I got into the events industry because we were already filming events for many of our clients and it became a natural progression to start producing them. Our first clients were Unilever and Typhoo Tea. Working from project-to-project makes your working day more varied and fulfilling.
I have worked here since 1986. I was asked to join the team by my father to head up the video production side of the business which had just been started. I became technical director after that and was the appointed MD in 1993. Mills Media is a family business and was established in 1876 as a photographic firm and has grown over the years to become one of the leading north west creative production houses, I am proud to be a part of it.
I was attracted to this particular role because when I was first asked to join the team portable video cameras and recorders were just coming on the market I thought this seemed like an interesting role, so I took up my father's offer. The events side of my role was a progression after requests from our clients.
Not many people know that I have worked with John Cleese and Chris Tarrant.
My worst experience at an event was when the video presentation for the head of communications of one of the UK police forces didn't play at the beginning of a keynote address at a client's conference. It had worked in rehearsals but the damn file would not play when it should have done. PowerPoint and video files - god we love them!
If there's one thing I've learnt it's take every opportunity you have and seek advice from a variety of sources and listen to what you are being told. I would also say it is best to be pro-active and not reactive.
The best event I've been involved in was one of our recent contracts with PIANC, the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure. We organised its 125th Anniversary Congress which took place over five days. We had been planning the event for four years. It took place at the BT Convention Centre, Liverpool, welcoming 600 delegates, partners and exhibitors from 41 countries.
If I could do it all over again I would make sure that there was one international standard for digital video formats so that there is total compatibility when PowerPoint presentations are being played at events.
The one thing I can't stand is venues with upper floor main conference suites and no heavy goods lifts and no parking - painful.
Outside of work I spend my time enjoying rugby union, which I coach, skiing, watching my two kids enjoy all manner of sports, and sailing in Anglesey.
If money were no object I would live in Zermatt, Switzerland - the skiing there is excellent and I love the town which is dominated by the Matterhorn.
The one event I will never miss is any of the England rugby union matches - home or away and I like to be with a crowd if I can - the atmosphere is much better - whether it be at home with friends and family or down at Twickenham.
The recession has meant that clients expect more bang for their buck. We have tried to provide new approaches, ideas and cost that suit all parties including launching our Banners for Business service.
The next 12 months will be exciting. We have many projects and events lined up and will continue embracing any new technology or ideas that can help us grow.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be one of the cameramen that film the rugby matches - would love to do that for a day or two. Not sure how good I would be but love to give it a try.
If I ruled the event industry I would ban the use of the Tina Turner track "Simply the best" at events.
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