With the year drawing to a close, and the busy events calendar becoming only slightly less busy, we wanted to take the opportunity to pinch a little bit of our Managing Director’s time to get to know him a little bit better. Nick Grecian, brother of Paul Grecian, Founder of Gallowglass, is the current Managing Director and has been responsible for, among many other things, driving the business forward. Here, we pick the brains of Nick to understand more about his history and how he views the events industry in the present and in the future.
Tell us a little bit about your life before Gallowglass, how were you spending your time?
I was a professional rugby player and then worked for an IT hardware distributor in finance. I loved (love) rugby but hated the IT world. Somewhere in there, I was part of the Rugger Luggers – the forerunners to Gallowglass.
When did you first learn about the idea for Gallowglass? Did you have any initial reactions?
Paul is an instinctive entrepreneur, and he was the one to look at doing it properly when I was doing the IT thing. That said, we always considered its growth potential to be very limited. However, the manner of the annual revenue increases began to suggest otherwise quite quickly. Even so, we would have never had come close to really understanding the size of the events industry and the opportunities it would present.
Do you remember the first job that you worked on with the company?
As a Rugger Lugger, it was the opening of a new part of the Honda factory in Swindon. It was 12 guys, all from London Scottish Rugby Club, in training kit – driving out there in an ancient Land Rover.
What was the biggest learning curve when becoming part of the team?
In the beginning, we all came from rugby and teamwork was part of our DNA. It came naturally and was a key part of what set us apart from the competition.
What makes the UK such a great place to host events?
In my opinion, it has started with some great creatives in the various agencies. They came up with the ideas, and then the rest of the industry followed, in having to deliver their imaginings. Our ability to come up with original ideas and make them happen has fed the subsequent growth. The rest of the world has looked on and tried to follow suit.
Technology has wildly changed the events industry over the years, why is it so important to adapt to change rather than resist it?
In any industry, it is important to keep up with or ahead of the trends. Originality and development is a must and none more so that in events. The startling development of technology and its impact on all aspects of our lives is reflected in events. Everyone wants to be innovators, and that will keep driving it.
What do you see being the next big evolution in the events industry?
As an incredibly old man, I am no tech whizzkid, but I am surprised that Virtual Reality hasn’t been embraced more. As it develops and we see how it could enable greater remote participation, it may start to play a bigger part.
How do you see the company in 5 years?
Through a pair of VR goggles!
What advice would you give to someone looking to join the Gallowglass team?
Come armed with a smile, a great attitude, enthusiasm and an appetite for work, and you will do well!
If you weren’t doing the job you are now, what other profession would you be doing?
Something in sport. I am too old to participate or compete now but I did get my qualifications to coach senior rugby, so perhaps mentoring and developing players who have the right skills to play the positions that I knew best?
Outside of the office, how do you like to spend your time?
Spending time with my fabulous new wife, our children and dogs, plus cycling and skiing.
Thank you to Nick for giving up his very precious time! Hopefully, this has given you an insight into the world of Gallowglass and the events industry in general. Whether you’re looking to hire Gallowglass to crew for your event or want to join our ever-growing event crew team, you can find out more about us here!
