Greg Lawson, chief executive, Smart Group
Company type: supplier, agency and venue
Position: 3
Previous position: 81
Background
Lawson has more then 30 years’ experience in the restaurant and event industries. Known for his Christmas party business Quantum Leap Events, he is now chief executive of Smart Group, running hospitality and event management firms that incorporate Smart Christmas Parties, Smart Live, Smart Hospitality and Smart at Battersea Evolution. He is also a shareholder and director of Hawthorn Anagram Production Services.
Achievements in 2013
The group hosted, catered or managed more than 250 events, worth in excess of £15m in revenue, and Lawson propelled Smart into the spotlight by providing corporate hospitality for the Olympic Hospitality Centre at London 2012. Smart’s chefs, led by Michelin-starred Angela Hartnett, provided 62,000 covers during the Games.
He created Smart Academy, an in-house training programme, and provides opportunities in his company. He also supports internal mentoring schemes to help people progress.
Lawson’s commitment to Smart was endorsed by his industry peers last year, seeing the business scoop three Event Awards for Best Christmas Party Package, Caterer of the Year and the Grand Prix award. Smart also won the ISES Esprit Award for Best Catered Event, recognising its work at London 2012.
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