I got into the events industry because I saw a gap in the market for intelligent creative staffing.
I have worked here since 1996 when I started Hel’s Angels.
I was attracted to the role because I love people and the ‘ever changing’ is interesting and exciting. Every project we take on is different from the last. Each one presents new challenges to overcome which is all part of the fun. Seeing a project come to fruition when it started life as a two-dimensional brief is fantastic.
Not many people know that I have helped deliver three babies.
My worst experience at an event was turning up to find I had been totally let down by a supplier, who hadn’t delivered an oven – a tricky thing to find on a Sunday morning. Fortunately the event was being held in the town my Mum had lived in 10 years previously. I persuaded the occupants of her old house to let me use their oven. I was extraordinarily grateful to them, and we managed to serve all 80 guests their lunch on time. Luckily I wasn’t spotted running down the road with great platters of meat.
If there is one thing I have learnt it is to be prepared, but if something does go wrong do not panic. There is always a solution. Adapt and overcome.
The best event I was involved in was The Complete History of Food with White Label: a challenging, gastronomic, character led, immersive experience that was pretty amazing. Saying that our first job was at Reading Festival so I’m always very fond of a festival site.
If I could do it all over again I would either find a sponsor to back the business or find private investment. When I started Hel’s I had to use a factoring company to pay the staff wages which was awful in so many ways.
The one thing I can’t stand is cowboy suppliers and people who promise things and then don’t deliver; it can put you in an extremely awkward position.
Outside work I spend my time with my family and friends on the beach in Brighton where I live.
If money were no object I would open a string of training venues; there is not enough onus on good service within the events industry
The one event I will never miss is Glastonbury. Need I say more?
The next 12 months will be challenging yet full of new exciting projects. We are already getting into shape for 2012 by recruiting and training new Angels, putting together our Olympic team.
If I could switch places with anyone in the industry it would be in all honesty, I like being where I am. I have a successful company, I am surrounded by an amazing team of talent, which has taken time and energy to create and grow.
If I ruled the event industry I would outlaw rubbish staff.