Have You Met... Neil
Neil first joined the team as a freelance technician in 2010, following which he was invited to become a full-time member of the project management team in 2012. In January of this year, Neil moved into a new role as Commercial Manager. This role entails overseeing the Graphics and Business Development departments, bid managing tender applications, being our brand guardian and keeping a check on our written output.
Q1. If you were given £1 million what would you do with it?
“The usual. Launch my own brand of chilli-lime cheesecakes.”
Q2. What is your favourite part about working at Universal Live?
“The opportunities and variety it throws up. I’ve found myself doing some really crazy & bizarre stuff in random parts of the world that I would never have done in a ‘normal’ job. Also the feeling you get when you see your hard work come to fruition.”
Q3. If you were an animal what would you be?
“Peeved off.”
Have You Met... Neil
Q4. What would you say would be your career-defining moment (technical or non-technical) and why?
“In 2001 I had to reluctantly move back to Hull after 7 years in London. I couldn’t find any work similar to my London jobs in recording studios, so I fell into AV. Not being a big fan at the time(!) and keen to get back to London I also worked for free at Radio Humberside whilst awaiting my dream job to be advertised – Trainee Studio Manager for BBC. When it finally was I was ready – as one of over 1000 applicants for 6 vacancies, I got down to the last 12 but didn’t get the job. My backup plan was to move to the Lake District, run up some mountains, stick my head in some rivers (try it, it’s great) and start freelancing in AV…and here I am.”
Q5. What was/ is your favourite childhood sweet?
“2oz of cheap chocolate drops bought with my bus fare to school (then ran the 2 miles to school!)”
Q6. What is it that excites you about your new role?
“Helping grow the company and winning some tenders.”
So that is Neil. Stay tuned for our next edition of Have You Met…