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touches hearts -
stimulates minds -
prompts action -
shares your vision -
broadens horizons -
brings your values to life
What we do
Speakeasy creates inspirational live experiences that change the way people think, work and live their lives.
We conceive and execute conferences and events, exhibitions, dinners & awards with a gusto and enthusiasm which will leave you, and your target audience, wanting more. Our approach combines the freshest creative ideas with the most up to date technologies and meticulous project management, to ensure your experience is productive, rewarding – and of course fun.
Our Clients
With nearly 25 years of event management experience under our belts Speakeasy has accumulated one of the most enviable client portfolios in the business, covering public and private organisations, governing bodies, international societies and associations across all sectors – and continents.
“Speakeasy went the extra mile, many extra miles in fact!”
“…the best organised event that I have ever attended…”
“Despite late nights and early starts you maintained focus on ‘getting it RIGHT’!”
“So impressed by your creativity, tenacity and professionalism…”
“…extremely professional, responsive and flexible to work with…”
“…so helpful and positive…pulled off a fantastic day.”
“…a great team of people to work with…”
“…responsive, helpful and upfront…”
"…exceptionally well organised…"
Our People
Speakeasy is the combined capability of some of the UK’s leading experts in event and exhibition management, content design and video production.
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Abigail Nawrot
Senior Producer
The ever-ebullient Abi nurtured her creative skills at Leith School of Art and Edinburgh College of Art before setting up her own production company and spending four years film making in Tanzania.
We persuaded her to join Speakeasy in 2019, where she has quickly risen through the ranks from videographer to senior producer. With a particular penchant for animation, Abi just loves writing, producing and project managing all kinds of films, delivering the kind of service to customers that just makes them smile. Which is also what she does most of the time, whether she’s working with school kids or Ftse 100 CEOs. I love my work because… It’s really satisfying to work with a such talented group of people to take an idea from project inception to completion. We bring out the best in each other and are always adapting to better suit the needs of our clients. Most awesome work moment… Winning a silver EVCOM Clarion award for Think About It, a drama we made for Lloyds Banking Group which promoted accessibility in the workplace. The film received 10816 views on day one and they clients were overjoyed with the response internally and the recognition from EVCOM. -
Alan Jones
Filming Team
Alan is a highly skilled self-shooting producer/director and editor, with a variety of broadcast and corporate credits. After graduating from Stirling University, he went to work for BBC Scotland, working on programmes including Munro: Mountain Man, The Cinema Show and Primetime. Alan then moved into TV development with BBC Scotland’s Children’s TV.
As a freelancer, he shot and directed a number of short films, gathering a series of award nominations in the process. Alan joined Speakeasy in 2013 and has used his wide variety of skills as a camera operator, director and editor on many different projects. Alan works across the board for Speakeasy clients including Scottish Enterprise, Aberdeen University, Lloyds Banking Group and the Scottish Government. Most awesome work moment… Climbing the Black Cuillin on Skye on a cloudless day in May. There are definitely worse ways to earn a living! Favourite saying… “That was good…can we try one more take?” Favourite thing… Breakfast, preferably involving strong coffee. -
Colette Black-Heaton
Operations Director
Originally from South Africa, Colette has more than 20 years’ experience in event design, operations, logistics and project management. Her contagious enthusiasm, whirlwind energy and military attention to detail have established her reputation as an exceptional events manager in the UK and internationally.
Unruffled and upbeat under the tightest of deadlines, Colette says her toughest challenge is getting her dog Oban to stop chasing birds while they’re out in the wilds. She has worked on large scale events and international conferences throughout the UK, Europe and Asia for clients including Food Standards Scotland, The European Society of Toxicology, The International Society of Travel Medicine, Old Mutual Wealth and Sanlam Investment Management. Most awesome work moment Arranging a Gala Dinner on the Great Wall of China Favourite hobby Trail Running Best advice ever given or received Forget the mistake but remember the lesson -
Eszter Csetenyi
Events Co-ordinator
Eszter really loves events as a way of building communities, spreading messages and creating inspirational environments and experiences. Which is a good job, because it’s her job. Which is also a good job.
She really knows her stuff, studying Event and Hospitality Management at Hogeschool Tio and graduating in Festival an Events Management with Marketing from Edinburgh Napier University. All of which puts her in a great place for supporting the Speakeasy team across all of its events, whether physical, virtual or hybrid. Supporting the board members of SITE Scotland, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, Eszter devotes her time to going that extra mile and making all event delegates feel welcome and well informed. Funniest moment… Having her trousers removed by a goat at a petting zoo, leading to a life-long mistrust of the species. Best advice given… Don’t stop asking why. -
Jeremy Hewitt
Creative Director
A chronic over-thinker (he pens an entertaining blog on this topic) with a seemingly unlimited capacity for innovation, Jeremy has overall control of Speakeasy’s creative output, both in Scotland and London.
He is a First Class Honours graduate in English Literature and Language (MA) and has 23 years’ experience as a writer and producer. Jeremy has devised and pitched hundreds of film and event concepts for clients including Travis Perkins, Newton Investment Management, Lloyds Banking Group and the Scottish Government. He has won countless awards for his work from the Event & Visual Communication Association (EVCOM), the Institute of Internal Communicators and New York Festival Film and TV Awards. Jeremy is also a guest lecturer on media courses at Perth College and sits on the Subject Advisory Committee for Film and Media at the University of Stirling. Most awesome work moment 9am on 3rd October, 2004 when I walked into Speakeasy, and every moment since. Mastermind topic The life cycle of the jellyfish and effect of bananas on the ripening of fruit (courtesy of kids’ school projects). Who would play you in the film of your life? Probably Samuel L Jackson – he’ll do anything. -
Jim Leishman
Self-shooting Director
Jim studied Technology at Strathclyde University before taking a Post Graduate Diploma in Electronic Imaging at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. Jim is a Director and Lighting Cameraman and Director of Photography who has worked extensively in television, feature film, advertisings and documentary.
A rare blend of creativity and practical production skills, Jim brings technical ability and visual flair the Speakeasy team. Personable, popular and professional, Jim has worked all over the world for clients including Topshop, Dewars, BBC Television, LWT and Channel 4. Jim films and directs regularly for all of our public and private sector clients. The best thing about Speakeasy is... The friendships I’ve made over the years Favourite office gadget… My new camera Mastermind topic... Physics -
Jonathan Young
Managing Director
With a background in sales and marketing and more than 25 years in industry, Jonathan brings an unrivalled level of commercial acumen to Speakeasy.
Since joining the business in 2005, he has led the acquisition of two production companies in London and Edinburgh. He has also driven the transformation of Speakeasy into a full service events and film company, including exhibition design and build. His cool head, charm and unflappable professionalism have seen him compared to George Clooney (only by Jonathan himself…) He’s also an expert tea maker (we’ll need to take his word for this) and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of almost everything Speakeasy has ever done, which admittedly comes in handy. Jonathan has orchestrated hundreds of live events across the UK and internationally for clients including BAE Systems, Newton Investment Management and the Glasgow 2104 Organising Committee. The best thing about Speakeasy is Working with great people on fantastic projects for brilliant clients. Oh, and getting to play around with all the tech… Also, I'm unexpectedly good at Making the tea – but everyone beats me to it! Hidden talent Bagpipe playing. -
Katie Shepherd
Production Assistant
Katie doesn’t have sheep but she does have a tortoise called Herbie which has developed a cult following due to its insistence on appearing in the background of her video calls.
The multi-skilled Katie is fully first aid trained and qualified with a BA (Hons) and HND in Television from Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College respectively. Before joining Speakeasy she made films with the RSPB and BBC amongst others, and now provides invaluable support across all productions, from dramas to remotely filmed presentations, from animations to mind-blowing event openers. Amazingly her tortoise will live to 150, so let’s all stop using plastic for Herbie’s sake eh? Mastermind topic… Scottish History, more specifically Mary Queen of Scots Most awesome work moment… Seeing the Childrens Hearing Scotland recruitment ad we produced on the TV -
Kirsten Lamb
Senior Events Project Manager
Kirsten graduated from Napier University with a First Class Hons degree in Hospitality (Tourism Management) before taking up events management roles at Standard Life, Dentons, Homes for Scotland and Hungrrr.
Kirsten joined the Speakeasy team mid lockdown in 2021 and has quickly fitted in as an outstanding project manager, guiding projects such as Scottish Learning Festival, Meet the Buyer and Entrepreneurial Academy through to fruition. Her strengths lie in her unerring attention to detail and ability to problem solve, ensuring every project she works on lands exactly as it should, offering a great experience and maximum value – whether in-person or virtual. Kirsten is currently sharpening her social media marketing skills through a diploma in social media. Most awesome work moment…. Baby-sitting the actual Ryder Cup at her house for a whole weekend! Unexpected skills…. Baking, mastery of 80s and 90s pop, Turkish, French, German, Spin, Weights, boxing, aerobics, yoga, dog-handling, manicure… (phew – and that’s just the unexpected ones…) -
Laura Mures
Designer / Motion Graphics Artist
Born in Leon, Spain, Laura is our most multilingual team member and is fluent in Spanish, English and Italian.
After a media degree from the University of Burgos, she continued her academic career in Madrid, graduating with a MA in digital post-production. Laura joined Speakeasy in 2014 after working for production companies in Italy, Spain and the UK. Fluent in After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, illustrator, In-design, Cinema 4D and Final Cut, Laura is responsible for Speakeasy’s motion graphics and animation output. Did we mention she is an excellent photographer and artist too? Favourite office gadget… My graphics tablet I'm also the office expert on... Drawing on sticky notes Favourite hobby… Travelling! -
Laura Wilson
Business Development Manager
Laura joined Speakeasy from the Edinburgh Convention Bureau and knows everything there is to know about association conferences and how to win them.
A graduate in Business and Consumer Studies from Queen Margaret University, Laura served as the International Associate Sales Manager at the bureau, and is also president of SITE Scotland, Society for Incentive Travel Scotland. Tenacious and ever enthusiastic, Laura has successfully developed relationships with clients such as Data Lab, and is currently working with Edinburgh University on a major hybrid project Robosoft 2022 – International Conference on Soft Robotics. Most awesome work moment… Attending a private Lionel Richie concert in Detroit during ASAE 2015. It was outstanding! Most notable childhood deception: When I was young my parents created the story that Lenny Henry was our uncle. They held the pretence up for years! When Uncle Lenny was on TV, I asked my mum why we never see Uncle Lenny. She turned round and replied, ‘You can see he’s a busy man.’ It was hilarious when we finally realised that he had absolutely nothing to do with us. He’s still affectionately known in our household as Uncle Lenny. -
Nia Young
Assistant Events Director
Niamh is sometimes referred to as Neeve, occasionally as Neem, but to keep things simple we’ve settled on Nia.
Nia graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a 2:1 in Business Studies and started off her events career at energy giant SSE where she quickly progressed through to Group Events Manager covering Group Brand and Events within the Corporate Affairs team. With her vast experience in corporate conferences and events, Nia plays a key role in managing a huge variety of Speakeasy projects. Loft Lightning’s defence demon, Nia spends the majority of her free time playing and coaching Netball or at the gym! A keen brunch goer…feed her some poached eggs, smashed avo with salmon and maybe a halloumi fry or two and she’s in heaven. Nia’ly. Unofficial job title... Breakfast Chef Most used phrase... “I’m hungry" The best thing about Speak is... The office tunes and accompanying Events Team Choir -
Peter Smith
Editor
Peter knows Final Cut Pro X like the back of his hand and is also unexpectedly good at Boolean algebra simplifications (using the standard set of equivalences).
After a Philosophy degree and postgrad diploma in IT from the University of Glasgow, he worked in IT in Germany, learning the language along the way. Returning to Scotland, Peter began freelancing as a cameraman and editor, gathering a host of corporate and music industry clients. When Speakeasy acquired Edinburgh-based corporate video specialist Republic Productions in 2008, Peter was the company’s senior editor – so we’re v pleased he joined our fold! He now manages our post-production facility in Edinburgh, as well as troubleshooting routine tech and IT problems. The best thing about Speakeasy is... The camaraderie. By the way, I’m currently learning how to... Compute axis-aligned bounding box collision detection for a game I'm making. In real-time, of course. Hidden talent… I once learned enough Norwegian in a month to be able to read a simple novel, solely by listening to Norwegian radio. (It was many years ago, I was unemployed and had a lot of time on my hands. I have forgotten almost all of it. But I still have the book I read). -
Stacy Haddow
Events Manager
A psychology and sociology graduate from Napier University (BA Hons), Stacy has more than ten years’ experience in the conference industry, specialising in the medical, academic and scientific event fields. Before joining Speakeasy, she was conference manager at In Conference, professional conference and event organisers who manage large national and international conferences and exhibitions throughout the UK, Europe and North America.
Stacy’s key responsibilities include project management; budget management and financial reconciliation; venue negotiation and management – and client and delegate communication. Career Highlight Scheduling over 180 parallel sessions during a three-day conference Hidden Talent Spelling bee Favourite Movie True Romance -
Stuart Simpson
Head of IT
Okay Modest and unassuming, Stuart has a planet-sized brain and is basically the office expert on Everything. His technical prowess and infinite wisdom have helped us out of more than a few IT scrapes over the years (seriously Stu – thanks!). And his ability to remain calm and rational in the face of hysteria is simply masterful.
Stuart has a BA in Film and Media from Stirling University and since joining Speakeasy in 2003, has helped develop our edit facilities into one of the best post-production departments in the UK. Stuart’s technical ability and vast knowledge of Final Cut and Creative Cloud have been developed whilst working on thousands of client programmes ranging from drama to documentary. Office superpower... Fixing anything that's broken By the way, I’m currently learning how to… Learning how best to handle remote filming and editing Hidden talent... I can field-strip and rebuild a 2 stroke engine -
Victoria Masterson
Content Producer
A news junkie and former hack, Vicky is also an avid recycler and informal member of the Punctuation Police.
After graduating from the University of Edinburgh with an MA (Hons) in English Literature, she freelanced for BBC Radio Scotland before embarking on a 20-year career in print and broadcast journalism. Specialising in business, Vicky was formerly deputy business editor of The Herald and Scottish business editor of The Sunday Times. She was also part of the launch team at L!ve TV, the former Mirror Group cable channel. Vicky started freelancing for Speakeasy in 2014 and joined the business full-time in 2016. Vicky’s Speakeasy clients include VisitScotland, the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration, NHS Education for Scotland and the Scottish Government. Unofficial job title Green Team Champion Favourite saying Just do it Who would play you in the movie of your life? Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly, of course
Our Awards
We see award schemes as a great way of learning from others and picking up best practice from around the industry. Here’s a few we’ve won along the way.
