Organiser of A-list events, Liz Taylor, reflects on a life well lived – and why her home in Bowdon is just as exciting
Absolutely is nervous in the presence of Liz Taylor, founder of TLC Events. Not because of any primadonna behaviour – she’s nothing of the sort, in fact Liz is an engaging interviewee – but because of a particular skill she has. “I can spot a spelling mistake a mile away,” she smiles. Cue a second sub of this piece.
It’s a statement that comes up when discussing Liz’s early life and how that evolved into running a company that organises luxurious events for the celebrity and business world. TLC Events’ portfolio includes styling the Kensington Palace Winter Whites Gala hosted by HRH The Duke of Cambridge (now Prince of Wales), official organiser of the Coronation Street 50th anniversary celebrations, and working with businesses such as Mary Portas, UEFA and Mercedes-Benz.
And, it seems, this was all written in the stars. “An early school report once stated, ‘If Elizabeth was not so bossy, she might achieve a lot more!’,” the Liz of today laughs. “From a young age, I wanted to feel in control and be organised – and I’ve never shied away from that. Pocket money was non-existent in our house, and that is exactly what fuelled my drive in life. I had to earn everything for myself. I even snuck into Manchester for my Saturday job at Emma Somerset, a fashion retailer. I loved selling, and I was great at it. That early experience taught me independence, courage, and the value of hard work – qualities that have defined me ever since.”
Fashion, initially, was the direction her career took Liz down, but things came to a head where she needed to make a change. “I was divorced, with two children to feed, no job, and £200 in the bank,” she says. “A friend asked me to help create a Cinderella-themed Bar Mitzvah at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester. Together, we created something extraordinary – something no-one had ever seen before. I was good at this, and word got out. The phone started ringing. A Hollywood Nights party for the iconic Midland Hotel followed, then a Circus Night…
“In 1988, the event market was emerging and there were very few planners in the North West,” Liz continues. “I was a parent first, but I quickly realised I’d have to juggle a full-time job with raising kids and working unsociable hours. But I only operate at one speed: top gear. Determination and gut instinct drove me forward, and I found independence and fulfilment in the process.”
It wasn’t long before TLC Events was a market leader. “We offer events that people talk about. Events that are unforgettable for their daring creativity, cutting-edge innovation, meticulous detail, or world-class entertainment. You’re only as good as your last event, and that’s how you lead an industry.
“I started solo,” Liz adds about the evolution of the business, “then tried a partnership – only to realise I worked best alone. It was the right decision. I was in control of the whole business now and the year after the amicable buy-out of my business partner, TLC turned over £4 million. The hard work had paid off. I’ve always brought the same passion, innovation, and attention to detail to every event, staying one step ahead of the competition. But the game has changed. The competition is fierce, and the explosion of technology – lighting, sound production, and special effects – has taken events to a whole new level. Staying ahead of the market has been a key to my success.”
The business has grown up alongside Liz’s own children. “I hired a nanny who stayed with us for nearly 30 years so I could provide for my daughters, Katie and Goldie, while showing them the value of hard work. When they were older, they even came along to events, mastering the art of napkin folding! I have regrets about missed moments, but I did what I had to do. My example paid off – they’re both strong, independent women with successful careers and happy families.”
So much so that Goldie is now a part of the business too, running TLC Events’ London office. “It started as a casual conversation, but felt like the perfect fit,” Liz explains. “Goldie’s kids were older, and she was ready for a new challenge. She’d built a successful career in events and as a high-level PA, so she brought the skills, contacts, and understanding of the business just as our southern operation was taking off. Boundaries are critical. At work, she’s Goldie, not my daughter. I treat her like any other team member – though sometimes I have to stop myself from being harder on her. It’s a tricky balance, but we make it work. She’s earned her place on the team, and I’m proud to work alongside such a talented daughter.”
Liz’s world continues to evolve at pace. In 2020, she launched Liz Taylor Consultancy, which encompasses her work as a successful media commentator, motivational speaker, podcast host, and consultant for hospitality and luxury brands. She was recently appointed as a Director of the Victoria Baths Trading Company and Special Advisor to the Victoria Baths Trust, and an Entrepreneur in Residence for the University of Central Lancashire, something she is clearly enthusiastic about. “It lets me inspire the next generation. Finding young people with that spark and helping ignite it is incredibly rewarding. If I can showcase an industry that’s given me a thrilling, profitable career – along with opportunities to travel the world and meet extraordinary people – I’ve done my job.”
Home today is Bowdon, close to where she grew up in Hale, and even that has an element of razzmatazz about it. “I knocked down every possible wall and door,” she says with glee. “When I first saw it, it felt outdated and claustrophobic, with its blue 1960s carpet. I wanted space, light, and energy. Now, it’s one big open space, with three bedrooms – though one is dedicated solely to handbags and shoes! It’s mad and colourful and it’s 100% me.”
It sounds the perfect place for Liz to take stock and reflect on how far she has come. Looking back at some of the events that will live long in her memory, Corrie is one that comes up, along with a rather surreal musical moment. “Organising Coronation Street’s 50th birthday party was a dream come true. Growing up nearby, I watched thousands of episodes. I’ve always been a fan and always will be. Now, I count the show’s creator, Tony Warren, as a friend. The event – a star-studded charity gala at The Hilton – had a golden and black theme, seamlessly interwoven with priceless archive footage.
“Another highlight? Rescuing Prince William’s Winter Whites Ball when it was on the brink of collapse – with just two weeks to pull it off. I called in every favour, navigated strict protocols, and built a magical winter wonderland for 400 guests. The ‘money shot’ says it all: Jon Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, and Prince William singing Livin’ on a Prayer.” Job very much done.
See more at tlc-ltd.co.uk and liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk, plus listen to Liz’s podcast Events That Made Me on Spotify, Audible and Apple Music
