Meet Our Team

Andrew Harrison

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.

Nicola Crawford

I joined the association in 2017 as an apprentice and recently taken up the role of Project Manager focusing on member services & working groups.

Outside of work I enjoy watching films especially in the cinema, finding new restaurants to try (favourite at the moment being a mash potato one in Edinburgh) and taking up auntie duties with my four nieces & nephews.

Josh Taylor

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!

Kim Dance

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!

Helen Lowe

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!

Margery Youngs

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.