Hear My Story:
Learning Business as a Kidpreneur
I learnt my entrepreneurial approach to life in my parents busy pub on the River Thames in the 80s & 90s.
I grew up with all sorts of characters from all walks of life which made me streetwise from a young age. I learnt how to read people, ask the right questions and negotiate a deal which has served me well.
At the age of 10 I set up a few small businesses. My teenage years were all about buying, selling and creating Win-Win situations whilst building relationships – skills which still serve me well today.
In 1999 I launched ‘The Student Events Company’ and went on to create 3 student nightclub brands. We ended up putting on 1,500 events in major cities across the UK over 9 years.
Learning Business as a Kidpreneur
The Birth of Bournemouth 7s
The Birth of Bournemouth 7s
Sat on Bournemouth Beach in 2007, I had an idea which I hoped would bring something new to the festival market. Since launching the festival in 2008, B7s has gone on to become the largest Sport & Music Festival in the world, earning numerous awards over the last 13 years. Celebrated as the ‘Sporting Glastonbury’, B7s is a 3 day celebration of Sport, Music and new experiences welcoming 30,000 sports people and festival goers alike.
By Day – 400 Rugby, Netball, Hockey, Dodgeball and Volleyball teams compete in a range of Elite and Social tournaments. 1,500 matches are showcased throughout the weekend.
By Night – Let the party begin! With fancy dress encouraged, the Festival offers 12 vibrantly themed arenas hosted by 40 DJ’s and live headline acts.
Building a Global Sports Brand
Building a Global Sports Brand
In 2012 we launched an online digital business that challenged and disrupted the sportswear market and the brand grew exponentially in the UK, Dubai, Australia and New Zealand.
Carving out a niche in the university sportswear world, Viper 10 specialised in high quality Netball and Rugby attire.
In 2018, the company was sold to a competitor following an offer I couldn’t refuse.
The Eventful Entrepreneur
During lockdown, I decided to create a podcast where I interview entrepreneurs, celebrities, sporting icons, military heroes and anyone who has lived an eventful life. I was blown away by the immediate success of the Eventful Entrepreneur Podcast, and couldn’t believe it when I was asked to co-host The Harry Redknapp Show when it was launched. Podcasting has become a new passion of mine.
The Next Generation of
Event Professionals
During the global pandemic the events industry lost a lot talent as people jumped ship to other careers. I spotted a potential staff shortfall, and that people were facing barriers to entry that weren’t neccasary. I wanted to nurture the next generation of event professionals using an online course that features the top 40 experts from across the UK. The Event Crowd was born.