Meet Team Creative - Lindsay Atkinson

Name...  Lindsay Atkinson

Job Title... Venue Manager

Venue... Olympia

Favourite Drink... Amaretto and coke, with a splash of lime

Favourite Meal... It varies, but generally anything with cheese in it or on it

I started working for Creative...  in 2005 whilst studying for my degree. I started out at the NEC in Birmingham working as bar staff, and loved how easily I could save money whilst having fun with my friends. I worked my way up the Creative ladder working in almost every role available!

In a nutshell my role is...  managing and maintaining our catering operation, and maximising opportunities whilst ensuring clients, the Venue and customers are all happy.

On an average day... there is always something to learn and take on board. No two events and organisers are the same and each one requires a different approach to make it successful.

My most rewarding moment...  is this moment right now. I have been given a great opportunity in my new role and I am proud of myself and what I have achieved over the years to come this far.

My most challenging moment... It’s hard to pinpoint one moment as each event provides its own challenges, whether it be developing the right food offering for the crowds at Chelsea Flower Show, ensuring that stock is planned accordingly for an Example concert or maintaining a high level of customer service on the shop floor during a busy run of exhibition events. As we all do in event catering I relish the challenges- it ensures the job never gets boring!

I can't be doing with... people that have no passion and don’t try.

I couldn’t cope without...  a latte every morning!

Best piece of advice... Never let your standards slip.

Meet Team Creative - Lyndsay Smith

In a new feature on the Creative Taste blog we are going to introduce you to some of the team that work so hard to make it all happen.  From the kitchen to staffing, logistics to business development we will cover it all!  They will all be answering a few questions to give you an idea about them,  their Creative world and what goes on behind the scenes.  Today we start with Lyndsay Smith our Special Events Manager...

Name...   Lyndsay Smith
Job Title...   Events Manager
Venue...   Special Events
Favourite Drink...   Wine (any variety)
Favourite Meal...   Anything Italian



I started working for Creative..   
January 2008 (which makes me feel old). As a fresh faced 22 year old I joined the company during Creative’s major growth spurt. Having won 3 new major festivals for that summer (Big Chill, Cornbury and Bloodstock) I had to hit the ground running and was thrown in at the deep end. 5 years on, I have learnt a huge amount, aged somewhat, climbed the career ladder and enjoyed every step.

In a nutshell my role is...
Plan plan plan. From the initial meeting to the execution and load out. One thing you can’t plan for is the weather!

On an average day...
There is no average day which is the reason why I got into events.  Every day is different, faced with diverse projects and challenges.

My most rewarding moment...
Too many to name, each season becomes more rewarding as we take on more and grow. From completing just a handful of events 5 years ago in a season to over 65 events this summer, seeing the team do well, winning new contracts and retaining old contracts.

My most challenging moment...
A few to name, but the biggest challenge to date has to be Summer 2012 with the Olympics. There was a noticeable shortfall in a lot of equipment, meaning that prices increased due to demand. I had to negotiate with suppliers and plan even further ahead than normal – often very tricky in events! It was also logistically significantly harder operating in and out of London as we had to move our whole HQ to a new base as our existing warehouse and office was an Olympic venue! That said, it was fantastic for part of the business to have been involved in a once in a lifetime event and it being right on our doorstep.

I can't be doing with...
Inability to react to change. The events industry is forever changing and events will forever change last minute. You must be prepared to roll with it and be adaptable.

I couldn’t cope without...
Coffee, wine and hand sanitiser.

Best piece of advice...
Always have a plan B and you are only as good as the people around you, invest in them.

New Look Hospitality Logo

Following the fantastic results of the £200,000 hospitality refurbishment at Brooklands Museum at the end of 2012 we are very excited to showcase the new look Hospitality and Events logo!  The new logo is just the start of a fantastic re-brand of the hospitality packages including a new wedding package for 2015 bookings!  Watch this space for the new brochures...