I got into the event industry because I have always loved the buzz you get being part of a live performance, even from behind the scenes. I didn’t enjoy studying at college, but fell into lighting college productions and concentrated on developing my vocational skills from there.
I have worked here since 2003 when I set up Diamond Event Services with my brother. It will be our tenth anniversary in February.
I was attracted to this particular role because I discovered a niche requirement for professional crew with technical skills that was not being serviced by anyone else. Now, as an MD, I get to be my own boss giving me the freedom to open up work and home life.
Not many people know that I take pride in having done most of the jobs I require my staff to do. A better understanding of onsite operations helps me to understand and improve the services we offer.
My worst experience at an event was installing Christmas tree lights on a nine-metre tree, up a cherry picker, on my own, in the wind and rain. The only Christmas tree I will put lights on now is my own.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it is communication is key. You can never have too much information about an event. All that planning is pointless unless it’s properly communicated to everyone involved.
The best event I’ve been involved in was the MTV Europe Music Awards in Edinburgh in 2003: an amazing event on our doorstep with our team working onstage next to international superstars.
If I could do it all over again I would speak out more in the early days of my career when the standards of safety onsite were not at the level they are now. I have since trained as a safety passport instructor to help other businesses achieve better safety standards. As event professionals, we are all responsible for moving the industry forward.
The one thing I can’t stand is having to re-do a job a second time because it wasn’t done right in the first place. I value experience and enjoy developing crew and their skills.
Outside of work I spend my time enjoying life with my family and getting to experience the events I usually spend so long working on.
If money were no object, I would still work in the events industry. Diamond Event Services has given me the opportunity to work alongside members of my family, in an industry I am passionate about.
The one thing I can’t do my job without is getting my hands dirty. I may be the MD now but that doesn’t stop me from mucking in with the crew when I get the chance.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be a lighting technician. I only ever wanted to be a lampie.
If I ruled the event industry only people who are good at their job and knew what they were doing would survive the revolution. I really believe in looking after the next generation by training and supporting them. They may well become clients and crew in the future.
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