Our Speakers 2023
Over the last several months, much of his time has been taken up with advising members on the impact of the ever-changing Covid-19 restrictions.
In addition to event cover, FMS is a training provider and has been heavily involved in the NHS Covid vaccination programme in the West Country. Recently it has partnered with World Extreme Medicine to produce and ship bespoke boxes of trauma equipment to medical colleagues in Ukraine.
Chris has considerable experience of providing medical input into SAGs and event working groups. Now retired from NHS practice, he lives in Somerset with his wife and two cats.
His portfolio consists of overseeing hundreds of licensed premises (including festivals and events), assessing licensing applications, education and advice to both police colleagues and operators, representing the constabulary at licensing hearings, reviewing Event Management Plans and attending Safety Advisory Groups, conducting site visits, alongside many other tasks.
Nick feels incredibly lucky to work in the world of licensing; valuing the importance of positive, co-operative working relationships with all those involved and adopts a pragmatic approach where possible in trying to deal with any licensing issues that may arise.
He is also a member of the Institute of Licensing.
Joining RHASS just before the Show in 2015, Mark oversees the 300-acre site that is the Royal Highland Centre and heads up a team of 17 members of staff who are responsible for the maintenance of the facilities and estate, as well as providing support to the 200 events that the venue hosts throughout the year, including the Royal Highland Show. Over the last eight years, Mark has developed strategies and made investments across the site that provides a low-risk, top-quality venue option for all event organisers. Including the creation of an outdoor music arena, which can host full touring production and space for a 40,000-person audience, and more recently the upgrade to the 1-mile racing circuit within the Showground.
He is also the immediate past chair of UKEvents having served as Chair during the pandemic. He has been involved with the partnership for over 12 years. He also served as an independent member of the Event Industry Board and a founding director of the Events Apprenticeship Programme Board.
His most high profile role in the UK event industry was the 10 years he spent as Director of Live Events for the COI, the UK governments marketing communications agency. His team designed and delivered a huge range of events, managed the approved supplier framework and worked with a broad range of creative agencies and suppliers on complex and challenging integrated communication campaigns.
“… had to drop you a line to say how amazing your communications have been …”
“Thank you for all your information and updates.”
“… the daily emails summarising the position, especially related to events, are very useful indeed …”
“NOEA has been absolutely fantastic in your support for all of us.”
“Thank you for your time and commitment keeping us updated about the effects of the pandemic on the events industry.”
“You are doing an AMAZING job supporting members”
“I’m sure all your members are thankful for your assistance in these trying times.”
“You guys are doing an amazing job of supporting the industry – you were out there first and are such a key resource!”
“Keep ’em coming … NOEA’s proactivity on this topic is much appreciated!”
“We have been glued to your information bulletins.”