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Gill told Event that three key factors have influenced his decision to join the company full-time. "Having spent three months in the business, I am confident that I can work with my experienced executive team to add shareholder value to what is a solid business base," he explains.

"I also feel very well supported by our non-exec chairman, David Gilbertson, who has helped me to implement some core change management over the last few months. Finally, after 30 years in the business, I continue to get a great deal of personal satisfaction in creating career development opportunities for the very many talented people in the business."  

Gill will dedicate all of his work-related time to Concerto Group, and as such will no longer be involved with Story Events. "I have resigned from my role as chairman and director of Story Events to respect their position as an independent agency.

"I have every confidence that and her team will build on the solid foundations we have created over what has been an exciting first two years for the business, which continues to grow and now employs 16 full-time staff," he adds.

The year ahead 

The role will see Gill tasked with implementing a new three-year strategy. "My remit is to deliver sustainable growth and profitability based on a three-year strategy, which was approved by the board in January.

"With more than 15 brands and seven office locations from London to Liverpool, delegating responsibility for both revenue and strategic delivery is an essential part of the role," he says.

Gill is positive regarding the company’s financial performance over the next year - a result of its clients as well as the state of the industry. "Our customer satisfaction and repeat business levels are running at record highs, which gives me early encouragement that we will deliver the planned growth in our next financial year, commencing 1 March.

"We see demand remaining strong in our sector, but remain mindful of the apparent recent downturn in service sector confidence, which is a key indicator of future demand," he adds.

Internal training and new projects are also on the cards this year. "Aside from delivering an approved budget, creating a clear management structure supported by external training and motivating reward and remuneration schemes will define our ability to deliver our strategy for growth.

"This is a people business, so Concerto’s people must be fully engaged and 'on my bus' for the exciting journey that lies ahead. In addition, we are looking at some very interesting new year-round venue projects that will support or strategic growth ambitions," he says. 

Gill, who once worked as Concerto's group events director, re-joined the company last November, .