ESSA records most successful AGM
On Friday 26th April at Silverstone’s ‘Wing’, a record number of ESSA member companies and delegates gathered for its Annual General Meeting.
Silverstone's ‘Wing’ provided a spectacular back drop for ESSA's 2013 AGM. The business of which commenced with ESSA director Chris Skeith describing an association in very good health with excellent member retention rates and showing a healthy balance sheet. In his first year as Chair, Nick Marshall, thanked his predecessor John Robson for passing over a vibrant and healthy association. He also clarified that, although all members face these unique and testing times, as an association of industry experts, members are in a better position to meet them under the banner of ESSA.
David Freeman performed his final duty as an ESSA board member and treasurer, he stood down at the AGM, by taking members through the accounts for the year.
The election of board members witnessed an election with 7 candidates standing for 5 vacancies, 4 because of the required rotation of board members and 1 through a vacancy. Congratulations are due to the following re-elected and new members of the board: Martin Cottrell - A1 Event & Exhibition Cleaners (re-elected), Sara Cox – Mayridge (newly elected), Chris Criscione – Equinox (newly elected), John Robson – Aztec Event Services (re-elected), and David Wooton - Creative Marketing Environments (re-elected). They join current board members: Nick Marshall – GES EMEA and ESSA chairman, Andrew Kennedy – Perton Signs and ESSA vice chairman, Peter Allen – 4D Design & Display, Peter Bowen – Access Display, Martin Cairns – Reeds Carpets, Peter Moule – Bill Moule & Sons, and Simon Ridout – Dimension 8.
Following the business of the AGM and in response to member’s wishes, there were 3 presentations. First was an update by Jim Curry, Project Director of FaceTime. Followed by Luke Facey of Alfa Display & Design and chair of the Stand Builders Forum (SBF), who gave an overview of the successes of the SBF. Finally, Martin Cairns of Reeds Carpets gave a quick overview of the work of the ESSA strategic sub group.
Once delegates had broken from the AGM, there was a networking lunch followed by a tour of Silverstone, taking in the pits, race control and the winner’s podium to top off a great day for the ESSA community.
"This year’s AGM was simply the best yet. We continued to see more members and member companies in attendance, as well as increasing the content of the event itself with a series of presentations from both the members themselves and our Promotional Body FaceTime. Feedback has been exceptional, and everyone agreed the choice of Silverstone as ESSA’s Venue Partner for 2013 was a winner, as we were treated to fabulous catering, tours of the facilities and received a friendly, warm and professional welcome." Chris Skeith – ESSA director.