New MD as Out There Events focuses on growth

AFTER 15 years at the helm, the founder and owner of Out There Events Marcie Incarico is handing over the reins of the events side of the business.

Catherine Godsland, who has been with the Manchester-based events company for more than six years, is the new managing director.

“With the passion she has shown for the quality of what we do and her exacting customer service – it is the right time for her and to build a team around her,” Incarico told TheBusinessDesk.

Incarico set up Out There Events in 2001. Today it runs around 50 events a year, owns a publishing division called Mix Media, has eight full-time staff and expects turnover to hit £1.8m for the year to the end of September.

It merged with the Timpson Group in 2011 and formed a 50/50 joint venture with Timpson-owned production company Light Stage and Sound (LSS).

As well as providing access to equipment Out There was already having to hire for the events it stages, the merger with Timpson provided other benefits.

“They helped me to form a better business. The Timpson model showed me the value of looking after the people who are good to you” said Incarico.

A self-funded MBO of Out There Events and Mix Media – which own commercial interiors trade magazine Mix Interiors – followed in July last year.

“A big must for me was acquiring that magazine because of the events that sit alongside it,” said Incarico.

Its annual Mixology Awards attract 700 people in Manchester and over 1,000 in London.

“Knowing that Catherine is taking over the events division has allowed me to concentrate on growing Mix Media. It also allows me to think about growth and where that will come from.

“The magazine will see 20% growth this year but generally we want sensible sustainable growth. In this business you are only ever as good as your last gig,” Incarico said.

Godsland added: “I am delighted to take on this next challenge and extremely excited for the future of the business.”