Graham is our Technical Director and has been with the company for over a decade. He now manages the technical development of new products and services in order to meet our customer’s needs and to make sure we keep innovating.

A key part of his role is to build the right team of people to ensure we have the right skills and culture in the business to maintain our creativity, velocity and quality… it’s fair to say that Graham has built a fantastic development team and it really shows in the standards they have set with each of our new product releases and updates.

So, over to Graham…

When did you join JET?

January 2008

What’s your career history?

I started a company with David Pearson back in the day. Short version is, we merged with Interchange and became very much a part of exhibition registration. I was head hunted by Tom Woodard from Show Data Systems and have been with this company for 14 odd years now. Jonas took over around 5 years ago.

Where are you based?

I’m based in Kew, Richmond with partner Charlotte. Originally I am from Marlow.

What have been your impressions of the events industry?

Never a dull day. I like the ebbs and flows with the seasons allowing time for quality R and R and then having the motivation to hit deadlines in the busy periods

If you were going to run an event, what would it be?

I’m keen on an adventure day for young people, but alternatively I would say I’d love to run an event specifically targeted at YouTubers – e.g. what kit, production seminars, talks from key YouTubers etc. Lots of interactive stuff to showcase and try out kit.

First song bought?

‘A Kind of Magic’ album, I will always love Queen and Freddie. I enjoyed watching ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ which brought back memories of singing it loudly in a tent somewhere above Lochgoilhead.

The song you’d sing at karaoke?

My normal repertoire of choral music probably wouldn’t go down very well, so ‘Africa’ by Toto or ‘Danger Zone’ by Kenny Loggins, very singable.

Worst job you’ve had (hopefully not this one 😉)?

Never really had another job. Some events have been a bit crazy and best forgotten as legends in the mists of time!

Favourite Film?

I love Jerry Maguire, but lately I would say I’m probably more Rain Man (I have 97X on my race vest). I do love movies though and generally rate them higher than average even if they are crap for pure entertainment value – you shouldn’t take many movies too seriously.

Who would play you in a movie?

My daughter Sophie says Tony from NCIS; which is a pity, I was hoping for Tom Cruise.

Favourite Food?

It’s a cliché, and it could still be pizza, but generally because of running I very rarely get to eat very much at all in terms of junk carbs. For a real treat I would probably choose a juicy burger with all the relish and sides these days!

Favourite Drink?

Has to be the 1st beer from a new barrel in the Two Brewers after a long sing song to lubricate the vocal chords.

Favourite Holiday/Place to go on holiday?

I have re-discovered my love of Lake District and Snowdonia. Anywhere off the beaten track preferably with a bit of scrambling and challenge. I literally just ticked off Crib Goch this weekend. Next stop Mont Blanc with a side of CMD Arete next winter.

If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?

Costa Rica – it seems to have everything, mountains, wildlife, coast line and happy people. More realistically in the short term I’d like to go to Ben Nevis and the Cairngorms. In the meantime, I’d like to go to Mt. Etna, Vesuvius and chill out in Rome doing the marathon (because I think I would go slowly and see more of the city). Later in the year I am looking forward to meeting the team in Islamabad and exploring the Baltoro Glacier.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I run, and then run again, every day. I run every day and when I’m not running I am probably hiking or thinking about one or the other – or food; I like to cook – it’s fuel for running!

What one thing could you never give up?

Singing – I gave it up! I couldn’t give up running right now. Just like singing before, it is good for mindfulness and stress busting. Running and singing both cleanse the soul.

Your biggest achievement?

Recently, consistently running 5k in under 25 mins, then under 20 mins. This required losing 20kg and more or less completely changing my approach to life. I still have unfinished business to bring the time down and do similar achievements at longer distances.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

For many years I was a Beaver Scout leader. I actually have a high tolerance for colony of 6-7 years olds being loud and being able to think of a game to keep them amused off the top of my head.