How did your interest in live events develop?
“My interest in live events really grew from a passion for music and creativity. Early on, I was fascinated not just by the performances themselves, but by everything happening behind the scenes, how tours are organised, how crews move from city to city, and the logistics that make it all possible. I’ve also always known I’m far better behind the scenes than on stage, as anyone who’s heard me try to clap along to a beat or sing would attest to. So for me, being able to play a part in supporting some of the most talented performers and artists in the world feels like the perfect fit.”
Where would you say your first big break came from?
“My big break came when I joined Access Bookings nearly 20 years ago. At the time, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, and I had no experience in either the entertainment or travel industries. What started as a role in a small company quickly evolved into something much bigger. Over the years, I’ve seen Access grow largely through word of mouth and recommendations into one of the leading suppliers to the entertainment industry in the UK. Being part of that journey from the early days has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve always been very grateful to Patricia and Ian for taking a chance on me.”
What does your current role at Access Bookings involve?
“As a Business Development Manager at Access Bookings, my role is centred on building and maintaining relationships with clients across the entertainment industry. This includes understanding their touring needs, designing tailored accommodation solutions, and ensuring seamless delivery throughout the booking process. I also focus on identifying new business opportunities, supporting account growth, and collaborating with internal teams to ensure we consistently provide a high level of service.”
Which services does Access Bookings offer to the live events sector?
“Access Bookings specialises in providing a one stop accommodation and travel solution for the live events sector. This includes sourcing and managing hotel bookings for touring artists, crews, and production teams worldwide, as well as coordinating travel such as flights, ground transfers and vehicle rentals. We handle everything from rate negotiations to contract management, supporting complex tour schedules anywhere in the world. Our expertise allows clients to focus on the creative and performance aspects of events, while we take care of both accommodation and travel logistics.”
Beyond work, how do you like to spend your spare time?
“Outside of work, I split my time between the UK and the US, which means my life can look very different depending on where I am from being in one of the entertainment capitals of the world in Burbank to the (slightly less hectic) pace of Lichfield. I really enjoy that balance and the contrast it brings. I’m a fan of following some of my favourite artists around the world, as well as trying new foods and experiences along the way. That could be anything from taking part in something completely unexpected like an incense-making class to heading to a local watermelon festival, just embracing whatever each place has to offer.”
Which moment in your career stands out as the most memorable?
“One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on was in Mexico. It was my first major international project, involving a large crew and highly complex logistics, and I was required to be on-site to coordinate everything on the ground. It was very much a baptism of fire. I found myself problem-solving a wide range of challenges, from managing last-minute travel issues like passengers being refused boarding, to even sourcing location options for an impromptu photoshoot. Experiences like that really shaped my ability to think quickly and stay calm under pressure. Some of my best career memories come from being onsite and supporting clients in completely different environments from muddy fields in Yorkshire to even the beaches of Australia. There’s something incredibly rewarding about being there in person rather than behind a screen, you’re part of the action, solving problems in real time, and truly understanding what it takes to make everything work. It’s one of those things that’s hard to explain, unless you have been there and done it yourself.”
