Perhaps kid is the wrong word … more like experienced new Project Manager (sorry Lisa, the feature title just worked!). Just ahead of the season, we welcomed a new member to our knowledgeable Project Management team, in the form of Lisa Martin. She joined the department who look after our annual contracted clients and multiple events/venues throughout the U.K.

Two months in, we sat Lisa down and asked her to dish the dirt on what it’s been like so far – working for one of the country’s leading marquee hire contractors …

WHAT DREW YOU TO DANCO PLC INITIALLY?

Working in Marketing and Events for the past 18 years, I was always aware of Danco and love working in this sector, the variety of events they cover is very impressive.  At the start of 2017 I was looking for my next opportunity and was delighted when a role at Danco came along.

WHERE WERE YOU WORKING PRIOR TO JOINING DANCO? TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE SKILLS YOU HAVE BROUGHT TO THE TEAM.

I was previously working as an Account Director for an i2i marketing agency.  I have spent the past 10 years on the agency side and during this time I have built up a huge network of clients, suppliers and staff.  I have a great understanding of the events industry and excellent client relations, so I hope to create fantastic relationships with my new clients here at Danco but also bring with me my knowledge and contacts across an array of sectors.

YOU HAVE BEEN WITH US FOR TWO MONTHS NOW, WHAT HAS STOOD OUT AS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT SO FAR?

I am not sure where the past 2 months have gone, I have been lucky enough to join at a very busy time, which is great to hit the ground running. I really enjoy going out and meeting my new clients, but so far my most memorable moment has been being part of the Badminton hospitality team and getting to meet so many of our contacts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE THE REST OF THE YEAR WILL HOLD FOR YOU?

Over the next year I hope to really get to know all of my events and visit most, if not all, of my clients at their venues in order to build and maintain fantastic relationships.  I am also looking forward to starting the planning of our 2018 events, so that I am able to manage them from start to finish.

IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AND ARE ON THE VERGE OF A BUSY SUMMER SEASON, DO YOU HAVE TIME FOR ANY HOBBIES?

I love walking! I don’t have a dog, but am often asked ‘where is my dog?’ when I am out and about. For the past 11 years, each year I have set myself a challenge to walk and raise money for a charity.  This year I am taking party in the ‘Ultra Challenge 100K’ non-stop from Bath to Cheltenham on July 1st/2nd to raise money for Macmillan.  I am busy training at weekends, in between taking part in smaller obstacle challenges and boot camps. I am sure some of my new colleagues will support me …!

AND FINALLY, JOBS AT DANCO RARELY COME UP AS WE HAVE A VERY LONG-STANDING TEAM IN PLACE. HAVE THE ‘FAMILY’ BEEN WELCOMING?

What can I say! I feel like I have been here a lot longer, the office atmosphere is great, everyone has been very welcoming and helpful.  You forget what it’s like to be the newbie but I feel like I have settled in really quickly because of how everyone is.  There is a nice buzz about the office and I am looking forward to getting to know all the guys in the field over the coming months, as they are so busy on site doing their thing, I will try to get out to see them as much as I can.

Lisa at Badminton with fellow team Danco members and one of our favourite clients!