A Birmingham-based event management business is looking to expand its services after securing a new funding package.
Lemonzest Events, which is based in Castle Vale, is also investing in a new studio area for live and pre-recorded digital events after a surge in demand.
It has agreed a new funding deal worth £250,000 with Lloyds Bank to support its plans.
Lemonzest Events was established in 2012 by Louise Connor and her business partner Paul Needham.
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The company typically hosts more than 100 live events a year such as award dinners, conferences and catwalk fashion shows for clients in a broad range of sectors including sport, financial services, retail and charities.
Having furloughed most of its employees during the height of the pandemic, the firm has now brought its seven-strong team back with plans to increase headcount as bookings increase.
Ms Connor said: "The impact of covid-19 on our industry has been nothing short of catastrophic but we're now entering a new and more determined phase of recovery.
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"The pace of live event bookings is beginning to accelerate and for many people, their appetite and confidence to re-join events and experiences on a large scale is increasing."
Paul Kowaski, business banking manager at Lloyds Bank, added: "Live events are such an important part of life, helping to bring culture and shared experiences to so many.
"And now, after a prolonged period of cancellations, restrictions and challenges that have blighted the sector, it is finally time for the spotlight to shine on in-person events once again.
"Hosting large-scale events creates a ripple effect for employment and consumer spending and sustains employment for a whole host of people - including truckers and ticket sellers, caterers and staging crews, sound and lighting technicians, make up and costumes and hotels and hospitality.
"Local firms like Lemonzest Events are playing a significant role in this supply chain and we will continue to be by their side as they build back growth."