the pain out of booking events - and we actually pick up the phone when someone needs us!”
Looking ahead, the company is expanding into new partnerships with airports, hotels, hospitals, conference centres, and even golf courses. While their footprint continues to grow, the heart of the business remains unchanged. “In a year’s time, we’ll barely recognise our business again!
We grow, evolve, and stay flexible - that’s the secret,” adds Chris.
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com.
