Best Startup
At Best Startup UK we track over 130,000 UK startups and over 500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top United Kingdom based Director operating in the Leisure space. If you think a Director is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.co.uk.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Companies House UK, Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Sam Higginson
Group Marketing Director of Immotion Group plc
Sam has a wealth of experience in brand creation and management, strategic marketing and communications. Sam began his carrier working for global advertising giant Saatchi & Saatchi, working primarily on the client Proctor & Gamble, the world’s largest advertiser. In 2009 he joined NetPlayTV plc, an interactive TV gaming company, where he was Head of Brand Development. Strategic media partners included Sky, Freeview, Channel Five, Virgin Media Television and ITV. Having left NetPlayTV plc, Sam founded Digitalbox plc, a new generation of digital media business with an established pedigree in emerging technology, data acquisition and analysis that has been harnessed with the ability to create and curate great content to entertain and engage audiences. In 2015, Digitalbox plc was listed #68 in The Sunday Times HISCOX Tech Track 100. In 2016, Digitalbox plc was listed again at #58, placing it in Britain’s 100 fastest growing tech companies two years in a row. Sam is a Director at M Capital Investment Partners. Formed in 2010, M Capital Investment Partners manages multiple real estate investments across the UK, with a focus on delivering above average returns for investment cash with minimal risk. He also holds the position Group Brand & Marketing Director at Immotion Group plc – a business that combines award-winning CGi animation with state-of-the-art motion platform technology to deliver mind-blowing ‘out-of-home’ immersive VR experiences. Sam is a graduate of the Lancaster University Management School having gained a BSc Honours in Business & Economics.
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About Digitalbox, Immotion Group plc, M Capital Investment Partners: Immotion combine award-winning content & multi-directional motion platforms to deliver immersive VR solutions for high-traffic destinations.
David Marks
Co-founder & Group Finance Director of Immotion Group plc
David co-founded Immotion Group with Martin, and currently serves as the Group Finance Director. With a degree in Law from the University of Glasgow and membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, David’s expertise in finance is a given. He began his career conducting corporate recovery and restructure at Arthur Andersen. Since then, David has been a prominent face in corporate finance in the City of London, working with UBS, Deutsche Bank and Nikko Principal Investments. He’s overseen the rapid international expansion of Monstermob Group in Europe, the USA and Asia as Group Finance Director, and is also an executive board member at Digitalbox Group.
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About : Immotion combine award-winning content & multi-directional motion platforms to deliver immersive VR solutions for high-traffic destinations.
Ben Bourne
Managing Director of Bourne Capital
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About Bourne Capital, P10 Finance: Bourne Capital is a leading international active property management and leisure operations group.
Les Hardie
Commercial Property Director of Bourne Capital
Following a career of over 25 years in the construction industry, Les joined Bourne Capital in 1993 as Construction Manager, initially in charge of on site activities on the Queensway Estate. He has since risen to become the group’s Commercial Property Director, responsible for new development projects, leases, environmental efforts, and health and safety. His wealth of practical experience is crucial to the smooth running of our development and letting operations.
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About Bourne Capital: Bourne Capital is a leading international active property management and leisure operations group.
Tadhg Flanagan
Group Managing Director of Bourne Capital
Following a career in operations and customer services in the airline industry and previously with MWB, Tadhg joined Bourne Capital as General Manager in 2005 before being appointed Group Managing Director in 2007. His flair for developing new ventures, as well as running the serviced office businesses at MWB, has been instrumental in the successful letting and launching of Capital Tower and the development of sales, marketing and operational strategies for all commercial aspects of the Group. Tadhg has also established strong financial controls and disciplines within the group and has defined and grown the property and leisure arms of the business. Recognising that any organisation is only as strong as the people it employs, Tadhg retains an on-going commitment to developing and growing both management and operational teams for the group. Tadhg is focused on Bourne Capital’s owner operated strategy of growing brands within the existing estates, and the acquisition of complementary businesses to create new ventures and grow the business.
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About Bourne Capital: Bourne Capital is a leading international active property management and leisure operations group.
Toby Horry
Brand and Content Director of TUI Group
Toby Horry is the brand and content director at TUI.
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About TUI Group: TUI Group is an international tourism and hospitality organization that offers a range of tour, flights, cruises, and more.
John Jakobsen
Managing Director of Merlin Entertainments
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About Merlin Entertainments: Merlin Entertainments is the largest European entertainments company operating in Europe.
David Paice
Digital Director of Merlin Entertainments
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About Merlin Entertainments: Merlin Entertainments is the largest European entertainments company operating in Europe.
Helen Bowey
Retail Director of Rhubarb
Helen has over 20 years’ experience in the food and beverage industry. Since joining rhubarb in 1998, she has overseen a number of different departments, accumulating a wealth of experience in all fields including Operations, Human Resources, Finance, Marketing, Health and Safety, Purchasing and IT. Helen was appointed as a board member in 2003 and was instrumental in the development of Sky Garden, Pilots at Terminal 5 and the recently announced Centre Point project. In her role as Chief Development Officer Helen is responsible for growth within the current portfolio of locations, and new acquisitions both in the UK and Internationally.
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About Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a food company that creates and delivers culinary services.
Chris Hammond
Director of Rhubarb
Chris heads up service, logistics and finance at rhubarb Cranleigh. After meeting Sarah at catering college, he became instrumental to the Cottage Caterers team, managing contracts, perfecting logistics, and just about everything else vital to a seamless service. Today Chris still manages many ground-up aspects of rhubarb Cranleigh events and more recently has taken on much of the administration and strategy involved in developing business at rhubarb Cranleigh.
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About Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a food company that creates and delivers culinary services.
Katie Harel
Director of Marketing of Rhubarb
Katie Harel has over 15 years experience in marketing in luxury hotels, food and beverage in London including The Dorchester and The Lanesborough. Prior to rhubarb Katie was based in Hong Kong where she held senior marketing positions at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Langham, before working as director at Mango PR’s first Hong Kong office. Katie joined the rhubarb team in 2014 and quickly implemented a group marketing plan and brand strategy to ensure the rhubarb name is front of mind across the group. In her first year Katie opened the hugely successful Sky Garden, garnering impressive press coverage across national and international titles and quickly building an impressive database. Katie’s team includes the Creative Department who are responsible for ensuring that every rhubarb event and partnership is expertly thought out and creatively considered. Katie works closely with the Director team ensuring the marketing plan equally supports events and locations and that rhubarb maintains its position as a pioneer of the food and events industry.
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About Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a food company that creates and delivers culinary services.
Sarah Hammond
Director of Rhubarb
Sarah has lived and breathed the catering industry from a young age. After training as a chef, Sarah travelled the globe extending her culinary knowledge. On her return to the UK she worked as a chef for several prestigious companies, including Leslie and Godwin, Golladetz and the Hay’s Group. At the same time, Sarah was busy building up the family business, and after her first daughter was born, she started working full-time for Cottage Caterers, now rhubarb Cranleigh. Since then, Sarah has worked tirelessly to grow the company and has been instrumental in building a business that is known for its dedication to quality and taste. Sarah has catered for a diverse range of events, from intimate dinners for ten to spectacular galas and royal occasions for over 1,000 guests. Her wonderful charm and extensive experience make her every bride’s caterer of choice. Today Sarah is director of rhubarb Cranleigh and oversees all aspects of operations, cooking and planning.
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About Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a food company that creates and delivers culinary services.
Anna Lowe
Director of Partnerships & Co-Founder of SMARTIFY
Anna is CoFounder and Director of Partnerships at Smartify a global platform for art described by the New Scientist as “the Shazam and Spotify of art”. A firm believer that culture needs stewardship not disruption, Anna works closely with museums to embrace new technologies that support their growth and resilience. Anna is a Trustee of Tate, the youngest ever trustee of a national museum. Anna also sits on the UK5G Creative Industries working group and is an Industry Champion for the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC).
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About SMARTIFY, Tate: SMARTIFY provides instant access to inspiring art commentary, straight to your smartphone.
Estelle Giraudeau
Managing Director of Club Med
As Managing Director for Club Med UK & Scandinavia, She is in charge with P&L (weighing 30% of New Markets Europe Africa Business Unit), with a strong e-Commerce expertise. She is responsible for the launch of the UK Sales and Marketing strategy and She is currently generating significant growth in both sales and revenue. She currently manage a team of 50 people in London office.
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About Club Med: Club Med sells vacations and related services, operates villages and cruises, and provides tours and discovery programs.
Daniel Spinath
Founder & Managing Director of Crepeaffaire
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About Crepeaffaire, Entertainment Ventures Group International, Frizzenti, Liberation Cocktails, Tap: Crêpeaffaire offers freshly prepared crêpes, waffles, coffees and smoothies.
David Mills
VP / Global Supply Director of Iglu Cruise
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About Iglu Cruise, Iglu Cruise: Iglu Cruise is an internet-based travel agency specializing in the sale of snowboarding and ski holidays, cruises and Christmas holidays.
Siobhan Thomas
Global Talent Acquisition Director of Intercontinental Hotels Group
Siobhan Thomas has worked with several high-profile companies such as Credit Suisse, Sky, and Taleo optimizing, implementing programs, tools, and capability to attract the right talent. Currently, she is the Global Resourcing Director at IHG overseeing the Global Resourcing Centre of Excellence working with key stakeholders to scope future resourcing needs/priorities and deliver recruitment technologies, policies, processes, and training.
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About Intercontinental Hotels Group: IHG is one of the world’s leading hotel companies
Jared Jesner
Non Executive Director of WeSwap
After graduating in Theoretical Physics from UCL, Jared gained a strong foundation in banking at JP Morgan and Dresdner Kleinwort, where he traded currency derivatives. Following this, he was selected for a fast track management program with Royal Dutch Shell. In this role, Jared managed teams including both Shell people and external consultants on technology strategy and project delivery across the globe, with a strong focus on payments. Jared runs every night to stay fit and is a Taekwondo black belt. If you visit our office, chances are you’ll find his kids’ artwork decorating a corner of the whiteboard walls.
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About WeSwap: WeSwap is a mobile application that allows users to swap different types of currency with others.
Benjamin Todd
CEO, Co Founder & Executive Director of 80,000 Hours
In under three years with Ben’s leadership, 80,000 Hours has grown from a student society, to an Oxford affiliated charity, featured on TED, the Washington Post, the BBC Today Programme and more. Ben has a 1st from Oxford in Physics and Philosophy, has published in Climate Physics and speaks Chinese. Before 80,000 Hours, he was the first undergraduate to intern as an analyst at a top investment fund. Rather than taking the job, he persuaded the Chairman to donate £60,000 to 80,000 Hours.
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About 80,000 Hours: 80,000 Hours is an evidence-based advice on careers that make a difference.
Robert Wiblin
Director of Research of 80,000 Hours
Rob won a scholarship to study genetics and economics at the Australian National University, graduating top of his class and being named Young Alumnus of the Year in 2015. He worked as a research economist in various Australian Government agencies, before moving to the UK to work at the Centre for Effective Altruism, where he was Research Director and then Executive Director, before moving to 80,000 Hours. He was also a founding board member of Animal Charity Evaluators and a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community.
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About 80,000 Hours: 80,000 Hours is an evidence-based advice on careers that make a difference.
Niel Bowerman
Director of One-on-one Programme and Job Board of 80,000 Hours
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About 80,000 Hours: 80,000 Hours is an evidence-based advice on careers that make a difference.
Silvano Geranio
Founder Director of Prestige
Silvano Geranio joined Prestige Homeseeker Park & Leisure Homes as Founder Director in 2007.
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About Prestige: Prestige is a UK-based manufacturers of high quality park homes and lodges for the residential and leisure market.
Anthony Withers Green
Director of Global Business of Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services
Anthony’s previous customer-focused career has left him very well prepared for Tristar. He joined us in 1997 where his responsibilities have included heading up reservations and customer services. Anthony was formerly a Senior Sales Executive and Area Manager for Carphone Warehouse plc, and he also worked at Lloyds of London.
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About Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services: Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services is a worldwide chauffeur company operating in over 80 countries.
Dean De Beer
Non Executive Director of Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services
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About Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services: Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services is a worldwide chauffeur company operating in over 80 countries.
Howard Winn-Moon
Director of International Relations of Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services
When Tristar wanted to expand and excel in its global offering, Howard Winn-Moon was invited to join us. Howard has been in the chauffeur service industry for over 40 years, building a business of over 100 vehicles in London, and also gaining considerable knowledge of managing an international network. He came to us with a high-level of tried-and-trusted prior knowledge, joining Tristar in May 2008 to formalize and expand the Tristar worldwide network.
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About Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services: Tristar Worldwide Chauffer Services is a worldwide chauffeur company operating in over 80 countries.
Dominic Booth
Managing Director of Abellio
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About Abellio: Abellio delivers rail and bus services to passengers in Scotland, England, and Germany.
Jason Anastasinis
Managing Director of TravelStaytion
Jason Anastasinis is a Managing Director at TravelStaytion.
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About TravelStaytion: TravelStaytion is an online holiday rental marketplace, enables its users to list their spare property or get accommodation at lower prices.
Karl Lloyd
Finance Director of ITC Luxury Travel Group
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About ITC Luxury Travel Group: ITC Luxury Travel Group provides luxury travel in the UK.
Alexis Sharples
Marketing Director of ITC Luxury Travel Group
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About ITC Luxury Travel Group: ITC Luxury Travel Group provides luxury travel in the UK.
Giles Kendall
Operations Director of Punch Taverns
Giles was appointed to the role of Operations Director for the national Punch core business in March 2016. He joined Punch as a Regional Operations Director in 2004, following the acquisition of Pubmaster, then progressing to the role of Operations Director, looking after 1,500 core estate pubs in the South, responsible for delivering sustainable sales and profit growth. He has been fully involved in the ongoing change program, putting our pub Partners at the center of everything we do. This has been helped by his previous experience of running his own small company and understanding first hand the challenges this involves. Giles started his career with Allied Domecq as a graduate and worked in a range of field and office-based roles during his 19 years with the group. He held a number of senior positions including Marketing Director for Ansells in the Midlands and his final role as National Managing Director for 700 unbranded managed houses for Allied Domecq Leisure. He left to set up and run his own “grab & go” stores in London, based on the Pret a Manger offer but with a healthier twist. He sold up in 2001 and returned to the pub sector with Pubmaster.
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About Punch Taverns: Punch Taverns is one of the UK’s largest leased pub companies, with a portfolio of more than 3,300 pubs nationwide.
Jackie Burn
HR & Services Director of Punch Taverns
Jackie Burn was appointed to the role of HR and Services Director in August 2015. Jackie joined Punch in 2005 and was appointed as HR Director in 2011. Whilst Jackie started her career in financial services, she has more than 15 years experience in the licensed trade sector and has held roles within both managed and leased pub businesses. She is responsible for the overall HR strategy within Punch, including employee engagement, reward, learning and development and internal communication. She is the Chair of Punch Community Promise – the company’s volunteer and charitable program and is also a trustee for both Homestart (a charity supporting young families) and the Burton Breweries Charitable Trust.
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About Punch Taverns: Punch Taverns is one of the UK’s largest leased pub companies, with a portfolio of more than 3,300 pubs nationwide.
David Adams
Non-Executive Director & Chairman of the Remuneration Committee of Elegant Hotels Group PLC
David is currently Chairman of Conviviality Retail plc, Ecovision Ltd, Park Cameras Ltd and Walk the Walk (a breast cancer charity). He is also the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at Hornby plc, a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee at Fevertree Drinks plc and Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee at Elegant Hotels Group plc. David was Finance Director and Deputy Chief Executive of House of Fraser plc until 2006, then Executive Chairman of Jessops plc, becoming Non-Executive Chairman in 2009. In addition, he has held several Executive and Non-Executive roles in 30 years in retailing, including ten years as a plc Finance Director. He brings extensive and relevant experience in financial and general management roles, including ten years as plc Finance Director, and has held 4 other plc Audit Chair roles over the last 5 years.
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About : Elegant Hotels offers a unique collection of five luxury hotels beautifully situated along stunning beaches.
Catherine Sermon
Employability Director of Business in the Community
Catherine joined Business in the Community in 1998, after completing a Master of Arts in Marketing. She has held various posts including campaigning, research and development, and advisory services work predominantly across community and workplace teams. This has included establishing the Business Action on Health campaign in 2005 and leading the strategic direction of all community campaigns from 2008 to 2012. Two maternity leaves later, Catherine is Employment Director, leading BITC’s work to increase access to quality & sustainable work for people facing disadvantage, including the flagship Ready for Work programme. She is also a trustee of the Batten Disease Family Association.
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About Business in the Community, Business in the Community: Business in the Community is a business-led, issue-focused charity with more than 30 years’ experience of mobilising business.
Paul Turner
Director of human resources of Princess Yachts International
I am a Chartered FCIPD with an extensive knowledge of TUPE, acquisitions, organisational restructures, employee relations, TU negotiations, international assignments, recruitment, change management & talent management in industries including aviation, logistics and manufacturing. Specialties: TUPE, Employee Relations & Trade Union negotiations.
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About Princess Yachts International: Princess Yachts International plc designs and manufactures luxury yachts.
Michele N. Maher
Director of Financial Control of Hogg Robinson Group plc
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About Hogg Robinson Group plc: Hogg Robinson Group is a global corporate services provider, travel management company and technology company.
Craig Douglas
Managing Director of Reserve Apartments
With extensive experience in developing directory based web-sites within the travel industry and online booking systems that blow the other guys out of the water – Craig’s here to do the same within the short term rental market.
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About Reserve Apartments: Reserve Apartments provides web-based solutions for the short term letting/self catering market.
John O’Sullivan
Managing Director of Depot Adventures
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About Depot Adventures: Depot Adventures is a walking tour operator that offers a variety of free and paid walking tours.
Tim Radford
Non-executive Director of Timico
Tim founded Timico in 2004 and continues to be a member of the company’s Board. Earlier in his career, following the sale of his corporate entertainment business, Chatters Entertainment, Tim founded the Project Telecom Group in 1987 and managed its development and growth as an independent telecommunications service provider. The company floated on the London Stock Exchange in September 2000 and continued to grow rapidly, achieving revenues of £330m in 2002. In September 2003, the company was successfully sold to Vodafone for £162m.
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About Timico: Timico is an end-to-end managed cloud service provider of supplying business strength IP solutions.
Paul Andrews
Director & Founder of School Lettings Solutions
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About School Lettings Solutions: A comprehensive management solution
Sarah Stanley
Founder and Director of Unique Home Stays
Sarah Stanley is the Founder and Director of Unique Home Stays.
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About Unique Home Stays: Unique Home Stays is a leisure company that develops and innovates a unique portfolio of luxury private homestays.
Marek Reichman
Design Director of Aston Martin
Marek joined Aston Martin in 2005 as Director of Design from Ford North America where he held the position of Director of Design for Product, Interior Design Strategy and Process. Since then, he has been strengthening Aston Martin’s iconic styling.
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About Aston Martin: Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings manufacture luxury sports cars and grand tourers independently.
Marek Reichman
Design Director of Aston Martin
Marek joined Aston Martin in 2005 as Director of Design from Ford North America where he held the position of Director of Design for Product, Interior Design Strategy and Process. Since then, he has been strengthening Aston Martin’s iconic styling.
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About Aston Martin: Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings manufacture luxury sports cars and grand tourers independently.
Simon Devonshire
Non-Executive Director of Local Data Company
Passionate about the success of entrepreneurs he is the co-founder of several businesses – he is an active stakeholder in several ventures and an enthusiastic ambassador of the business community. Simon ran the SME division of O2 UK for five years , a £750m P&L – doubling the number of business customers in that time. Appointed to the position of Director Wayra Europe in 2012 – his dream job. He has previously worked on a diverse range of brands.
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About Coding Cupboard, Local Data Company, O2: Local Data Company is the UK’s most accurate retail and leisure location data business.
Barnaby Oswald
Managing Director of Local Data Company
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About : Local Data Company is the UK’s most accurate retail and leisure location data business.
Cat Dawson
Sales Director of Local Data Company
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About : Local Data Company is the UK’s most accurate retail and leisure location data business.
Angela Wilson
Director of Blue Bay Travel
she a Director of ‘Blue Bay Travel’ I am responsible for Team Training, Accounts and Finance. My background is in retail area management and I firmly believe that internet shoppers still prefer the benefits of speaking to a helpful and knowledgeable individual whilst making such important decisions as to where to spend their hard earned holiday time and money. Much of my time is spent working to improve the knowledge of the team by organising events involving Hoteliers, Tourist Boards & Tour Operators.
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About Blue Bay Travel: Blue Bay Travel is the award-winning online travel agent
Angela Wilson
Director of Blue Bay Travel
she a Director of ‘Blue Bay Travel’ I am responsible for Team Training, Accounts and Finance. My background is in retail area management and I firmly believe that internet shoppers still prefer the benefits of speaking to a helpful and knowledgeable individual whilst making such important decisions as to where to spend their hard earned holiday time and money. Much of my time is spent working to improve the knowledge of the team by organising events involving Hoteliers, Tourist Boards & Tour Operators.
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About Blue Bay Travel: Blue Bay Travel is the award-winning online travel agent
Yan Zhang
Founder & Managing Director of Glamorous Travel
Yan Zhang is a Founder & Managing Director at Glamorous Travel.
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About Glamorous Travel: Glamorous Travel is a U.K.-based tour operator that provides special interest tour packages and programs for Chinese nationals.
Yan Zhang
Founder & Managing Director of Glamorous Travel
Yan Zhang is a Founder & Managing Director at Glamorous Travel.
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About Glamorous Travel: Glamorous Travel is a U.K.-based tour operator that provides special interest tour packages and programs for Chinese nationals.
