Meet Champions (UK) plc

CEO

Role: I’m a huge memorabilia enthusiast, with pieces spanning everything from sport, entertainment and music.

Fun work fact: I once sponsored Johnny Herbert’s F1 car at the British Grand Prix.

Managing Director

Fun work fact: I am the current reigning champion of krumping at Champions Speakers

Fun non work fact: My chosen karaoke song is Angels, by Robbie Williams

Group Sales Director

Role: To lead the generation of profitable revenue

Likes: Food, wine and good company

Dislikes: Procrastinators

Fun work fact: The weirdest ideas can sometimes be the best

Fun non work fact: I don’t really drink wine!!

Operations Director

Role: I work directly under the CEO and Managing Director, working on a variety of projects. I also manage Champions' recruitment and HR whilst running the internal operations of Champions (UK) plc.

Fun work fact: Just call me 118!!

Fun non work fact: I laugh like a hyena! Can't bake cakes to save my life….

Sales Director

Role: I manage the sales side of the business from magazine adverts, table sales and awards Sponsorship.

Fun work fact: The best day of my working life was when I found out the Co-op sold Sushi!

Fun non work fact: I ♥ Ronan Keating

Celebrity Manager

Role: Overseeing the after dinner department and recruiting new celebrity personalities to our portfolio.

Fun work fact: Playing imaginary golf at the BP3

Fun non work fact: I can breakdance.

Project Manager

Role: I’m in charge of all purchasing and selling of sporting, music and film memorabilia and experiences to companies and raising money for charities through the main and silent auctions run at events. From designing the brochure of what is to be on offer at each event, to processing payments and stock auditing. Aside from this I set up and oversee the running of events as a whole.

As well as the events and charity side I am in charge of making sure the CEO is where he should be at the time he should be…. The hardest job in the business!!!

Fun work fact: Meeting celebrities for memorabilia signings.

Fun non work fact: I play indoor cricket for England Women!

Account Executive

Role: Magazine Advertising Sales

Likes: Sunshine, Sand, Sea & socialising

Dislikes: Brussels – The vegetable not the capital of Belgium

Fun work fact: Weekend hobby years ago was working in Mobile catering – free entrance and paid to go Music Festivals – Enjoy going without working much more now though.

Fun non work fact: Made my way onto the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury

Accounts Intern

Role: To work with the MD (Matthew Hayes) and Satwant Dhillon on various projects

Likes: Food, Travel and Photography

Dislikes: White Chocolate

Fun work fact: The only way to do great work is to love what you do

Fun non work fact: Smiling ?

Events Executive

Role: Assisting for Events

Likes: Food, karaoke and spontaneous adventures

Dislikes: Slow walkers, spiders and feet!

Fun work fact: I’ve spent the past two summers working at a sleepaway camp in America that is identical to the camp in Parent Trap.

Fun non work fact: I danced competitively for over 10 years!

After Dinner Sales Executive

Role: Recommending the perfect speaker for client's events.

Likes: Red wine, Football & my cats.

Dislikes: Hot dogs & Horror films.

Fun work fact: I choreographed a successful world record attempt on an event I worked on.

Fun non work fact: I only lost the 2017 London Marathon by 1 hour and 46 minutes…

PR manager

Likes: Shoes, sausage dogs and Queen

Dislikes: Rudeness, trains and traffic jams

Fun work fact: When I was a trainee journalist I ‘interviewed’ Hercules the bear when he was opening a pet shop in south London – his owner got him to take a piece of meat from my mouth!

Fun non work fact: I’m a qualified sports massage therapist

Events Sales Executive

Role: Selling B2B sponsorship packages to sports, celebrity and business based companies across the UK

Likes: Beautiful dresses and a fabulous high heel!

Dislikes: Rice pudding!

Fun work fact: Love the thrill of making the sale you thought you’d never get!

Fun non work fact: It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open

After dinner sales executive

Role: Matching clients with great speakers

Likes: Animals! Especially bunnies!

Dislikes: Courgette

Fun work fact: Have served cocktails to Paul Rudd, Samantha Mumba and Gordon Darcy while working in Dublin

Fun non work fact: Played netball for Ireland

Influencer Executive

Role: I work with Amelia and Emma to manage and promote the signed social media talent and influencers

Likes: Skiing and Prosecco (but never together kids!)

Dislikes: Really spicy food

Fun work fact: I’ve lived and worked abroad twice! Both in America and France

Fun non work fact: I was a Disney character

Accounts Assistant

Role: To assist Satwant

Likes: History

Dislikes: Cricket / Golf / Loud noise at work

Fun work fact: Boring to some, but challenges

Fun non work fact: In a playground with my daughter

Golf Operations Manager

Role: Anything golf related!

Likes: Being outdoors/walking, poker, socialising, reading

Dislikes: Rude people, wasps!

Fun work fact: Like playing silly practical jokes on people

Fun non work fact: Beat Steve Davis at pool once

Golf Events & Sales

Role: Golf Events & Sales

Likes: Sport & Exercise

Dislikes: Cold weather

Fun work fact: Being mistaken for Tour pro Robert Rock

Fun non work fact: Completed Birmingham Half-marathon in 2013

Administrator

Role: After Dinner Speaker Admin

Likes: Gary Barlow, TT, Gin, Fizz, Greece, lipstick, laughing, spending time with my family and my crazy Springer Spaniel Matilda

Dislikes: Caterpillars, Rain, moany people & Bad hair days

Fun work fact: Whilst working at Boots head office I once had dinner with Prince Charles

Fun non work fact: I once swam with Dolphins in Cuba – I was so scared the whole time that one would turn round and bite me I cried the whole way through!

Project Executive

Role: Working as part of the awards team to run 13 regional sports and business awards.

Likes: Water sports and white sand beaches

Dislikes: The rain and traffic jams

Fun work fact: I once took home a cat which was living in the warehouse in order to re-home her – I still have the cat four years later.

Fun non work fact: With a cup of coffee, reading a book

Administrator Assistant Apprentice

Role: General Admin, Invoicing, Contracts

Likes: Travelling, Hot Countries and Guinea Pigs

Dislikes: Cats, Red Wine and Kale

Fun work fact: I Began Working (Unofficially) As a Babysitter When I Was 12

Fun non work fact: Spent Half of My Life Living in Loughborough and The Other Half In Copenhagen

Project Executive

Role: Working with the Awards team to create some fun events in sport and business

Likes: Anything Sweet

Dislikes: Spiders

Fun work fact: Constantly surrounded by lists

Fun non work fact: Having a nap

Account Executive

Role: Selling packages sponsorship packages to sports, celebrities and businesses across the UK

Likes: Shopping, Football and Rugby

Dislikes: Salad

Fun work fact: Prior to working for champions I have worked as a nurse

Fun non work fact: I met santa at the real Lapland!

New Business Development Executive

Role: To identify new business opportunities within the market and to maximise/ expand current business for the 10 arms of Champions UK plc

Likes: Meeting new people and going on new adventures with my daughter

Dislikes: The “unknown”

Fun work fact: When I was growing up (around 6yrs old) I aspired to be an ice cream lady…

Fun non work fact: I have danced for Mardi Gras in Paris

Credit Controller

Role: Credit Control

Likes: 80’s music, films Acton, Thriller, Romance and Comedy, Books anything by John Grisham, avid Football supporter of Manchester United and Wycombe Wanderers, Athletics Track and Swimming

Dislikes: Grumpy People and Rap Music

Fun work fact: To be kept busy, and helping others, happy environment

Fun non work fact: Not to be kept busy and non happy enviroment

After Dinner Sales Executive

Role: Organising celebrities – from sports stars to politicians

Likes: Sports (Especially Netball), Reality TV, Wine.

Dislikes: Rainy Days

Fun work fact: Prior to working at Champions I have worked as a Thomson holiday rep.

Fun non work fact: I spent a number of months living in Crete, now I always have to say “Yamas” when I have a drink.

Sales Executive

Role: Working as part of the Business Development team introducing new and existing clients to the key areas of Champions UK plc, with a focus on Creative.

Likes: Coffee, swimming and all things creative!

Dislikes: Bananas and heights

Fun work fact: I used to design Princess dresses!

Fun non work fact: I speak Spanish

Events Executive

Role: Helping the Event team

Likes: Carbs! Oh and chocolate

Dislikes: PIGEONS

Fun work fact: I joined Champions on the same week as my 18th birthday

Fun non work fact: I am a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing

PR Account Executive

Role: Writing press releases and sourcing coverage for clients

Likes: Snacks, shoes, pink and glitter

Dislikes: Fish and people who sniff instead of blowing their nose

Fun work fact: I did a week of work experience at Champions before working here full time

Fun non work fact: I lived and worked in Belgium for a year as part of my degree

Financial Controller

Role: Compiling the management accounts for the business, managing the balance sheet, providing information to the management team on profitability.

Likes: Biscuits! Travelling to far flung places and Musicals

Dislikes: Reality Shows, Creepy Crawlies

Fun work fact: Never far from the biscuit tin…..

Fun non work fact: Once stalked David Beckham round Singapore, also love superhero movies

SEO Apprentice

Likes: I like to go and see live music, cooking and spending time with my family and friends, Mangos

Dislikes: Getting up early on the weekends is something I certainly avoid

Fun work fact: The first time I made a cup of coffee was for a colleague, as I had never made it before I used 4 heaped teaspoons of instant coffee thinking it looked the right amount. It definitely wasn’t...

Fun non work fact: I have a very big family which includes 11 aunties

Senior Talent Executive

Role: I work in the Celebrity Management department helping to manage a number of celebrities we look after, such as Neil Back MBE, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Gail Emms. This involves booking and overseeing various media, event and brand ambassadorial engagements.

Fun work fact: Work is serious, not fun, unless you sit next to Lloyd Bailey!!

Fun non work fact: My two loves in life are playing lacrosse and visiting America.

Senior Designer

Role: I'm part of the Creative Team at Champions (UK) plc, working closely with Sarah Pearson, the Marketing Manager. I am responsible for developing creative ideas, seeing them from conception to completion.

Fun work fact: I joined Champions on Valentine’s Day!

Fun non work fact: I started playing drums at the age of 7½! With over 30 years’ experience, I have played for many local Leicester bands and Orchestras.

VP

PR Manager

Role: I look after various brands in corporate/consumer PR – identifying key hooks and securing space in relevant magazines for my clients.

Fun work fact: Champions was my first job after graduating from Nottingham Trent Uni in 2013 , where I studied Media & Journalism.

Fun non work fact: I'm part Italian and many people have trouble pronouncing my name, the best story is a man calling me, Fran BonblaughFigla.

Senior Marketing Manager

Role: I manage and oversee the marketing department, including the design, web and copywriting teams. I also manage and oversee regional and national marketing accounts including being responsible for the day to day marketing requirements for leading frozen food retailer Farmfoods.

Fun work fact: In my time so far at Champions I have been to over 70 printing press passes……if not more! #dedicatedtoprint

Fun non work fact: I have recently married my fiancé Arron in September 2014 and hence forth shall be addressed as 'Lady Sarah Jane Hatcher'

SEO & Digital Communications Manager

Role: Creating, developing and implementing SEO and Digital Communication strategies to a wide range of websites to rank them higher in search engines (to drive organic and paid traffic), with a very talented team.

Likes: Family, Gym and Technology

Dislikes: Insects

Fun work fact: First thing I look at when auditing a website is user-friendliness, even before SEO.

Fun non work fact: Have won a Goals tournament 3 years in a row.

Senior Talent Manager

Role: I work in the Celebrity PR department. As part of my role, I manage the Celebrity PR team and look after a number of celebrity clients. This work involves sourcing new brand relationships with my celebrities as well as relevant media profile work.

Fun work fact: When working at the British Par 3 Championship I got Peter Schmeichel to call my Dad (who is a life long Manchester United fan) at 2am in the morning to wish him a Happy Birthday, now that’s a what I call a good birthday wake up call!

Fun non work fact: I’m half French and can speak the language fluently.

Digital Marketing Copywriter & SEO Executive

Role: To assist the SEO team in optimizing websites to improve traffic levels, rankings and the overall user experience. I also produce optimized copy for the digital team.

Likes: Good food, shopping, reading and a good documentary.

Dislikes: Pigeons.

Fun work fact: I can take shorthand notes at 100wpm.

Fun non work fact: I once interviewed Sandi Toksvig and John McCarthy.

Digital Communications Manager

Role: I’m currently working across the social media platforms that Champions Speakers runs, as well as various other corporate/consumer clients.

Fun work fact: I have most recently changed careers, from working at a pharmacy to digital marketing & social media.

Fun non work fact: I write my very own beauty blog, where I constantly display stunning pictures of my nails!

Senior Talent Manager

Role: I manage the Celebrity Management department as a whole and represent a number of our sole managed clients. This includes securing them work within the media, personal appearances, brand work and looking after their PR.

Fun work fact: I started the entire PR department from scratch, with MD, Matt when I joined in 2009.

Fun non work fact: I once gatecrashed Snoop Dogg’s after party and managed to steal a bottle of vintage Dom P which is still in my cupboard at home..!

Marketing Manager

Role: Assisting the team on all account management tasks, anything from gaining print quotes from suppliers, liaising with clients, reviewing suppliers and maintaining quality control to keeping on top of the invoicing.

Fun non work fact: I’ve got two budgies called Eric and Ernie who I’m trying to teach how to speak!

Senior Web and Application Developer

Role: Web and Software Development/Team Lead

Likes: Reading, Playing Games, and Meeting People.

Dislikes: Noise.

Fun work fact: Writing Codes, and Listening to Music.

Fun non work fact: Movies, Party, Field Trip, and Amusement Parks.

Celebrity Social Media Apprentice

Role: Working with and assisting Amy.

Likes: Instagram, buying make up and spending time with friends!

Dislikes: Being cold and housework.

Fun work fact: I have just finished working at Birds Bakery, after two years, to come and work here!!

Fun non work fact: I spend a lot of my free time on social media, as I love celebrity gossip

Senior Designer

Role: Design and create all printed and electronic visual media for all of Champions events and clients.

Fun work fact: Did a photoshoot with Evander Holyfield

Fun non work fact: Lived and worked in Arizona, America for 11 years

Senior Events & Golf Manager

Role: I work in the events department. I help to organise and set up the events, dealing with all aspects including guest communication and admin.

Fun work fact: I joined the company the week of my hen do, and my birthday was the week after!

Fun non work fact: I enjoy a bit of dancing in the kitchen on a Friday night.

PR Account Manager

Role: Doing a bit of everything PR and Digital!

Fun work fact: I used to work with Leicester City Football Club!

Fun non work fact: I love all sports

SEO Junior

Role: Assisting the team to improve traffic and rankings throughout all the Champions websites.

Likes: Keeping fit, going to the gym, socialising with friends, the occasional Xbox session.

Dislikes: Non-moving traffic.

Fun non work fact: Took part in an Ultra White Collar Boxing match for Cancer Research!

Frontend and App Developer

Role: Frontend and Mobile developer

Dislikes: Salt

Senior Creative Designer

Role: Working with the Creative Team on various Graphic Design projects for Champions Speakers and their clients.

Fun work fact: My first week at Champions I got to meet Peter Shilton and Bill Roache. Ekk ?

Fun non work fact: I love canvas painting, crafting, illustrating and keeping fit.

Marketing Executive

Role: I assist the team on all account management tasks, which involves, getting print quotes from suppliers, liaising and negotiating with clients, reviewing suppliers and keeping on top of all the invoicing.

Likes: Football, badminton and G&T’s!!

Dislikes: Spiders and the dark.

Fun work fact: This is my first job after graduating this summer with a degree in leadership and management.

Fun non work fact: I have had a season ticket at Leicester City since I was 8 years old!

Web Developer

Role: Web Development

Likes: Football, Sneakerhead, Netflix, Fast Cars

Dislikes: Rain.

Fun non work fact: 5 a side football tournament champion.

Business Development Executive

Role: Generating new business leads with a focus on digital marketing. My role includes informing new and existing clients about the key areas at Champions UK plc.

Likes: Prosecco, tapas and dogs!

Dislikes: Rain and coat-hangers

Fun work fact: I enjoy arranging cakes sales or events to help raise money for charity

Fun non work fact: I’m going to be my brother’s best man at his wedding this year!

SEO Apprentice

Role: Assisting the SEO team to improve traffic and rankings across all of the Champions websites.

Likes: Nottingham Forest & Johnny Cash.

Dislikes: Cold weather & traffic.

Fun work fact: I only started a few weeks ago, so a bit too early to say…yet!

Fun non work fact: My birthday is on Star Wars day (May the fourth be with you).

Project Executive

Role: Helping the Marketing girls with quotes and invoices, and looking after the MANY marketing spreadsheets!

Fun non work fact: While I was in Spain, we found out George Clooney was filming nearby so went to find him. After an hour of searching, we admitted defeat and gave up! It wasn’t until we saw on-set pictures online that we realised we had been watching him the entire time!!

Celebrity Executive

Role: I work in the Celebrity and Talent management department at Champions, working with brands and our celebrities to create successful partnerships for media work, endorsement deals, PR campaigns and personal appearances. I also work with brands to outsource celebrity talent and social media influencers using our vast database of contacts and networking!

Likes: Cooking and my cat (to be clear – I don’t like cooking my cat)

Dislikes: People who cook their cats

Fun work fact: I’m a Channel 4’s Couple Come Dine with Me Winner and named my courses after celebrities

Fun non work fact: I occasionally burst into song and I am not a talented singer

PR Executive

Role: Writing blog posts and press releases for clients

Likes: Football, NFL, attending gigs and devouring Netflix

Dislikes: Cold weather and lack of WiFi

Fun work fact: My first step into PR since graduating from De Montfort University with a Journalism degree

Fun non work fact: Toured California in 2015 with my university’s football team, an amazing experience!

Graphic Designer

Likes: Shopping

Dislikes: Spiders

After Dinner Sales Executive

Role: Recommending the perfect speaker for a client’s event.

Likes: Pizza, puppies and trying new things.

Dislikes: Bad weather and having to wear high heels.

Fun work fact: Prior to working at Champions I have worked as a Thomson holiday rep.

Fun non work fact: I’ve played every sport you can think of from cricket to volleyball

Web Developer

Role: Designing, building and theming websites and applications. Tea boy.

Fun work fact: There’s another Jeff in the office – there aren’t many Jeff’s about!

Fun non work fact: I once found myself sandwiched between a worse for wear Ray Davies and his drummer on a flight to Benicassim.

Project Executive

Role: Helping the girls in the events department run the many awards hosted throughout the year!

Likes: Anything sweet and binge watching Netflix shows

Dislikes: Karaoke and Kitten heels.

Fun non work fact: I’m a cheerleader!

Talent Executive Copywriter

Role: I produce a variety of content for online websites, brochures, articles and blogs. A lot of proof reading is involved too!

Fun work fact: Champions was my first job after graduating from University.

Fun non work fact: I am often at vintage car events, racing against others up muddy hills in cars from the 1920s.

SEO Copywriter

Role: Writing copy for the music and entertainment sector of the Champions brand.

Likes: Tennis, adventure and takeaways.

Dislikes: When the maintenance lights come on in my car.

Fun work fact: I once to crossed the river in my kayak to cut twenty minutes from my work commute.

Graphic Designer

Role: Designing various things for print and web using a range of programmes as well as hand drawn artwork when required.

Fun work fact: Love a good Southampton sob story with music supplied by Jamie!

Fun non work fact: Went to school with Manu Tuilagi.

Web Developer

Role: Making websites - the way they're structured, the way they function and the way they look. Also the odd bit of techy problem solving anywhere in the office.

Likes: Peace and quiet, discovering new ways of seeing things, spontaneous travel

Dislikes: Disorganisation and crowded places, unless there's awesome music I love on

Fun work fact: Someone put my surname twice in my work e-mail...

Fun non work fact: Anytime someone says a math question out loud and I hear it, I have to solve it in my head

Music & Entertainment Manager

Fun work fact: Joined a company where we are all under 35 ………………… ish

Fun non work fact: The Champion of Table Tennis in my house, beating all Grand-Kids under 10 and Oldies over 60

Copywriter

Role: I hosted a weekly sports radio show for a year.

Likes: Liverpool FC and Harry Potter.

Dislikes: Controversial but snow and sand!

Fun work fact: This is my first job since graduating from the University of Lincoln with a Journalism degree.

Music & Entertainment Sales Executive

Role: Booking various Music & Entertainment acts for a range of events.

Likes: Holidays, Wine & Gossip Girl

Dislikes: Snakes & Being Cold

Fun non work fact: In 2015 I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for charity, very slowly!

Apprentice Web Developer

Role: Helping the Web Development team create and manage all web content.

Likes: WWE, Pizza, Video Games, Food.

Dislikes: Peanuts and bees.

Fun work fact: In my last job I was really good at latte art.

Fun non work fact: A few years ago I went backpacking in Asia and got stuck in Bali for a week with no money.

Marketing Executive

Role: I assist the team on all account management tasks, which involves, getting print quotes from suppliers, liaising and negotiating with clients, reviewing suppliers and keeping on top of all the invoicing.

Likes: Clothes Shopping, Swimming, Dancing, Rosé!

Dislikes: Pork Scratchings.

Fun work fact: I was offered this position on my birthday!

Fun non work fact: I love skiing and even made it down a red run in Bulgaria!

Events Executive

Role: Assisting for Events.

Fun non work fact: Me and my family won an all-expenses paid holiday to Beverly Hills, where we stayed in the Beverly Hills Hotel for a week. Such an amazing experience!

Senior Copywriter

Role: Massively varied and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Concept and brand creation, sport, politics and finance ghost-writing, thought pieces on pretty much anything, editorial, advertorial, digital, TV, radio and video. You name it. Oh, and I’m heavily involved in our own business development efforts. Which is nice.

Likes: Books, fish, football and Australian cricketers crying on the telly.

Dislikes: Plasticine, Clarkson, the majority of cheeses and unnecessary fuss.

Fun work fact: I’m functionally illiterate but nobody’s quite clocked on to it yet. Mum’s the word, eh . . . . .

Fun non work fact: My scrambled eggs are better than yours.

Music & Entertainment Sales Executive

Role: I book celebrity acts and speakers from the world of sports, music and entertainment for a variety of events whether it be corporate, civic, charitable or private.

Fun work fact: Offers entertainment and humour along with daily duties.

Fun non work fact: I eat all things chocolate except if it’s covering nuts. Is nuts…

Celebrity Sales Manager

Role: I book celebrity speakers for a variety of events including Sports Dinners, Awards Ceremonies, Schools and Charity Events. I’m always on the phone talking to different celebrities and clients every day!

Fun work fact: I feel like Britney Spears when I have my headset on…and I love it!

Fun non work fact: When I was younger I played Cossette in the West End musical Les Miserables and have loved watching and being in Musical Theatre ever since!

Accounts Manager

Role: I oversee the Accounts department at Champions Speakers. This is split between Champions Accounts and Celebrity Client Accounts.

Fun work fact: I enjoy working in a lively always changing Company, and the variety this gives my role.

Fun non work fact: I enjoy going on Holiday to Zante where I would love to buy a house in the future.

Personal Assistant to the Managing Director

Sports Management

Celebrity Bookkeeper

Role: I work on the accounts of some of our celebrities.

Fun work fact: My desk may look cluttered to everyone else but it is order to me.

Fun non work fact: I dressed up as Minnie Mouse for a hen party one night. I cannot remember anything about the night apart from waking up the next day without a tail on my outfit??

Office Manager

Role: As office manager, my role involves all elements of the logistics of the running of the company. I work alongside the MD, Matt Hayes, dealing with all aspects of the business. My role also includes the running and organisation of the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship for Sky Sports.

Fun work fact: I let my Leicester City obsession spill over into the office and I’m often seen debating football with the boys.

Fun non work fact: I enjoy baking and I often provide goodies for the office!!

After Dinner Administrator

Role: My main duties are to assist Jack, the Celebrity Manager for Champions. Administering and supporting the department along with maintaining records, sending out contracts and invoicing.

Fun work fact: I only started Jan 2015, a little too early to have one. I will come back to you!

Fun non work fact: I got proposed to with a padlock instead of ring!

Senior Sporting Sales Executive

Likes: Eating out and laughing

Dislikes: Brussel Sprouts

Fun work fact: I used to sell cardboard boxes!

Fun non work fact: I enjoy eating ice cubes!