I got into the event industry because I wanted to build an international events brand that is respected throughout the world. To date, Bidtech, Event Pad and Wedding Pad have offices in Manchester, London, Paris, Copenhagen, New York and Dusseldorf – so we’re definitely getting there.
I have worked here since 2010 when I founded TEP Events International.
I was attracted to this particular role because I love building scalable business models and I’d spotted an opportunity in the market for this type of event technology.
Not many people know that my real passion is for national hunt horse racing where I have enjoyed over 65 winners in my colours since 2004. I’ve also had three unsuccessful assaults on the Grand National.
My worst experience at an event was chasing a punter who’d successfully bid for a VW car in a live charity auction in Newcastle but had then ran off without paying, leaving us high and dry. During the chase, I tripped on a flight of stairs and ended up on crutches after a spell in the local hospital.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s to enjoy the moment.
The best event I’ve been involved in was my first fundraising dinner in 2003 when Sir Alex Ferguson locked horns with the then Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan to selflessly raise funds for a Lancashire cricketer who had asked me to manage his benefit year.
If I could do it all over again I would make sure I always took the cash and never the loan notes.
The one thing I can’t stand is liars.
Outside of work I spend my time drinking fine wine with my family and close friends and I also enjoy watching most sports.
If money were no object I would have been closer to winning the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup by now.
The one thing I can’t do my job without is my courage. If I didn’t have guts, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
If I ruled the event industry it would not be for very long as I prefer the challenge of getting there than being there.
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