Boring CV

Freddie Meynell CV

Profile

With unrivalled ability to create masterpieces of fun, imagination and entertainment and an unparalleled reputation for conceiving ideas and delivering then realising them. Vastly experienced in all facets of Event Management from simple dinner parties through Royal Balls to Corporate hospitality and banqueting. A proven track record of interpreting the specific requirements of an individual project and delivering an occasion which without fail exceeds expectations. Technologically savvy, commercially astute with a wealth of business contacts and an array of clients who refuse to accept second best.

Testimonials:

Chatsworth Event “this event was something which will never, ever be equalled by anybody, anywhere. You really are, without any possible shade of doubt, our greatest genius in producing elegant, wonderfully paced and hugely entertaining events”

JCB 50th Anniversary Spectacular “….the breadth of your vision and imagination was just incredible. But not just that. You had every one of us rocking with laughter one minute, dancing in the aisles the next and then moved completely to tears at that stupendous finale”

Royal Banquets on HMS Ark Royal and HMS Invincible “Your control of the incredibly complex logistics was simply awe-inspiring, but it all still showed that lightness of touch and inventiveness for which you are justly renowned.”

Attributes and Achievements:

	Successfully managed functions between £5,000 - £5,000,000 spend with 8-8,000+ guests
	With Searcy’s was instrumental in increasing revenues by 2000% and securing many new highly prestigious clients such as Royal Opera House, Hurlingham Club and The Barbican

	Managed a wide array of Event types including Royal Banquets, Corporate functions (Conferences, Exhibitions), Private Parties, Charity and Festival events
	Directly generated turnover of circa £4 Million and £300,000 Gross profit per annum

	Awarded ‘Caterer of the Year’, ‘The Caterer Award for firms of over 200 employees’
	Managed a full time staff of 20 and up to 800 temporary/contracted staff during functions

	Successfully Produced and Managed the much celebrated ‘Chatsworth’ Events. Highlighted by one which ran over three nights with 3000 guests per night for Dinner; employing 800 staff and crew, 500 actors, singers and dancers for an Open Air Musical Masque each night, resulting in a net charity contribution in excess of £1 Million
	Provided all catering for hundreds of Corporate Visitors to the largest Maritime Exhibition in the World within the Harbour at Bristol – The International Festival of the Sea.

With Searcy’s successfully developed the Outside Catering Division delivering a considerable increase in Turnover to in excess of £3m representing a 300% increase

	Headhunted by Goodwood Estates by senior management with a 100% salary increase
	With Goodwood Estates increased number of Events with turnover rising by 200%
	With JM Williams successfully increased turnover by 500% and profitability by 700%

Directly responsible for the successful granting of the ‘Prince Of Wales’ Royal Warrant

Career to date:

2001-Present Independent Event Manager & Consultant

	Provided Event Management Consultancy and Management with a succession of new and previous clients ranging from 8 to 7,500 guests managing event budgets of up to £3 Million
	Consistently generated net Consultancy fees in excess of £90,000 per annum

Produced and Managed very successful Charity Ball with a per seat cost of £10,000, resulting in a net charity contribution in excess of £1 Million

	As Executive Associate and Premier Event Management Consultant with the IIB, provided Project Management, Tendering and Event Entertainment Licence Application expertise
	Developed an in-house Technical CAD facility for Catering related Consultancy

1996 – 2001 Searcy’s Independent Event Manager & Director

	Operated independently within the group as a Premier Event Management Consultant
	Generated Turnover of circa £4 Million and Gross profit in excess of £300,000 per annum
	Established highly profitable repeat business relationships within a myriad of clients covering a wide array of Event types including Royal Banquets, Corporate functions (Conferences, Exhibitions), Private Parties, Charity and a variety of Festival events

1981 – 1996 Searcy’s Event Manager & Director

	Directly responsible for the successful granting of the ‘Prince Of Wales’ Royal Warrant
	Responsible for functions ranging between £5,000 - £5,000,000
	Successfully and regularly programme managed 8 individual weddings on a single day
	Introduced leading edge IT-based Costing, Pricing & Management Accounting system
	Provided pivotal role in growing the business from revenues of £1 M to £20M p.a. including successfully securing many new highly prestigious client account Contracts such as The Royal Opera House, The Hurlingham Club, National Portrait Gallery, The Barbican
	Successfully managed the development of the Outside Catering Division delivering a considerable increase in Turnover to in excess of £3m representing a 300% increase
	Recipient of numerous prestigious Industry and Business Awards including ‘Caterer of the Year’, ‘The Caterer Award for firms of over 200 employees’ and ‘Investors in People’
	Managed a full time staff of 20 and up to 400 temporary/contracted staff during functions

1974-1980 Goodwood Estate Co General Manager, Catering

	Selected for key role having been targeted by ‘Goodwood Estate’ senior management as representing an ideal candidate – subsequently rewarded with a 100% salary increase
	Tasked with set-up and managed up in-house Catering and Event Management Division
	Successfully increased Turnover by 200% with significant increase in number of events

1970-1974 JM Williams Catering Manager/Director

	Selected to undertake pivotal role within a subsidiary of Searcy’s having demonstrated excellent Business Development and Event/Catering Management skills
	Successfully delivered a five fold increase in Turnover and 700% increase in profitability
	Tendered for, negotiated and won prestigious ‘Goodwood Estate’ Catering Contract.

Earlier in my career I co-founded and managed a successful Catering Agency & Event Management venture whilst also working as a Professional Musician and Bandleader.

Education & Professional Qualifications:

MHICMA,

MISES,

Minst.IB

Royal College of Music & Blackheath Conservatoire of Music

Eton College. 8 x ‘O’ Levels. 4 x ‘A’ Levels

Ludgrove School, Wokingham

Personal Information:

Date Of Birth: 14/7/1944

Interests: Music (all types), reading, computers/IT, riding, shooting