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Testimonials
An Interview with Geoff Fenlon
Geoff Fenlon is General Manager of the ICC, which is part of the NEC Group in Birmingham. During 2008 SigmaPro helped The ICC to implement an integrated management system meeting the requirements of ISO14001 and ISO9001. The ICC runs successful event for associations, Blue Chip companies, award dinners and banquets. The size of these events can vary from as small as 3 people to as large as 8,000. Examples include the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat conferences, conferences for the Association of colleges and the Cabinet Office, new product launches for a variety of FTSE 250 companies and events for charities such as Cancer Research. SigmaPro interviewed Geoff to find out more about him, his role and the ICC.
1. How do you see your role as General Manager at the ICC?
"I see it as releasing the creativity within the team. Our customers have a multidisciplinary team that looks after them from the initial enquiry through to the delivery of their event. Within that team are all the skills required to make the customer's event a success, all that is required is to release the team to make it happen. On a functional level, I look after sales and marketing, planning and delivery of events and have full Profit and loss responsibility for The ICC."
2. How did you get into this job?
"I started my career with the Royal Navy, I was with them for 14 years, and got involved in Conference Management. I think that this encouraged a "can do" attitude in me. I was also involved in quality work, auditing management systems for 3 years. After this I did an MBA, and subsequently joined Edinburgh International Conference Centre, which I helped to win the European Foundation for Quality Management Award in 2003. I joined The ICC in January 2007."
3. What did you study at School/University?
"At school I studied the sciences plus History, Maths, Geography and English. I was also into sports such as Rugby, Badminton and Cricket."
4. What do you like most/least about your job?
"The variety of different tasks and the people elements, including the managing and coaching of the people in my team is what I enjoy the most. Dealing with the detail is what I like the least, I have a low boredom threshold regarding detail, although I realise its very important and critical so needs to be done."
5. How has the recession affected The ICC?
"The year ending March 2009 has been the best year so far for us. If anything, The ICC benefited at the start of the recession because we offered fit for purpose venues and service, we have a good track record, and our location is more cost effective than centres such as London. Birmingham is central with excellent communication and travel links, and although we have found it challenging, we have won business from centres in other locations."
6. How do you see the future at The ICC?
"Going from strength to strength and continuing to expand. I want us to ensure that our customers experience continuity and consistency, with excellent service. We are also helping to open a new conference centre in Dublin.
7. Where do you live?
"At present I have a flat in Moseley, Birmingham where I stay during the week, but the family lives in Dunfermline, Scotland. I have a wife, daughter aged 17 and son 15.
8. How do you relax when not at work?
"I spend a lot of time with my children, we enjoy going mountain biking. I'm currently training for the half marathon which takes a fair amount of preparation. I also enjoy going to concerts, everything from classical and symphony to rock."
9. Who has had most impact on your life?
"Of the people I have met and worked with, Sir Jock Slater who was my boss in the Navy. He went on to become First Sea Lord. I really liked his management style - he knew how to manage people, and he never forgot you. Other figures in the world I admire would have to include Nelson Mandela."
10. What's your favourite place?
"Vancouver, Canada - I really enjoy the combination of the city, the mountains and the feeling of open space. I like to visit Stanley Park and down town Vancouver. "
11. What's your favourite food?
"It's slightly unusual as a favourite food, but I like smoked mackerel stir fry. I also like any type of Chinese food."
12. What's been the best/worst moment of your life?
"Apart from the obvious things such as getting married and having children which I suppose I ought to mention of course, professionally it has to be winning the European Quality Award with the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. I can't really think of anything as a bad moment in my life!"
13. What can you tell us that is most surprising about yourself?
"During my time in the Navy I was a Nuclear Weapons Release officer, yes that means that I was responsible for releasing Nuclear Weapons! Not as exciting as it sounds though and thankfully never had to put it into practice."
Geoff, thanks for your time and we wish you and The ICC all the best for the future.
SigmaPro
More images from the ICC
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BSAVA Conf at The ICC |
G8 Clinton |
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ICC Banquet |
Symphony Hall-ICC Front |
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