Vicky Cruse Email & Phone Number

North West

I transitioned in to the first events role within the THG Experience division to lead, plan and execute best in class events. I provide end to end event management to company divisions and brand partners whilst ensuring a smooth working relationship with THG properties. I collaborate with multiple teams including Creative Studios, PR and Marketing on activations. With a wide-ranging supplier network, I have developed bespoke event concepts tailored to brands which bring their ideas to life. I created booking guidelines and processes in line with the wider event strategy to be communicated company wide and tracked revenue for all events within the department. I have since handed down to the division’s newest Events Manager and mentored them on best practice. This has allowed me to work on more strategic projects including a central events calendar and commercial proposals for third party brands. Throughout lockdown I streamlined our supplier database creating a central bank of first-class suppliers to share with Event Managers across all division with preferential rates on AV and production. Pre-covid I worked on over 50 live events for brands and partners such as Gillette, Grow Gorgeous and Zavvi plus most notably the first whole house takeover of King Street Townhouse for LOOKFANTASTIC. In addition to this I work on central events such as the annual parties and staff engagement event over Cyber Weekend. Throughout the last 18 months I developed a strong knowledge of the virtual event environment. I have led on event production for Glossybox and Own Brand Beauty plus a firm favourite – a 9-hour staff engagement event which took place virtually with quizzes, entertainment and celebrity guests. This event has since been mentioned by ‘Top Companies’ in THG‘s top 25 listing.

Great John Street Hotel

Remaining with the Eclectic Hotel Collection I worked in a senior sales capacity for Great John Street. A stone’s throw from Manchester’s most exclusive shopping areas the hotel won ‘Best Event Venue’ at the National Venue Awards.My role required me to take ownership of meeting and event enquiries and convert them in to confirmed business. I detailed specific event requirements and provided comprehensive event orders to the hotel operations team. I offered support to junior Event Co-ordinators in rate negotiation and department best practice. Reporting to the Director of Sales I confidently worked towards sales targets and achieved top figures for the hotel in April, May and June.

King Street Townhouse, Manchester

King Street Townhouse is an award winning 40 bedroom boutique hotel located in heart of Manchester City Centre. I was promoted from Senior Event Manager to head of department as Conference and Banqueting Manager after 6 months with the company. This is a high volume hotel with six events spaces each being used up to 3 times a day in the busiest period. I was responsible for the smooth operation of all aspects of events and the day to day running of the department. My strong operational knowledge ensured staffing levels were kept in line and feedback was consistently positive. I introduced incentives to assist in achieving bar revenue targets notably exceeding £690,000 in December 2018.

Stockport, United Kingdom

Stockport Plaza is a restored Art Deco theatre housing a 1930s tea room. With previous hospitality experience within a heritage venue I was appointed to create profitable wedding and event packages. In addition to this I had operational responsibility to build a highly trained team across all areas of the hospitality provision. I managed private hires from initial enquiry to on the day management and built up a wealth of knowledge in production. I led a team of over 30, including volunteers, to run first class events and efficient bar service during shows. I achieved an increase of 24% in the revenue per wedding since 2014 and the private event revenue more than doubled.

The Midland, Morecambe

The Midland Hotel is an internationally renowned 4* Art Deco hotel restored by Urban Splash in 2008 and operated by English Lakes Hotels. The award winning hotel boasts 44 bedrooms, 3 function suites, an AA Rosette rated restaurant, seafront cocktail bar and spa facilities.My time at the hotel began as a casual member of the banqueting team moving in to an Event Co-ordinator role a year later. Promoted to Senior Events Co-ordinator & Duty Manager in 2010, then Wedding & Events Manager in 2011, I gained a wealth of hotel experience both operationally and within venue sales.As department manager I trained Events Co-ordinators on departmental procedures and best practice as well as conducting appraisals. With my mentorship the first team member I employed in the department is still with the company and now in my previous position. I produced sales forecasts identifying areas for improvement and implemented new event and marketing concepts to maximize sales. The department exceeded targets and saw continued growth year on year.

Ma Creative Events Management, Events, Merit

Architectural Technology

Certificate of Further Education with Merit

Photography

NCFE in Photography

A* To C

11 GCSEs grades A* to C 3 A-levels at grade C