Grass Roots Meetings and Events emerges following consolidation

Global customer and employee engagement specialists Grass Roots has today announced that it will be consolidating its various events businesses into a single legal entity, to be headed up by Des McLaughlin. McLaughlin, who currently leads the Strategic Meetings Management (HBI) arm of Grass Roots in Putney, is to take on a wider role as group managing director of the newly consolidated company, which will be branded as Grass Roots Meetings and Events.

The announcement includes the news that Jeremy Brown, formerly with Spectra and Maritz, has joined the event management and communications arm based in Marlow. Brown will report into McLaughlin, along with Charles Moyle, who heads up the ‘Live’ production business in Worcester and Giselle Ripken, leader of ‘Delegate Management Services’ in Fleet. Jon Shilling, who has been credited with steering the EventCom (Marlow) operation through a difficult period of transition, is currently discussing potential new roles within The Grass Roots Group.

Commenting on the changes, McLaughlin was optimistic about the future prospects of the new Meetings and Events business. “In simple terms we have two operations which specialise largely in pre-event logistics and two that specialise in event delivery. The plan is simple: to get closer together in these areas, to make a difference for our clients, and ensure we deliver successful events from inception to final curtain. With the talent and experience we have, combined with our consolidated purchasing power, I have no doubt that we will do exactly that, creating a unique proposition of value and efficiency.”

Grass Roots chief operating officer Andy Lister added: “Some parts of our events operation have been extremely solid and profitable, whilst others, in recent years, have found it tougher going. We believe there are a number of benefits that can be realised from a more joined-up approach, which will provide a better service for our clients and more opportunities for our people. With Giselle, Charles and now Jeremy, leading the component parts, Des has a strong team behind him, to drive the business forward over the coming years”.