-Due to constraints placed on the Event Industry due to the Coronvirus pandemic I retrained and set up a surface design business that caters for all areas of surface design such as plastering, rendering, venetian plaster, heritage plastering and micro cement.-The business has been successful grossing over £100k in its first year trading.-Projects worked on include a full renovation of a masonic hall in Manchester city centre where The Surface Co was responsible for the lime plastering and plastering of all 14 apartments on public areas of this listed building.

Incorporating all of my precious responsibilities as Event Manger, the new position of Development Manager, Donor Relations & Events saw me incorporate a new suite of skills and responsibilities into my position.In collaboration with the Director of Major Gifts and working with other members of the Development Team, I had to implement a comprehensive donor relations program, including data systems, recognition and communications. Additionally to the duties as Event Manager, this new position included:-Developing and implementing systematic and integrated donor relations programmes that include a recognition matrix and events for major gifts, legacy gifts and collaborate with leadership annual giving donors.-Manage the implementation of individual, corporate and foundation donor acknowledgment, recognition and stewardship strategies, with particular focus on major gift and legacy donors.-Develop and manage the annual donor event calendar in collaboration with other members of the Development Team.-In collaboration with Vice President, Development and other major gift Primary Relationship Managers, implement customised stewardship plans for top donors as required.-Work closely with the Director of Major Gifts to deliver an engagement program each year, focused on Ocean Wise’s top donors.

As Event Manager for the Development department I was responsible for developing and implementing annual and long-term strategies for special events including stewardship and revenue generating events across the region, with the purpose of properly stewarding major gift and legacy donors, diversifying Ocean Wise’s donor base, and ultimately strengthening the organisation’s financial base. Key duties included:-Plan, organise, manage and implement major fundraising events, including monitoring budgets, managing senior volunteers, developing event materials, coordinating with venue and maximising event related revenues.-Achieving annual revenue targets associated with these events.-Work closely with the major gifts team to secure sponsorships.-Recruiting, supporting and managing volunteer committees associated with fundraising events.-Provide management, coaching and mentoring to direct reports.-Tracking budgets and maintaining financial records throughout the year.

-Successfully planned, managed and wrapped up a suite of Warehouse Project Events including The Warehouse Project, Kendal Calling, Bluedot, Manchester International Festival, ensuring that each event was delivered successfully and profitably.-Direct management of the events Bars and VIP operations including cash management, staff procurement and management, liaising with all local authorities including licensing, police and fire.

-Successfully planned, managed and wrapped up a suite of Live Nation Events including Parklife, Lovebox and Wilderness ensuring that each event was delivered successfully and profitably.-Conceptualised and managed onsite sponsorship activations from some of the countries biggest brands including Redbull, Smirnoff, Adidas, Diageo, Carlsberg amongst others.-Management of the departments financial / budgeting systems including quote gathering, PO generating and budget management, reporting directly to the organisations CFO.