The driver for our business’s success is without a doubt the people that we have working here. From our crews to our office employees, we certainly wouldn’t be where we are today without our hardworking and dedicated staff. Our Meet the Team series looks to celebrate our employees, their successes and their stories. In this article, we speak to Colin Pickavance from our Health and Safety team.
Tell us a little more about yourself?
Been part of the Safety team here at Gallowglass H&S since 2014. A very busy individual originally from Edinburgh but I’ve been living down south since 2006 and been in London since 2010. I spend my time between South Wales, a lovely little village called Crickhowell, recently voted the best place to live in Wales. In my downtime I enjoy going down to the stables with my girls to tend our horse and watch a spot of rugby.
How long have you worked at Gallowglass?
Since September 2003
What was your experience before joining the Gallowglass team?
No previous experience of events prior to joining the Gallowglass Crew for the 2003 MTV European Music Awards in Edinburgh. I enjoyed a short stint as a personal trainer as well as being part of the marketing team at one of Scotland’s largest colleges. Turning out on a regular basis for Edinburgh Accies, starting as a back row and gradually working my way forward to the front row. One of my team mates there introduced me to Gallowglass.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing projects move through the briefing process from client to concept. Then the planning process and delivery of the live phase. Lumiere was one of the most interesting projects to be involved in because Artichoke and Unusual Rigging engaged us early in the planning stages, and anything that involves closing London for 4 nights is always going to be interesting. There was a huge amount of organisation and dealing with multiple local authorities, along with a high number of key stake holders to ensure all information was well communicated.
What do you find most challenging about your role?
Working across the world and having to adapt quickly to local legislation and regulation keeps you on your toes. I have to do a lot of research and thankfully, those skills I took from university come in handy on a regular basis. Also, the miles you will cover, recently I covered 180 miles over an 18-day stint onsite at Mobile World Congress 2019.
If your colleagues could describe you in three words, what would they be?
Direct, dynamic and loud.
How have you progressed through the ranks at Gallowglass?
I started at Gallowglass in Edinburgh back in 2003, part time while studying, and moved to full time after graduating. I then moved South to join the south west crew as a Crew Chief in 2006. Four years later, I was offered the opportunity to work in Gallow HQ as a Senior Crew Chief, taking the reigns of the Green Crew, which evolved into a Crew Manager position in 2011 in preparation for the 2012 Olympics. Having already achieved my Health and Safety qualifications in 2010, I became part of the Safety team where I have been now for the last five years, enjoying the delivery of projects such as 2015 Rugby World Cup and the last three UEFA Champions League Finals.
Tell us a story from your experiences during your time at Gallowglass?
Quite a few that I could mention, however, I’m pretty sure most of them would be censored rather quickly. One time while working at Glastonbury, I took the boys out for a BBQ dinner that turned into us creating one of the largest bonfires I’ve ever seen. I’ve yet to see one larger!
Colin’s progression is a testament to his hard work and dedication for Gallowglass, but it certainly isn’t uncommon for our team members to work their way up through the ranks! If you would be interested in joining an exciting events crew company with great opportunities to progress your career, why not check out our event crew jobs in Liverpool, Leeds and Edinburgh?
