JACQUI HILTON

Profession:
Managing Director, Rope and Rigging Ltd.

Date & place of birth:
May 11 1970; Westminster, London, UK.

Your first job after full-time education?
I was a machinist in a clothing factory and did a few other small jobs before I had my daughter in 1992. I went back to work in 1996 as an assembler on the shop floor of a small family business that manufactured rigging for the theatrical and entertainment industry. Over the next 10 years I moved up through the company to supervisor, purchasing manager, then sales, and eventually became a director.

It was a job I really loved but in 2005 I reluctantly left to increase my knowledge and experience of other markets. I joined a company that manufactured wire rope for larger scale markets, such as offshore, steel and general engineering.

What inspired your return to the entertainment industry?
Although the work was interesting it didn’t have the buzz of the entertainment industry. I really missed the customers and suppliers, and the job itself. So as there weren’t any opportunities available with other companies specialising in this market I decided to start Rope and Rigging. In 2006, we were operating as a sole trader which we then registered as a limited company in September 2006.

You obviously felt there was a window in the market...
As I still attended ABTT and PLASA, and was still in contact with some good friends I had made in the industry, I regularly received comments that an alternative or additional supplier was needed.

In which areas does Rope and Rigging currently operate?
We predominantly supply theatre and entertainment through production companies and distributors. As our product range increases, with that come new markets, like haulage and general lifting.

Has appearing at trade shows helped to increase your market profile?
Yes. I’ve been to many PLASA and ABTT shows over the years, but Rope and Rigging’s first exhibition was ABTT 2008 and we had a fantastic response from it.

Are you experiencing any direct effects of the current economic slump?
Not really. As a small company we are growing steadily.

What’s been the company’s major achievement to date?
The fact that we are still growing, and looking to move into larger premises soon.

Have today’s tougher health and safety regulations been a long time coming or do they place unnecessary burdens on companies such as your own?
In the case of LOLER [Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998] I think it’s a good thing as it makes our venues and the working environment for the riggers themselves safer. In general, though, I think it does seem to be taken to the extreme in some cases. We have to be careful not to end up living completely in a nanny state and make sure that common sense is used.

What occupies your free time?
My family. I love being at home with my husband, daughter and our three dogs.  

Your favourite record?
I don’t really have a favourite, but I do like ’80s music.

What was the first gig you attended?
Spandau Ballet [Parade tour] at Wembley Arena in 1985.

What would be your advice to a teenage Jacqui Hilton?
Don’t stay in a job that doesn’t fulfil you, and when an opportunity arises... take it.