THE firm behind the proposed nightclub for Christopher Place, St Albans, has this week outlined its plans for the former Phil's Snooker Hall premises.
Strategic Marketing Communications (SMC), which is based in Upper Marlborough Road but has several other offices nationwide, was formed in 1999 by Flamstead resident Andy Shipton.
Since then the firm's turnover has grown by £1million pounds each year to stand at £3million last year.
The firm has been specialisting in field marketing and the outsourcing of sales and promotional staff.
But Mr Shipton said that adherence to a business plan had enabled the firm to manage its growth successfully, paving the way for expansion into the nightclub scene.
Mr Shipton started a subsidiary company, SMC Leisure, for the purposes of setting up what he hopes will be St Albans' premier nightspot.
He said: "SMC Leisure was set up six months ago and is an entirely separate operation dealing solely with the nightclub.
"My business partner has 18 years experience in the industry and has managed several clubs in and around London.
"More importantly they have been the type of club we are looking to open here."
Mr Shipton said the club would have a distinctly upmarket feel and would be aimed at the young professional market.
He added: "We have conducted extensive research and we believe we can fill the 700 capacity two or three times over.
"This would be something entirely different from Batchwood and The Adelaide.
He said it would be a members-only club and the clientele would be carefully vetted to rule out any "undesirable elements."
With an age restriction of 23 for women and 25 for men, Mr Shipton thinks the club can successfully avoid the problems traditionally associated with city centre watering holes.
He added: "We are not looking to create a problem for St Albans but provide it with something positive.
"The club would create around 50 jobs and we genuinely feel there is a need for something like this in St Albans."
June 12, 2002 14:00
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