Inception of corporate event company, Leaps & Bounds Ltd (1991)
As MD, Karen was initially responsible for designing and implementing processes, initiating promotion, securing company finance along with the organisation and management of events.
As the Company developed, she was responsible for securing personnel, training of staff and overseeing all aspects of the business including marketing, sales and the, all important, event organisation and management.
Of notable interest:
Leaps & Bounds were understood to be the only event company to guarantee the quality of its event production.
Its client base included such prestigious companies as: Warner Home Video, Orange, British Army, Universal Pictures, KFC/Pizza Hut, Paramount Pictures, Momentum Pictures, British Gas, Barclays and the Police Force.
Leaps & Bounds won many prestigious events, secured many business opportunities and won many an accolade including:
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securing 'pilot' project status for the British Army - whilst located on a military base, Leaps & Bounds role was to identify whether a civilian company and the military could work together to generate income by utilising the military's 'irreducible spare capacity'. |
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awarded the role of 'Official Hospitality Agents' for the leading British Superbike team - Team Rizla Suzuki. The team's rider won the championship in 2004. |
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Out of over 100 agencies and after a twelve month gruelling process, Leaps & Bounds were selected by France Telecom to become one of just a handful of agencies in the UK to be authorised to officially work as preferred corporate event organisers for Orange and Wanadoo. |
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A Wing and a Prayer (1990)
To broaden her experience, Karen wished to take a break from event organisation to help secure corporate sponsorship for an individual wishing to become the first paraplegic to successfully return to skydiving. After the opportunity to capture the moment on film had been identified and sponsorship secured, Karen became part of the production team formed to acquire the crew and fix the locations to film this memorable occasion.
During filming in Florida, Karen's role was that of Location Manager.
The documentary was successfully sold and aired on Channel 4.
Corporate Event Organiser (1987)
Karen learned the trade, assisted and then became team leader for a range of events.
She was Account Manager for Warner Home Video - designed, created and implemented a 'Race to Gotham City' to mark the launch of the Batman video. Through contacts attained when working as a model and within the music agency, she secured National press support along with celebrity endorsement.
The project was awarded Best Marketing Campaign at the BVA Awards.
MD of Model and Promotions Agency (1985)
Karen was approached to initiate and manage a West End model and promotions agency. She initially set up the business by creating processes and contracts along with undertaking model selection, promotion and marketing. Further initial duties included managing the models, liaising with clients and booking assignments.
PA to MD of Music Agency (1983)
This was Karen's first insight into the music industry working with bands such as Depeche Mode and Erasure - as well as actioning the many tasks involved with the day to day running of the office, the role taught her the merits of the invaluable organisational tool: 'The Tour Itinerary'.
(Headhunted, but due to work commitments, declined the offer to become Tour Manager's Assistant for the George Michael, 'Faith' tour.)
Modelling - London (1980)
Pursued Modelling career.
Photographic Model for media
Fashion & Modelling Enterprises (1979)
At the tender age of seventeen, Karen's overall role was to identify young, talented fashion designers, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their clothing. Along with her fellow team, she helped to secure the designers, choreograph, obtain promotion and general organise the fashion shows.
