Just wanted to thank you for all your help and wonderful service! The evening was a success and the lighting looked amazing! Wow what a transformation! So many people complimented the lighting. The chaps were lovely too! So please thank them for us. We will definitely recommend SXS. "

Laxmi and Sachin Patel
Private Event

The People

People are the most important part of our Business.  We have a hard-working, loyal, and enthusiastic team of competent staff.  Each and every staff member has their own specialist areas; however our staff are multiskilled and are able to work across the board.

Johnny Palmer
Johnny Palmer BA

Job: Head of Special Projects

Background:

Johnny started his event career by working through university as a professional DJ. The draw of creative design, management and technical challenges drew him into event technical production and design.  His experience ranges from producing shows at London Fashon Week, to FTSE 100 PR Campaigns to designing and engineering some of SXS' bespoke equipment.  Johnny has personally produced in excess of 1000 events and has been the designer and production manager of some of SXS’ finest work. 

Skills:

Technical production, creative design, site management, event engineering, branded event design and “special projects”.

Involvement in your project:

Johnny is called in when any project requires a very unique skill set of “out-of-the-box” thinking.  Johnny also offers guidance and assistance to the rest of the team with their projects.  On occasion, Johnny has worked as a consultant on projects for architects, event committees and television producers.

Personal Interests:

Management theory, stills and video photography, structural design, architecture, economics, cinema, dog training, mixology, and zombie movies.

Cathy Shay
Cathy Shay LLB (Hons)

Job: HR and Compliance Manager

Background:

Cathy studied Law at university and took a career change into event design. She has been with SXS for many years and offers clients fresh and original designs for their events. In 2011 Cathy handed over her Project Management role to Rosie and now looks after our compliance.

Skills:

Creative event design, drapery design, lighting design, corporate account management, film production, business process design, set design, HR and employment law.

Involvement in your project:

Cathy's involvement is mostly advisory, HR and back-office.  She ensures our processes run smoothly, the company culture is how it should be and is also committed to us achieving the ISO and BS standards that are relevant to our industry.

Personal Interests:

Interior design, life drawing and, of course, taking Dudley for long walks.

Katie Gideon
Katie Gideon BA (hons)

Job: Logistics Manager

Background:

Katie’s background is in creative media and administration. Katie has a BA in Communication Studies.

Skills:

Organisation, supportiveness, creativity and always remaining relaxed.

Involvement in your project:

Katie will liaise with venues, organise crew, manage logistics and procure special items for your event.

Personal Interests:

Katie has a passion for cooking and all things culinary. She is a keen traveler and particularly enjoys backpacking around south East Asia. She is very social and enjoys concerts, club nights and other musical activities.

Alex Thompson
Alex Thompson BSc

Job: Chief Sound Engineer, Senior Technician and Warehouse Manager

Background:

Alex joined SXS as a student while studying Audio Music Technology at UWE. He has rapidly progressed to being senior technician and head of sound and is the longest standing staff member at SXS with over 5 years of service.  Alex is one of the most competent, multi-skilled and thorough technicians in the industry.

Skills:

Live sound, System tech, Lighting technician, Video technician, Rigger, video and content editing, Crew boss and Production manager.

Involvement in your project:

Alex makes sure the equipment for your event is in good condition and well-prepped. He may also be part of, or running, the technical team at your event.

Personal Interests:

Photography, Power Kiting, Mountain Biking and Climbing.

Rosie Felvus
Rosie Felvus

Job: Event Design Consultant

Background:

Studied Art and Design at college and went on to work at City & Guilds London Institute. Rosie is a live-music lover and is keen visitor to Glastonbury Festival.

Skills:

Creative event design, organisation, CAD visuals and account handling.

Involvement in your project:

If your event is at one of the venues that SXS is a preferred supplier at, you will likely have Roise as your Project Manager.  Rosie also handles design- and decor-based work such as weddings.

Personal Interests:

Photography, camping in wales, socialising and tending to her three rescued ex battery hens Rastafari-Hen, Marian de Cluck and Mike.

Justin Litten
Justin Litten

Job: Production Manager

Background:

Justin was a placement student from the University of the West of England. Since Joining SXS Events he has been involved in and managed a wide range of events from Fashion Shows to Outdoor Stages

Skills:

Marketing, Search engine optimisation, CAD 

Involvement in your project:

Justins role is to create new event opportunities through visuals and marketing to make people aware of SXS Events

Personal Interests:

Justins main interest is travelling and enjoys going to new places and trying new things. He also enjoys attempting to play golf at the weekends.

Brook Etherington
Brook Etherington

Job: Site Supervisor

Background:

Brook has had alot of experience in and around events. He has been a bar manager and has run weddings at one of the top hotels in the country. Brook spent a period of time as a self-employed camera man and video editor. This was aided by his degree in moving image production.

Skills:

Still and Video Photography, video editing, team management, project management, client liaison.

Involvement in your project:

Brook manages onsite delivery for select key clients where a high level of pre-production work is required.  If you are using SXS for a tour of multiple dates, Brook will likely have substantial involvement in your project.

Personal Interests:

Brook has a number of interests including; Photography, playing the ukulele, football and Juggling. He is also a qualified ice skating instructor.

Dan Giddings
Dan Giddings

Job: Junior Lighting Technician and Warehouse Assistant

Background:

Dan has been a keen theatre technician since a young age and was recruited into SXS two years ago from our work experience program.  Dan is now one of our most valued multi-skilled technicians, but has a particular flair for all things aesthetic, in particular lighting.

Skills:

Lighting design, luminaire maintenance, lighting operation, AV, aesthetics.

Involvement in your project:

Dan may be involved by prepping all equipment to ensure it works perfectly, as well as doing lighting design and operation.

Personal Interests:

Dan is a polite, friendly, well presented young man who plays guitar in an angry rock band at the weekend.

Nick Allan
Nick Allan

Job: Senior Video and General Technician

Background:

Nick recently complete a university placement year with the company, and has been a keen musician and sound engineer since being a teenager.  Prior to going to university to study Live Systems Engineering, he was part of a successful rock band which achieved a top-50 hit in the UK charts.

Skills:

Video system design and operation, projectionism, rigging, drapery, sound engineering, crew bossing.

Involvement in your project:

Nick is our most skilled video technician. If you event has a complex or demanding video aspect, Nick will likely be the person designing, prepping, and operating such a system. Nick is also competent in all other fields of our work, especially rigging and sound.

Personal Interests:

Nick is a keen rock climber and takes regular trips to do ocean cliff climbing all over the world.  Nick also plays in a rock band with Laurie.

Laurie Kaye
Laurie Kaye

Job: Sound Engineer and General Technician

Background:

Laurie first started doing live sound as a teenager and went on to get his HND in Live Sound Engineering. In his career he has worked with The Wiggles, Joss Stone, the freestylers, Utah Saints, DJ Switch, The XX and Crowded House.

Skills:

Sound engineering, rigging, crew bossing.

Involvement in your project:

Laurie is one of main sound and AV technicians so will often prep and operate events.

Personal Interests:

Photography and Video Editing, Magnetic Theory and the Searl Effect Generator, surfing and Snowboarding, Laurie is also a keen drummer and is currently producing music with other SXS staff members.

David Williams
David Williams

Job: Repair Technician

Background:

David has a background in communications and technology. He has also been a sound engineer for a number of years at a prime Bristol venue.

Skills:

Sound, Lighting and repairing anything that's thrown his way.

Involvement in your project:

Dave will occasionally appear on site when he's not maintaining equipment

Personal Interests:

Interests include a passion for music and playing the bass guitar

Ben Pickett
Ben Pickett

Job: Junior Event Technician (placement)

Background:

Ben is in his third year at UWE studying Audio and Music Technology.

Skills: Involvement in your project:

Ben may be involved by prepping equipment for jobs, as well as crewing.

Personal Interests:
Rich Godfrey
Rich Godfrey

Job: Junior Event Technician (Placement)

Background:

Rich is a placement student studying Audio and Music Technology at UWE.

Skills:

Rich's core skills include: Painting, Carpeting and Technical assistance

Involvement in your project:

Rich is likely to be involved with the prepping of equipment for your job. He also assists on site with sound, lighting and rigging along with set building and carpeting.

Personal Interests:

Personal Interests include Playing guitar, djing, making music, going to the football (Swindon), cycling running.

Dudley Palmer
Dudley Palmer

Job: Head of Security and Staff Morale

Background:

Dudley was rescued from Bristol Dogs and Cats home in November 2008, having been found as a stray. We don't know where he was before this, but it is clear he was with people that treated him well. Since him joining our community he has played a valuable role in bringing everyone together as a team.

Skills:

Not many, but he is very well behaved and good with other dogs, children and guests at the office.

Involvement in your project:

Very little. He is not allowed on site, but will definitely make you feel welcome if you visit the office.

Personal Interests:

Long walks in the forest, training, food, scavenging, cuddles.

Clients

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