Introducing – James Clark

James joined Purvis Marquees at the beginning of the events season in 2014 as the company’s senior project manager. Before that, he had worked for an events infrastructure supplier internationally, but with experience in many different sectors through the years. He brought with him a wealth of experience in project management, business development, operations, logistics, construction, health & safety and design.

Role:

Senior Project Manager, Operations, Health & Safety 

How long have you worked at Purvis Marquees?

I joined Purvis Marquees in 2014 right at the beginning of a very busy event season, nothing quite like throwing yourself in at the deep end.

Where did you work / what did you do before?

I worked for a company called EventServ who are a key player in the UK & Irish events infrastructure sector. I helped the company build up their Scottish depot and secured and ran many large and blue chip events in Scotland, the UK and Ireland. I have worked in management positions in many different sectors including; Events Infrastructure, Contract Scaffolding, Scaffolding Hire & Sales, Plant Hire, Security, Hotel/Catering & Banquet Management.

Describe a typical working day for you:

It’s incredibly varied, beginning with coffee of course! I am fortunate that my role is very varied, and with our company being family run, we are a small team who get involved in all aspects of the business. It can involve budgeting, planning, improving our website, social media, networking, CAD design, project management, system improvements & programming, training, sales and when I am lucky I join the team to get my hands dirty and erect marquees.

Best parts of working with the Purvis Team?

We are all very outgoing characters, and I love this, I love problem-solving, designing structures and helping guide a customer to a first-class finish and experience that puts a smile on their face. I am a problem solver for my clients.

Biggest Achievement / highlight of career to date?

It has to be working for the Royal Household. With our Royal Warrant we have supplied marquees to the Royal Household since 1986 and I have become an integral part of the project team who work at Holyrood Palace. I also worked on the London 2012 Olympic Games in London providing grandstand seating in the Excel arena and was heavily involved in the tender process for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

What’s your top tip for event organisers?

Quality and service. I always put in 110% with every project I work on and all of the clients I have worked with over the years have valued this, please do not go for the cheapest option as this will always have an effect somewhere down the line.

How do you relax?

I find it hard, to be honest, I enjoy working, a bit too much sometimes. When I do unwind I love DIY, not really relaxing to be fair, and I listen to audio books.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Passionate, Friendly, workaholic!