our associates

paul blezard

(co-founder & associate)

Hand Held Events would not exist were it not for Paul Blezard. A few years ago he had the inspired idea of introducing Lyndy and Jo to each other, who, although they worked in the same field, had never met. He had a feeling they would get on and he was right! Although Paul has now moved on to other projects of his own, he still works with Lyndy and Jo on multiple events during the year.

Paul is considered to be one of the pre-eminent and talented author interviewers and panel moderators at international literary and book festivals for over 15 years, Paul has been an influential literary broadcaster, editor and commentator and is known for his ability to create memorable, highly engaging live events that entrance, inform and entertain audiences.

He has written reviews and author interviews for many publications ranging from the Independent on Sunday to Banipal, been broadcast across radio and TV in the UK and coast-to-coast in the USA. His unique daily author interview programme helped Oneword Radio win two Sony Radio Academy Gold awards in consecutive years. A committed supporter of all things cultural and literary, he has for 20 years advised, consulted, presented and chaired at myriad international literary festivals and major cultural events around the world.

lucy hannah

(associate)

Lucy specialises in setting up and delivering international creative initiatives and producing live events. She is founder and director of Untold, a development programme for writers in areas of conflict and post-conflict, whose current project is Write Afghanistan. She produces Your Local Arena , with Speaking Volumes – an Arts Council England-funded series of live literature events in collaboration with literary festivals across the UK. She founded and led Commonwealth Writers, and she established BBC Writer’s Room. She is a Visiting Research Fellow at King’s College, London; a Director of the BOCAS LitFest in Trinidad and a trustee of Vital Xposure Theatre.

richie turner

(associate)

Richie works across the arts, higher education and the public sectors specialising in entrepreneurship, innovation and equality and diversity. Currently based at the University of South Wales and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, he is also an arts and business consultant; with clients including the Arts Council’s of England, Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland, the BFI, National Museums Wales and the Royal College of Organists.

He has recently been appointed by the Welsh Government as a Non-Exec Director of its Creative Wales Board (overseeing the film, TV, live events, music, publishing, games and digital industries).

georgie docker

(associate)

With over 20 years working in the events industry Georgie also successfully Produced some very large automotive training events for Toyota as well as delivering events for 7 consecutive years in Trafalgar Square, London, including on The Mall and in Royal Parks.

Georgie spent 5 years working for award winning experiential agency RPM on a number of road shows and brand activations, including delivering a 4 year campaign for Sky Arts, and projects for other leading brands at some of the UK’s largest festivals. Georgie has also produced private events for clients including James Dyson, Zoe Ball and Chris Evans.

julia wheeler

(associate)

Julia is an experienced chairperson for many of the best festivals in the UK and abroad. She has chaired events at The British Library and Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, and hosts online discussions for UK and international audiences.

Julia worked for the BBC for 15 years including as the BBC’s Gulf Correspondent between 2000 and 2010. She is published in The Times, Telegraph, Guardian and Economist and works as a freelance journalist and writer.

mark james

(associate)

Mark is a highly skilled, graphic and web designer with more than 30 years professional experience covering branding and advertising, print and merchandising, through to online virtual events.

He has previously working with many brands, companies and institutions including; Pernod Ricard, L’Oréal, Wine Australia, Visit Wales, Southampton University, Canal & River Trust and the Lockdown Litfest.

With his constant commitment in helping to deliver their visions, he has a loyal following of long standing delighted clients.

roddy peters

(associate)

Master of Ceremonies, Voice of God, public speaking coach.

An experienced MC, Roddy has for six years presided at the Stanfords Travel Writers’ Festival, inspiring him to journey to Jordan, China, and Rick Stein’s restaurant.

Quick to gauge tone, Roddy has a confident charm and thrives under pressure at exhibitions and charity galas. He puts his oratorical and speedy sight-reading skills to further use coaching private and corporate speakers.

Based in London, Roddy likes the arts, cycling and those little umbrellas you get in cocktails.