In this interview, we sit down with Chris, our Senior Event Executive at Newable, to delve into his professional journey and the pivotal role he plays within our organisation. Chris shares insights into his background, the aspects of his job that he finds most rewarding, and the passions that drive him outside of work.
Please tell us a little bit about your background
Born and raised in South Africa, I spent most of my life there before moving to England with my partner in 2022. Surrounded by my mum’s events business and restaurant from an early age, I was naturally drawn to the hospitality industry. I pursued a degree in Hospitality Management at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, which laid the foundation for my career.
Initially, I worked in chef kitchens and hotels but soon discovered a passion for event planning and logistic. I spent several years at a prestigious resort with nine distinct venues, managing a wide range of events, from intimate weddings to grand corporate conferences for international brands.
My career then took me to Johannesburg, where I served as the General Manager of a newly established luxury wedding venue. I played a key role in bringing the owner’s vision to life, overseeing everything from the final construction phases to the grand opening. Hosting two to four weddings each weekend, all featuring personalised five-course menus, was both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
After relocating to the UK, I transitioned to corporate event management for a better work-life balance. I joined the British Educational Suppliers Association as an Events Manager in a very small team, where I helped organise over 270 events and webinars per year and supported members at international exhibitions. Now, I am thrilled to be part of the dynamic team at Newable.
What is your role here at Newable and what support programme(s) do you work on?
As a Senior Event Executive at Newable, I focus on the Invest-Ability Intensive Training and Invest-Ability Pitch Panel offerings. These initiatives are designed to enhance investment readiness for SMEs, guiding them through refining pitch presentations, improving business plans and providing valuable feedback.
What do you enjoy about your role at Newable?
I am impressed by the supportive and collaborative environment, despite the company’s size. The family-like atmosphere, where colleagues are genuinely helpful and accessible, creates a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Newable encourages employees to share their opinions and contribute to the company’s growth, with a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing and work-life balance. I particularly enjoy being involved in the Investment Readiness offering, which allows me to witness the development of SMEs and their success. Seeing their progress and impact is highly rewarding.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I love immersing myself in nature, especially near water and in forests. My ideal weekend involves escaping to a secluded spot with a hot tub, good wine and an endless supply of cheese and tapas. I prefer hosting small dinner parties at home with a few close friends over a big night in the city. I also find it enjoyable participating in long charity walks and exploring quirky towns across the UK, which has become a cherished pastime.
Please tell us a fun, interesting fact about yourself
There’s a few, take your pick! My partner and I share our home with our high-maintenance fur twin Boston Terriers, Elton and George. They even have their own Instagram account to update friends and family on their latest adventures.
As an enthusiastic foodie, I love experimenting with new flavours, and not all my culinary experiments are successful — when my partner says ‘that was interesting’ I know never to make that dish again. I almost appeared on ‘Come Dine With Me’, but my landlord’s quirks prevented that. As a child, I aspired to be a vet, but my aversion to blood and needles led me to rethink that path. If I had not pursued hospitality, architecture might have been my next choice. In school, I also studied tennis and qualified as a line judge, though my skills are a bit rusty now.
About Newable
For over 4 decades, Newable has been supporting thousands of businesses every year through the provision of Money, Advice and Workspace. An employee-owned business with a commitment to creating positive impact in all that we do, our team are on hand to help your business today.
Find out more about how Newable can help you and your business.