What was the first live show you attended , and did it make much of an impression on you ? My uncle took me to the Tramway Theatre in Glasgow to see an underground cabaret band called The Tiger Lillies perform a ‘ junk opera ’ titled Shockheaded Peter . Yes , it was as strange as it sounds ; it delighted , terrified and amazed 10-year old me in equal measure .

When did you first realise you wanted a career in the live events industry ? I ’ ve been involved in events in some capacity – first as a musician then in many other roles – ever since I was a teenager . There are few better feelings than witnessing the reciprocal energy created by great bands or artists and their adoring crowd ; I ’ ve always wanted to be a part of that .

In your early days as an events professional what concerned you most about the industry ’ s environmental impact ? What worried me most in the early days was always the amount of single-use , throwaway , cups and other items potentially going to landfill . Fortunately , things are improving in this area but cups still remain a hot topic in the world of event sustainability .

In what areas do you feel the most progress had been made since ? Progress remains incremental . However , we ’ re seeing more venues bringing in re-usable cup schemes , an increased awareness and focus from huge tours such as Billie Eilish and Coldplay on sustainable initiatives like plant-based catering and battery power / renewable energy production , and more investment throughout the industry in recognising the need to make sustainability part of our culture .

What has been the highlight of your sustainability work at DF Concerts this year ? We ’ ve seen big increases in our adoption of HVO ( a lowemission alternative to diesel ) and recycling / composting rates across our festival operations this year . Having joined the company in April , I ’ ve found it highly

motivating working with teams throughout the company who make such a big effort to recognise the importance of sustainability .

Who has influenced you most during your career ? This is going to sound cheesy , but it ’ s probably my dad . He ’ s worked at a high level in business and entrepreneurship for a long time , and is never short of wise insight and impartial advice when I need it most .

If you could change just one thing about the events industry what would it be ? We need to maintain an increased focus on bringing more gender , ethnic and disability diversity into the industry , particularly in production and senior management positions . This isn ’ t just a moral argument ; dynamic and forward-thinking perspectives arise when people with a variety of life experiences come together to work on a problem , which in turn leads to better outcomes for us all .

What is your ideal way to relax when not working ? What do you mean ‘ not working ’? It ’ s August ! Joking aside , at this time of year , anything that takes me out of the city and up a hill , into a loch , to the beach , to the sea – you get the idea .

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