Crewsaders: Investing in our people. Delivering exceptional crews
Great crews don't happen by accident. They are recruited carefully, trained properly, supported consistently, and rewarded with industry-winning pay rates.
At Crewsaders, we've always believed that the quality of the service we deliver to our clients starts with the quality of the people we put on site. That's why we're pleased to announce a new increase in crew pay rates as part of our continued industry-winning investment in attracting, developing and retaining the best people in the crewing sector. But for us, this isn't simply about paying more than our competition. It's about continuing to build and expand a skilled, experienced and motivated workforce that our clients continually rely on.
Investment that goes beyond industry-winning pay:
Pay is only one part of the Crewsaders proposition. We continue to invest in specialist skills training and development, giving crew opportunities to expand their capabilities and progress through the business. But the investment starts with industry-winning pay rates because:
• We attract the best people. Competitive pay helps us recruit skilled, committed crew.
• We retain experience. Rewarding people fairly encourages good crew to stay and develop with Crewsaders.
• We build stronger teams. Retention means more experienced teams that develop stronger client relationships and understanding of their working methods.
• We deliver consistently. Experienced, motivated crews strengthen reliability, efficiency, and service quality on site.
• We reduce client risk. Greater experience and consistency mean fewer operational issues and greater confidence in delivery.
Building careers, not just filling shifts:
The events industry has faced significant challenges in attracting and retaining skilled people in recent years. We believe the answer is to make event crewing a more attractive and sustainable career. That means recognising skills. Rewarding experience. Providing training. Creating opportunities for progression. Supporting wellbeing. And paying people properly for the work they do.
People stay longer. They gain more experience. They develop specialist skills. Crew chiefs build stronger teams. And clients benefit from people who increasingly understand them, the working environments, standards and pressures in which they operate. For clients, that creates something equally important - continuity.
Investing in people is investing in our clients:
Our latest pay increase is therefore much more than an employment announcement. It's another investment in the service our clients receive. We want the best people to choose Crewsaders. We want our crew to develop and stay with us. And we want our clients to feel the benefit every time a Crewsaders team arrives on site.
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Marathon man David Walmsley presents £4,000 donation to backup tech at ABTT theatre show
After completing an extraordinary challenge of running 30 marathons in 30 consecutive days from the Isle of Skye to London, events industry professional David Walmsley presented a cheque for £4,000 to Lee Dennison Chair and Trustee of the industry charity Backup Tech at the ABTT Theatre Show at Alexandra Palace, London on 3 June; alongside Jez Berryman, Managing Director of Crewsaders who sponsored David throughout his campaign.
Who has benefited from the 30 in 30 challenge?
The donation forms part of Crewsaders Crew Chief Walmsley’s wider 30 in 30 Challenge, which saw him cover more than 786 miles during April 2026, raising over £20,000 for mental health charities including Backup Tech, Mind and Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH). The challenge attracted industry-wide attention and support across the events, entertainment and production sectors. David undertook the challenge to shine a spotlight on mental health pressures experienced by many working in high-pressure event and entertainment environments.
How is the £4000 spent?
Lee Dennison congratulated David on his achievement by saying; “David’s achievement is nothing short of extraordinary. 30 marathons in 30 days is a true test of resilience, commitment and purpose. To see £4,000 donated to Backup Tech makes it even more meaningful, as that money will go straight back into supporting the live events industry and the amazing people who work within it. It is a powerful reminder of what this industry stands for: generosity, determination and looking after one another”.
What was Crewsaders motivation to support David?
At the cheque presentation ceremony, Jez Berryman, Managing Director of Crewsaders reinterred his support for David and the company’s commitment to mental health wellness in the events industry, saying; “mental health and wellbeing are fundamental to building sustainable, high-performing teams. David’s challenge has helped shine a light on conversations that too often happen behind closed doors. His approach of raising vital funds for organisations such as Backup Tech provides awareness and real support when it is needed most. At Crewsaders, we believe that looking after people is the foundation of everything we do, and this campaign reflects the values we strive to embed across our business every day.”
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Crewsaders strengthens national leadership team with six senior crew manager promotions
Crewsaders, the UK’s premium event crewing company, is proud to announce the appointment of six new regional crew managers as part of a major strategic investment in operational leadership, client service excellence, and long-term business growth.
The promotions mark an exciting new chapter for Crewsaders as the company continues to expand its national presence and strengthen its commitment to delivering industry-leading service standards across every project, venue, and event. Each individual has progressed through the business from senior crew chief positions, bringing with them over a decade of hands-on industry experience.
The newly appointed Regional Crew Managers are:
• John Robertson and Clint Coppard – London
• Chris Bryan and Stu Chapman – Birmingham
• Josh Salkie and Liam Garside – Manchester
Their promotions recognise not only their exceptional leadership and operational expertise, but also the vital role they have played in building Crewsaders’ reputation for professionalism, reliability, and outstanding client service throughout the UK events industry.
“This is a hugely exciting moment for the business,” said Jez Berryman, Managing Director at Crewsaders. “John, Clint, Chris, Stu, Josh, and Liam have all earned enormous respect throughout the industry through their hard work, professionalism, and leadership”.
Client testimonials say it all:
Chris Bryan
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this role than Chris Bryan. He is the hardest working, most genuine guy and a total pleasure to work with”. Simon Beaty, Protec European Events.
“Chris is an absolute pleasure to have on site. He consistently goes above and beyond, doing whatever it takes to make each show a success. He is a true credit to the Crewsaders name”. Chris Way, PSP AV.
“Having Chris on site is always a pleasure. He runs his crew tightly and professionally, always making sure the job is done correctly and efficiently”. Paul Smith, On Event Production.
Clint Coppard
“Please pass on my congratulations to Clint. I have always found him to be a great leader of a team”. Rob Auton, Neon Global.
“It’s always a great comfort when I see Clint’s name on the schedule, and he’s always the first person I ask for if I’m given the pick of the team”! Tom Ring, Encore.
“Massive congratulations to Clint for this well-deserved promotion”. Trudy Wilder, PSP AV.
John Robertson
“John is always a pleasure to work with, and this promotion is well deserved. Congratulations, John”! Raveena Gill and Catherine Rees, The Arts Club
“John He is largely the reason I use Crewsaders over other crew suppliers”. Phil Struve, We Are Wonder.
“John shows great leadership by the way he manages his fellow Crewsaders”. Andrew Gorman, Wise Productions.
Josh Salkie
“Please do pass on my congratulations to him on his promotion, it’s well deserved, he’s a real asset to the team”. Katie Mountain, Steeldeck.
“That's a great appointment. Delivery is always to the highest standard”. Russell Payne, Sunbelt Rentals.
“It's always a pleasure seeing Josh when he is onsite and you know things will always go smoothly”. Gareth Hill, PSP AV.
Liam Garside
“Knowing Liam is going to be onsite with you is a total comfort blanket and he is a great crew leader”. Steve Rooney, Freelance Technical Director.
“Liam embodies everything Crewsaders stands for. That’s why they remain my first choice crewing company”. Kevin Sparkes, Fresh Group.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Liam for many years, guiding his teams of Crewsaders through tight scheduling and always delivering beyond expectations”. Innes Compton, Innes Technical Engineering.
Stu Chapman
“Stu takes the problem out of your hands and deals with it, sometimes even before you know about it”. Matthew Olorenshaw, AT Communications.
“Stu has always been one of those crew chiefs that thinks one step ahead of you and sees what needs doing before point it out”. Ryan Grant, Encore.
“Stu is very much part of the team when on site”. Dave Doughty, Emota.
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Finish line – #30in30 Run the last mile with Crewsader's David Walmsley this Thursday
Join marathon man David Walmsley and run the last mile of his 30 MARATHONS in 30 DAYS epic journey. Meet at 3.30pm Thursday 30th April at Granary Square Footbridge (next to the Regents Canal Toe Path), Kings Cross, London N1C 4PQ. Run along leafy Regents Canal to Islington Green. Meet at Google map reference: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SJHqkwG5xm1DBpFJ7
JOIN OUR FINISH LINE FUNDRAISER IN LONDON 30TH APRIL
Basils’ Bar at Fox on the Green, Islington Green, London N1 2XH will host a #30in30 finish line fundraising event on Thursday 30th April 4pm – 8pm, celebrating David Walmsley's epic journey. Donations to mental health charities including industry charity Backup Tech can also be made at David’s Give Wheel page: https://givewheel.com/fundraising/12316/30-in-30-marathon-challenge/
CREWSADERS COMMITMENT TO BETTER MENTAL HEALTH
Crewsaders, the UK-based events crewing company, has proudly supported David. The company is committed to embedding mental health and wellbeing into its operational culture. With initiatives such as on-site Mental Health First Aiders, fatigue management systems, and proactive wellbeing reporting, the company continues to advocate for safer, more supportive working environments in our high-pressure industry.
DAVID’S INSTAGRAM JOURNEY DIARY: https://www.instagram.com/crewsaders_ltd/
WHO IS DAVID RAISING FUNDS FOR?
His challenge has been not only about the run, but about raising funds for mental health support, benefiting charities including MIND, Scottish Action for Mental Health and events entertainment industry charity Backup Tech. The challenge has aimed to shine a spotlight on the growing mental health pressures faced across industries and communities, particularly within high-demand sectors such as events and entertainment.
Halfway there: 15 marathons down, 15 to go! One mental health message
Fifteen marathons. Fifteen consecutive days. 393 miles covered so far from the Isle of Skye to Clitheroe. Over £10,000 raised plus £1400 Gift Aid. Reaching the halfway point of his extraordinary 30 marathons in 30 days charity challenge, this milestone is more than just a physical achievement. It’s a powerful statement of mental and physical resilience, purpose, and community. Support David’s challenge with a donation. Donate here: https://givewheel.com/fundraising/12316/30-in-30-marathon-challenge/
With 15 marathons still to go, the journey is far from over. The road ahead will test David’s limits even further, but it will also continue to inspire, unite, and make a tangible difference to the community he has built around this epic challenge. The journey so far, shared on David’s daily video diary, has brought people together beyond the road, sharing their stories and challenges with mental health. WATCH DAVE HERE: https://www.instagram.com/crewsaders_ltd
Join Us this Friday, 17 April, in Manchester. Supporters will gather at the iconic Trading Route from 2 pm until late for a music fundraiser. Celebrate with David, his supporters, and local DJs. Support his mission by taking part in raffles. The energy of the event will reflect community, connection, and collective support. No charge, just turn up. EVENT DETAILS: https://www.crewsaders.com/blog/manchester-fundraiser-trading-route-april-17
On to Birmingham next week. Join us on Thursday, 23 April, at All Bar One, Brindley Place, to support the cause. No charge, just turn up.
EVENT DETAILS: https://www.crewsaders.com/blog/birmingham-fundraiser-all-bar-one-april-23
What began on 1st April in the Isle of Skye is firmly gathering momentum as David continues his journey south towards London, in aid of three charities: events and entertainment charity Backup Tech, MIND, and Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH). Donations continue to roll in. It’s a testament to the generosity and unity of the community rallying behind this challenge.
With route plans shifting everyday due to snow and rain, intense winds, slippery roads, and heavy traffic, David and his support drivers Debs, Gavin, and Jarrod have had to create alternative paths in real time. When you’re covering marathon distances every day across the country, nothing stays fixed.
As David crosses the halfway milestone, the physical toll is undeniable. Running a marathon every single day demands extraordinary discipline, strength, and mental resilience. But it is precisely this effort that mirrors the message at the heart of the campaign. At its core, this fundraising campaign is about people. It is about shining a light on those who may be struggling silently and ensuring that support is visible, accessible, and funded. It represents awareness, solidarity, and a commitment to tackling the growing mental health challenges faced across the events and entertainment industry and wider society. Mental health challenges are real, ongoing, and require sustained support and awareness.
Please note: This is a promotional feature
April cool: Calm, cool, collected for 30 marathons in 30 days
A remarkable endurance challenge is set to capture national attention this April as David Walmsley embarks on an extraordinary journey to complete 30 marathons in 30 consecutive days, travelling from the Isle of Skye to London. April cool captures a powerful contrast: Cool under pressure. Calm in the face of challenge. Collected despite exhaustion. Just as David must maintain composure across 30 gruelling days, individuals facing mental health challenges must often navigate life with quiet strength. Besides the Isle of Skye’s nasty weather forecast on kick-off day, where winds are forecast at 31Km/h, alongside rain on the hilly route, David is excited to get started.
To donate TEXT 70085 with the word ‘Backup’ followed by the amount to donate, e.g. ‘Backup5’ to donate £5 OR donate here: https://www.crewsaders.com/blog/marathon-man-30-marathons-mental-health
Covering a total of 1,266 kilometres, Walmsley will run the equivalent of a full marathon (42.2 km) every day for a month, symbolising the resilience required by individuals facing mental health challenges and encouraging open, honest conversations around wellbeing.
Walmsley, who works within the events industry, has witnessed first-hand the impact of mental health struggles on colleagues and peers. This challenge is his call to action, to break stigma, foster dialogue, and ensure better access to support. Funds raised will support leading charities, including live entertainment and events charity Backup Tech, Mind and Scottish Action for Mental Health. These organisations provide critical services such as frontline support, early intervention, and long-term wellbeing programmes.
The campaign is supported by Crewsaders, the UK’s premier event crew company. They are committed to promoting mental health and well-being within the high-pressure events industry. Through initiatives such as Mental Health First Aiders and fatigue management systems, Crewsaders continues to advocate for safer, more supportive working environments.
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Countdown to one powerful mental health message
Starting on 1st April Crewsaders crew chief David Walmsley will take on an incredible challenge. Running 30 full marathons in 30 consecutive days, travelling from the Isle of Skye to London.
David is raising funds and awareness for mental health in the events and entertainment sectors, supporting industry charity Backup Tech alongside Mind and Scottish Action for Mental Health. Each of the 30 marathons, covering 42.2km per day, symbolises the resilience required by individuals who may be struggling silently, while encouraging open conversations, reducing stigma, and promoting access to support services.
Support Backup Tech: text 70085 with the word ‘Backup’ followed by the amount to donate, e.g. ‘Backup5’ to donate £5 OR donate here: https://www.crewsaders.com/blog/marathon-man-30-marathons-mental-health
Mental health pressures are real in our industry, and challenges like this remind us why support matters. You can help by donating, sharing, and following David’s journey as he runs through communities across the country. Together, we can make sure no one in our industry feels alone.
Please note: This is a promotional feature
Crewsaders appoints Calum McConnachie as commercial director to drive next phase of growth
Crewsaders is delighted to announce the appointment of Calum McConnachie as commercial director, a landmark moment that signals the beginning of an ambitious, highly energised new phase in the company’s evolution. Following his successful tenure as Operations Director, Calum steps into this pivotal role with a clear mandate: to accelerate commercial growth, strengthen strategic partnerships, and help shape a bold, confident future for the business.
The creation of the Commercial Director position is both a statement of intent and a reflection of momentum. As demand for Crewsaders’ premium crewing services continues to rise across the events industry, the business is investing decisively in its leadership structure to ensure it not only meets that demand, but leads the market with clarity, innovation, and purpose. This strategic evolution reinforces Crewsaders’ long-term vision and positions the company to seize new opportunities with confidence and agility.
In his new role, Calum will spearhead commercial strategy, oversee bookings, and cultivate client relationships with a renewed, future-focused perspective. His appointment marks a powerful alignment of operational excellence and commercial ambition, ensuring that every client interaction is underpinned by insight, responsiveness, and measurable value. By strengthening key partnerships and forging new ones, Crewsaders is poised to deepen its presence and influence across the sector.
Calum brings decades of industry expertise, an extensive, respected professional network, and a reputation for exceptional leadership and communication. His comprehensive understanding of both frontline delivery and strategic growth uniquely equips him to drive a relationship-led commercial approach, one that prioritises collaboration, trust, and long-term partnership. Clients can expect not only outstanding service, but a dynamic, proactive engagement model that anticipates needs, unlocks opportunity, and consistently exceeds expectations.
Operational excellence remains the foundation of Crewsaders’ continued success, underpinning its reputation as a premium crewing partner within the events sector. As the business strengthens its market position, it is making decisive investments in its people, culture, and long-term sustainability. A comprehensive transformation of the crew experience is underway, from enhanced recruitment and onboarding processes to structured support systems tailored to the demands of high-pressure live environments. This includes the introduction of a best-in-class induction programme, progressive training pathways, and strengthened wellbeing initiatives designed to foster resilience, professional growth, and long-term career development. By placing its people firmly at the centre of its strategy, Crewsaders is not only elevating performance standards, but also cultivating a motivated, skilled community that reinforces the company’s standing among clients and crew alike.
The wider leadership team remains steadfast in delivering excellence across day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless coordination, transparency, and collaboration throughout the organisation. This strengthened leadership framework enhances clarity of purpose, sharpens strategic direction, and ensures that Crewsaders is fully equipped to scale sustainably while maintaining the premium standards for which it is known.
Above all, this appointment represents a moment of genuine excitement and forward momentum. Crewsaders stands on the threshold of an inspiring new chapter, one defined by growth, innovation, and opportunity. With strengthened commercial leadership, an empowered team, and an ambitious outlook, the company is not simply preparing for the future, it is actively shaping it.
Please join us in congratulating Calum McConnachie on his appointment as Commercial Director, as Crewsaders confidently embarks on this dynamic, opportunity-rich era.
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Crewsaders: 30 marathons in 30 Days for mental health charity Backup Tech
Crewsaders - 30 marathons. 30 days. One powerful mental health message.
This April, to support events industry charity Backup Tech, Crewsaders crew chief David Walmsley will take on an incredible challenge. Running 30 full marathons in 30 consecutive days, travelling from the Isle of Skye to London.
David is raising funds and awareness for mental health in the events industry, supporting Backup Tech alongside Mind and Scottish Action for Mental Health.
Every mile represents someone who may be struggling silently. The goal is simple but vital. Start conversations, reduce stigma, and fund frontline mental health support across the UK. Support Backup Tech and donate here: https://www.crewsaders.com/blog/marathon-man-30-marathons-mental-health
Mental health pressures are real in our industry, and challenges like this remind us why support matters. You can help by donating, sharing, and following David’s journey as he runs through communities across the country. Together, we can make sure no one in our industry feels alone.
Please note: This is a promotional feature