MEET THE TEAM
PHIL ALLEN
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR AND OWNER
READ ABOUT PHIL
Phil has over 20 years of industry experience, joining the business full time in 2012, having previously assisted on events on a part time basis prior to that. With a background in supply chain management, Phil brings his strategic prowess to the business and has been the driving force behind our continued growth. He is incredibly passionate about the business and has a huge focus on quality and empowers the team to bring new ideas to life. In his spare time you can find him on a golf course or being kept on his toes by his two young children.
Career Highlights
With so many to choose from there are two which stand out:
- Managing a performance by Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (aka Will Smith). Will is a global superstar and the pressure to deliver was huge. He appeared, rising up through the stage on a riser and we surrounded him with a rapid burst of pyro whipping round the whole stage edge. We also fired, flames, CO2 and pyrotechnics.
- Firing the walkout to the FA Cup and seeing the Team I have supported all my live lift the trophy. I even got a high 5 from Jurgen Klopp on the pitch to seal a perfect day.
Dream Job
I have been to Glastonbury 6 times as a punter, but it would be an unrivaled experience to fire the special effects for a headline act on the Pyramid stage. Someone like Elton John or Fleetwood Mac.
MARTIN ALLEN
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR AND OWNER
READ ABOUT MARTIN
Martin has been with the business since its inception and is now joint owner bringing a wealth of experience to the team. He’s been there and done it, travelling all over the world to deliver events in The US, Asia, Middle East and Europe. Martin’s current role oversees the entire operation ensuring high standards are maintained. He also manages all of our larger bespoke projects from idea stage all the way through to delivery. Martin is also very charitable donating a lot of his spare time and utilising his skills to local organisations such as the Scouts, Round Table and School PTA.
Career Highlights
Almost impossible to shortlist but 2 real highlights include:
- The first of our 3 BRIT Awards performances, featuring an epic performance by Paloma Faith. We supplied an enormous rain shower cover almost the entire stage, a 12m shower at the back covering the dancers and a much heavier barrage of water fully surrounding Paloma at the front of the stage. Despite the numerous rehearsals the pressure of the live performance was huge, with Martin conducting procedures from the front with a team of under the stage controlling the flow of water.
- Co-ordinating the preparation and execution of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Firework display for the first time. The display was the biggest in the country at that time, with 7 displays being fired simultaneously from the hills surrounding the City on the stroke of midnight.
Dream Job
I would love to work on a large-scale event combining all our iconic products, our dancing fountains in the foreground and a huge aerial firework display above. The display would be choreographed to a personalised music track with Pyrotechnics and Flame jets firing on key parts of the music. The combination of all our key products would make for a stunning, bespoke and memorable display for a celebratory or royal wedding.
GEORGE STUBBS
TECHNICAL & PRODUCTION MANAGER
READ ABOUT GEORGE
George first started working for the business while studying for his A-Levels. We won the contract to supply the SFX for the Women’s Cricket World Cup and one of the main grounds used was Exeter, where George was studying. So he stepped up and managed all the matches played at The County Ground. He enjoyed it so much when he graduated he came and asked for a job and we were very glad to welcome him to the team full-time. George plays a critical role in the maintenance of our kit as well as coming up with innovative show designs and bespoke builds In his spare time you’ll definitely find George outdoors! Whether it be kayaking, hiking or playing ultimate frisbee!
Career Highlights
George decided to choose an entire week as one of his highlights, a great example of the variety of work we complete. George’s week consisted of 5 days at the BRIT Awards managing a water projection screen for PINK, then flying straight out to Dublin for the Premier League Darts before returning to London for a Cup Final at the London Stadium.
Dream Job
I have a real passion for cars, and my Land rover Defender is my pride and joy. So working on a 4×4 off-roading event or Redbull rampage would be amazing!
DANIEL STUBBS
WAREHOUSE MANAGER
READ ABOUT DAN
Dan is the engine that keeps the business moving and the getting the events out the door on time day after day. Dan oversees the warehouse team, preparing and testing all the equipment prior to despatch and then again when its returned. Dan has a great attention to detail which is vital in our pursuit of delivery events to the highest quality. He ensures processes are followed and no corners are cut. Dan is also developing his skills as a lead firer and taking on more event management responsibility. In his spare time Dan has recently taken up golf and fishing.
Career Highlights
- The FIFA eWorld Cup was a huge global event, comprising 3 separate competitions held over 3 weeks in Copenhagen, Denmark. It involved three finals combining a variety of effects and different firing occasions and I managed the firing of the Sparkulars. We provided flames for player entry, sparkular when goals were scored and a huge confetti blast as the winner raised the trophy.
HENRY HUSBANDS
WAREHOUSE TECHNICIAN
READ ABOUT HENRY
Henry assists Dan in the warehouse to ensure that all products are meticulously maintained, prepared and programmed before they go out the door. Henry is a stickler for detail, so he tests and tests again before any piece of equipment leaves the warehouse. He ensures processes are meticulously followed and no corners are cut. Henry is also developing his skills as a lead firer and taking on more event management responsibility. In his spare time Henry likes to play squash and go climbing.
Career Highlights
Coming soon
Dream Job
Coming soon
LISA BIGGS
HIRE AND EVENTS MANAGER
READ ABOUT LISA
Lisa is the newest member of the Ent FX team and has fast become the glue that holds the team together. Lisa plays a critical role in the execution of our event delivery and ensuring all aspects are taken care of to the highest of standards. She is the first point of contact for our crew and clients and is always on hand to help with a smile on her face. With her cracking eye for detail and organisation she provides crucial support to all areas of the business. Recently, she has taken on managing some of her own hire bookings and is fast learning about all of our kit and FX in great detail. In her spare time, you will find her working on her latest craft project or enjoying a glass of prosecco (or two) with friends.
Career Highlights
- Managing my first booking from start to finish was a huge highlight for me. The world of SFX is absolutely huge and in the beginning it felt like there was so much to learn and I didn’t know where to start! When I was able to manage my first booking from start to finish it felt like a huge milestone for me. Not only did I manage the entire booking process, I even attended the event, rigged it and fired the Sparkular effects myself.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR JOURNEY
Get ready for an explosive ride because Entertainment Effects is not your average event production company. Established in 1998 as PYRO 1, we started off as a dynamic Firework Display Company and quickly made a name for ourselves by firing some of the largest displays in the country, including the legendary Edinburgh’s Hogmanay for an epic 10 consecutive years! But that was just the beginning. In 2010, we kicked it up a notch and launched a brand new venture – Aquabatics. Specializing in Water SFX, we pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation by developing a range of bespoke products that will leave you in awe. From the mesmerizing Rain Curtain to our incredible dancing fountain system, Aquabatics took the world of event production by storm. Fast forward to 2016, we decided to merge our two businesses under one umbrella brand to streamline the customer journey and create an unstoppable force. That’s when Entertainment Effects, or ENT FX for short, was born. With our wealth of experience and cutting-edge technology, we’ve been providing bespoke entertainment solutions that guarantee to elevate your event to the next level. And in 2022, we decided to take it up another notch by launching our very own online Shop and hire business. With our passion for perfection, state-of-the-art equipment, and a team of highly skilled technicians and performers, we’ll make sure your event is an unforgettable experience that will leave your guests talking about it for years to come!
LEARN ABOUT OUR 7 POINT QUALITY CHARTER
Our core value is to have safety and quality at the forefront of all our decision making in order to deliver the highest standard of SFX to our clients.
SAFETY– Is everyone’s responsibility. Prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent. No shortcuts
QUALITY – Personal ownership and accountability to deliver excellence and reliability.
We use the acronym ‘WE CREATE’ – World Class SFX Working Environment – In order to produce a high quality output we need to be working in the optimum environment.
We Communicate – The accurate sharing of information throughout the entire event delivery is critical to success. It drives accountability as we know exactly who is taking responsibility for each task.
We’re Reliable – Attention to detail is very important. We need to look professional and show that we care about the finer details; Show that we can produce a high quality
We’re Experts – We have broad knowledge and experience which has developed our skills in the field of event delivery. We follow a concept of GOOD TO GREAT – a journey of continual development.
We Activate – The key to success is PLANNING. A good plan is based upon clear, well-defined and easily understood objectives. – Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
We Test – The most important step in the entire process. We must CHECK, CHECK AGAIN, and then do a FINAL CHECK. This applies to everything we do.
We Evaluate – The REVIEW stage of a project is as important as the preparation. Identifying exactly which aspects went well and which could be improved
WANT TO WORK WITH US?
On larger projects, we need up to 20 crew, so we have pools of specialist local labour in areas where we have regular work, including Wolverhampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London to help us achieve eye-catching results every time. We are always keen to nurture and support talent and are always on the look out for people to join our expanding crew. We think we are brilliant to work for, but don’t just take our word for it, check out some of the testimonials provided by our crew below.
If you think you’ve got what it takes, send us an email on contactus@entertainmenteffects.co.uk or give us a call on 01707 269 566 to find out more.
