I have worked here since March of this year.
I was attracted to this particular role because the Architecture of the building is so stunning and I could see the potential.
Not many people know that Senate House was used as the Ministry of Information during the Second World War.
My worst experience at an event was whilst working for an outside catering company. I forgot to order the chairs for a seated dinner event. A very difficult telephone conversation with the logistics manager followed plus weeks of ribbing.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s treat people how you would like to be treated yourself, and look upon every event as it was your own.
The best event I’ve been involved in was the summer garden parties at the Inner Temple where each year we would theme the event and transform the garden. Themes included a seaside pier, circus and a cruise liner.
If I could do it all over again I would spend more time in my earlier days working in kitchens, I qualified as a chef but moved to front of house after leaving college for more money and better hours, but I regret not getting the experience now.
The one thing I can’t stand is clients who don’t cancel provisional bookings until they are chased.
Outside of work I spend my time walking my dog and trying to keep up with the children.
If money were no object I would buy a vineyard in Italy and make excellent wine or be happy learning from my mistakes.
The one event I will never miss is the wedding of either of my daughters, but as they are still very young I’ve got a long time to wait.
The next 12 months will be a real challenge to introduce Senate house to the open market, especially in these trying times.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be the venue manger of Westminster Palace as I have read they will soon be allowing commercial events.
If I ruled the event industry I would increase the tax advantages for staff parties and reduce the rate of VAT on room hire and catering.