How did you start working with Accredit?

It was quite simple really, Nicola, Accredit COO, asked me at a gathering if I’d like to work for a market leading software company in the global sports and major events industry. Being a huge sports fan and working in the events industry previously it was a no brainer. 3 and a half years later I’m still here and things are more exciting than ever.

What does your role entail at Accredit?

Working in Business Development I’m constantly on the lookout for new clients and partners to show off the Accredit system, talk through their accreditation experience, and identify any challenges that will need mine and my team’s help in solving. I especially enjoy working on potential client proposals with my team and building compelling business cases to work with them. You will often find me representing Accredit at sports business events and conferences where I love to hear from companies about their event accreditation processes and security technology, as well as talking about our new developments which have come thick and fast over the past 3 years!

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I manage my two son’s U14 and U10s Little League football teams and have sat on the Sutton Little League Executive Committee for the past 6 years. I am the Rascals Division (U8s) Representative. There are 8 teams and 64 kids in the division. I organise the division, manage the managers, fixtures and any parent queries/footballing issues as well as host the Sutton Little League trials days and Cup final days. I joined Patrick Kielty recently on his BBC Radio 5 Live Sport Saturday Morning Breakfast Show as his man on the ground for the epic Battle of Sutton U8s match between the Spitfires and Typhoons.

What is your biggest personal or professional achievements?

My biggest personal achievement is that I’m the father of 3 sons – Isaac, 17, Alex, 14 and Luke 9. They surprise me (in a good way), inspire me and make me laugh every day. I can’t believe one of them is heading to university next year. Very proud.

If you could change something from your past what would it be?

I regret not travelling to the Far East and Oceania with Helen, my wife of 18 years, when we were younger. I hope to share that journey with Helen in the future.

Who is the person you admire the most and why?

Helen, for sticking with me for 22 years and being the mother of my gorgeous boys. But also, for being the most genuine, sincere and honest person I’ve ever met. She keeps me grounded and makes me want to be a better man.

How would your friends describe you?

Fun, generous and there’s never a dull moment when Simon’s around.

How do you think the accreditation process for stadium teams will evolve in the coming year?

It’ll become more and more digital, with a greater emphasis on mobile access control and real-time staff reporting and management.

What is the most interesting project you have worked on in your time at Accredit?

Eintracht Frankfurt our first Bundesliga and football client outside of the UK. Our initial conversations and meetings helped me understand the challenges a multi-use stadium faces on a daily basis and really opened my eyes to the adaptability of the Accredit system.

What is your favourite functionality aspect of the Accredit platform?

I touch on it above but the adaptability and flexibility of the Accredit system to manage so many different event day scenarios.

If you could spend 5 minutes with any person alive or dead who would it be and why?

Keith Floyd, whose love of food, wine and people was so obvious in every cooking programme he hosted and cookbook he wrote. I would have loved to share a story, plateau de fruits de mer and cold bottle of white wine at a French bistro with the Stranglers playing in the background.

Tell us a joke…

Knock, Knock! Who’s there? Amos. Amos who? A mosquito just bit me! Knock, Knock! Who’s there? Andy. Andy who? Andy bit me again! Knock, Knock! Who’s there? Izzy. Izzy who? Is he gone yet.