From a scavenger hunt for friends to 2,000+ events across the UK
What started as a fun Apprentice-style scavenger hunt for friends quickly turned into something bigger. Guests loved it so much that Fran began designing more challenges on weekends.
Listed on DesignMyNight, Fran hosted small groups after work and on weekends. Word spread fast, and teams began returning for the experience. Often friends and family mucking in to help! Photo – Fran + her mum on one of the first events!
A guest from a weekend event – reached out asking for a company team day. This single request revealed a huge demand for bespoke, joyful corporate events.
With bookings growing and revenue hitting five figures, Fran took the leap and left her 9–5 to run The Big Smoke Events full-time.
When Covid-19 paused in-person events, the team pivoted overnight. Virtual scavenger hunts and interactive online games became a lifeline—sparking a brand-new, more diverse portfolio that now includes hybrid and global remote experiences.
As restrictions lifted, demand surged. Repeat clients, referrals, and rapidly expanding formats helped us reach over 2,000 events across the UK—and beyond. We have continued to grow our portfolio and launch new In-person products.
From Meta and Google to Amazon and Spotify, we now partner with some of the world’s most recognised brands. With six consecutive Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, we continue creating joyful, personalised events teams remember.
We take the pressure off HR and office managers by delivering seamless team building experiences that scale to your needs. Whether it’s 20 people or 200, indoors, outdoors, or hybrid, we plan, travel, adapt, and deliver — so you can simply enjoy the results.
The Team Behind the Magic
We’re a people-first company, and that starts with our team. Our event managers are highly skilled at running small to large-scale events across the UK – and our hosts build such real connections that guests mention them by name in reviews.
Fran Hubbard
Founder & CEO - Read MoreFounder, creative force, and the heart behind our people-first culture. Fran built Big Smoke from a weekend hobby into 2,000+ events through warmth, detail, and genuine fun.
Adrian Leigh
Head of Growth - Read MoreWith years of event-industry experience (from social table-tennis tournaments to full-scale corporate team days), Adrian brings high energy, creativity and cheeky humour to every event. He knows how to turn a group into a tribe – getting people laughing, collaborating and bonding from minute one.
Holly Cuffley
Head of Events - Read MoreHolly is the organisation powerhouse behind our smooth, seamless events – and a trained actress who brings warmth, confidence, and charisma to every group she hosts. From intimate team socials to large corporate experiences, she blends meticulous planning with effortless stage presence to make every guest feel welcome and involved.
Rebecca Lee
Social & Virtual Events Host - Read MoreRebecca brings energy, creativity, and a huge sense of fun to every event — especially virtual experiences. With her background in hosting and freelance dance, she knows how to keep people engaged and connected, whether they’re in the same room or across the screen. Rebecca makes sure every guest feels seen, included, and ready to bring their best.
Elliot Lliburd
Events Host - Read MoreElliot is one of our go-to hosts when energy, enthusiasm and a welcoming vibe are key. He’s great at reading the room, breaking the ice, and guiding teams through every challenge with friendly confidence. Whether it’s a small group or a big crowd, Elliot’s warm personality and clear communication make every guest feel part of the fun from the start.
Laurance Gibbons
Events Host & Magician - Read MoreLaurence is one of our magicians – blending slick sleight-of-hand, charm, and warm hosting skills to bring a sense of wonder and connection to every event. Whether he’s mingling close-up at drinks receptions or leading an entire group through our Magic Bingo Challenge Show, Laurence’s magic isn’t just about tricks – it’s about helping people bond, laugh and remember the moment.
Tom Brace
Events Host & Magician - Read MoreTom is a professional close-up and stage magician who mixes charm, comedy and illusion to turn any event into an unforgettable experience. From casual mixers to high-profile corporate gatherings, he reads the room instantly and delivers magic that brings teams together, sparking laughter, surprise, and shared “wow” moments.
Paul
Events Host (Edinburgh) - Read MorePaul is our Edinburgh-based events host – a trained actor who brings theatrical flair, warmth, and a natural gift for making people feel included. Paul has a knack for blending professionalism with approachable charm.
Trusted by the Best
What makes this special? Our guests have so much fun that they can’t help but share it.
Brands We’ve Worked With
Trusted by over 500+ corporate clients across the UK & abroad
What Our Clients Say
Our people-first approach means we build real relationships. Here’s what our clients and guests have to say:
DOJO
Scavenger Hunt - Read More“WE WORKED WITH THE BIG SMOKE TO RUN A SCAVENGER HUNT FOR 400 PEOPLE AT OUR ANNUAL SUMMIT. THEY’RE HIGHLY SKILLED, PROFESSIONAL, AND MADE THE WHOLE PROCESS EASY. THE EVENT WAS A SMASH HIT!”
PAUL
Magic Bingo - Read More“MAGIC BINGO WAS THE CHERRY ON TOP OF A GREAT AFTERNOON. THE ACTIVITY ITSELF WAS WELL ORGANISED, ENTERTAINING AND A LOT OF FUN. IT WAS STILL DISCUSSED DURING EVENING DRINKS — THE TEAM WERE OBVIOUSLY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE TRICKS!”
PEPSI
Virtual Personalised Quiz - Read More“PERFECT WAY TO CONNECT REMOTELY – COMPETITIVE, HILARIOUS, AND HAD THE INSIDE JOKES RUNNING FOR AGES AFTERWARDS!”
GENERAL MILLS
Bingo Challenge Show - Read More“THIS HAS BEEN THE BEST SOCIAL ACTIVITY WE HAVE DONE”
Many of our bookings now come from repeat clients. Some even move jobs and book us again.
Ready to Plan an Event Your Team Will Love?
Tell us a little about your team, and we’ll build a personalised event proposal.