Andrew Harrison
Director
I have been Director of ESSA since late 2014. I have a background in marketing and developing leading membership services over nearly 20 years, from software and scented candles to audit companies, a passion for best practice and solution finding has always sat at the core of what I enjoy most professionally.
Married with a young daughter, I spend my spare time adding new DIY projects to my ever growing list of other DIY projects and having fun filling a garage with tools for said jobs. A fan of the outdoors, you’ll find me in my garden, fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast or visiting various beaches and walks all year round. I’ve enjoyed a life of taking part in most sports, but find Cricket the best one for avoiding chores on any given Saturday in the summer. Currently embarking upon a new interest in rowing and paddle boarding which I’ve been suitably informed ‘is just surfing with a walking stick’.
Supporter of Oldham Athletic and Lancashire Cricket Club.
Tel - 07522745580
Nicola Crawford
Project & Events Manager
My journey at ESSA has been all about development especially since I started with the association as an apprentice in 2017. Since then I have worked up and in 2022 took up the role of Project Manager and achieved the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification. My role within ESSA is predominately focusing on member services & working groups.
Outside of work, I enjoy watching films especially in the cinema, finding new restaurants to try (my favourite at the moment being a mash potato one in Edinburgh) and taking up auntie duties with my 2 nieces & 2 nephews.
Tel - 01442 285 819 - 07881299062
Josh Taylor
Health & Safety Manager
I started work in the exhibition industry straight out of university, initially as a stand plan auditor but before long as a floor manager and health and safety officer. For just over 10 years I worked up and down the country, at most major venues and occasionally abroad for a large number of high-profile exhibitions picking up a huge amount of experience along the way. I now look forward to helping ESSA members and the wider industry in any way that I can!
Outside of work you can find me playing golf, down the villa or playing xbox!
Tel - 01442 285812
Helen Lowe
Sales & Business Development Manager
My career has spanned over 30 years within the events, arts and leisure industries from event & venue management, to marketing, sales and business development.
I have always loved a challenge as well as being creative when looking at new ways to develop a brand and whilst some might say my ideas have been slightly bonkers when getting a message out there, they have always put a smile on people’s faces. I am passionate about the events industry and I have built some amazing relationships over the years where I can call those people friends.
When I’m not working, I love nothing more than travelling, from flying to far flung locations, to staying in the UK camping in our classic campervan. You can also fine me perched on the back of my husband’s motorbike taking in the vista and wiping the squashed flies off my helmet visor!
And If you want to stay on the right side of me, I can easily be bought with a Chocolate Orange!
Tel - 07427610207
Kim Dance
Adminstration Executive
I joined ESSA in March 2022 as the Admin Executive, having previously spent a number of years working at their sister trade association, the Association of Event Venues (AEV). I worked at the AEV for over 5 years in total starting as the Customer Services Executive and later taking on the role of AEV Manager. After leaving at the end of 2017 I spent time working for a charity supporting children and adults with life limiting conditions and a company in the maritime industry, before welcoming my little boy in January 2020.
Outside of work I am married with a toddler, so all of my spare time is taken up with activities to keep my vehicle loving little one entertained. If ever I get some time to myself you will find me binging on some crime dramas that I’ve had recorded for over 6 months and enjoying a hot cup of tea!
Tel - 01442 285808
Gordon Angus
Adminstration Executive
I joined ESSA in March 2024 as a part-time Admin Executive. I’ve worn many different hats during my working life, but the Events industry is new to me. I have worked in various International and local areas of banking, membership services within a local Chamber of Commerce and a national Voluntary Organisation, as Project Lead for a virtual advice service run by a local Charity that supports disabled people, and more recently as Subscriptions Manager for a world-renowned hobby magazine publisher. I have attended plenty of events over the years, but not so much from behind the scenes. I’m looking forward to supporting ESSA Members, helping them to live long and prosper, and hopefully having some fun along the way!
Married with two grown up daughters, I’m a big Star Trek fan, so you may find the odd reference slipping into my communications. When I get the chance, I enjoy painting, assembling plastic model kits, and rockin’ out to Symphonic Rock. And watching Star Trek. Our dogs keep me fit and I have been known to ride a bike every now and then. I used to clunk around the squash and badminton courts until I snapped my achilles tendon. I try to avoid cooking, as I have a reputation for burning water after my daughter’s beloved onion rings were cremated, but I can make a pretty decent cookie. (Make it so!)
I follow Liverpool FC and smack some pool balls around occasionally. Can be bribed by digestives and savoury snacks. Did I mention that I like Star Trek??
Tel - 01442 285808
Margery Youngs
Director of Finance, HR & Administration
I’ve had the honour of looking after ESSA’s finances since its inception in 2008. My experience since qualifying as an accountant 30 years ago has been in software, pharmaceuticals and candles but the events industry, which I’ve worked in for more than 17 years, is where I’ve found my forever home.
In contrast to my sedentary day job, my free time is spent on the move. My passions include club netball, hiking, skiing, exercise classes and road cycling. Strangely I also like to throw myself of tall buildings and zip wires.
Tel - 01442 285803
