Festive focus: Our chat with XSEM managing director Dan Bardgett

Can you introduce yourself and your business to our readers?

“I’m Dan Bardgett, managing director of XSEM Ltd, a leading marketing and events agency based in Leeds city centre.

“We support clients through the creation and delivery of live events, reward and incentive schemes and creative content. We also have a specialist golf events division lead by PGA professional, Mark McGeehan.”

What was your company’s biggest achievement of the year?

“In October of 2018, we launched our own event – Cycle Expo Yorkshire. The event was the first of its kind in Yorkshire and fitted perfectly alongside the cycling events already happening in the county.

“Thousands of attendees enjoyed races, competitions, live performances, test tracks and an indoor exhibition. In 2019, the expo is due to grow even bigger, representing even more areas in the cycling industry.”

How would you approach 2018 differently, given the chance?

“In a project-based business one of the biggest challenges is being able to run an efficient team while also reacting to unexpected client demands or new business wins.

“This year, we won a number of significant projects as well as launching Cycle Expo Yorkshire. This meant that the team had to deal with added pressure and demands. I’m extremely proud of how the team not only stepped up to the challenge but also made sure that we exceeded client expectations.

“With hindsight, we should have foreseen the upcoming challenges and invested in additional resource earlier. Everyone deserves a work-life balance!”

What are your company’s plans for the new year?

“Next year is set to be a record year for us. Existing business is growing and our investment into marketing and expanding the sales team is paying off already with new business looking healthy for 2019.

“The first thing we plan to do in 2019 is recruit. We are expanding the operations team and making some changes to our internal processes to improve resource planning. Our service offering is evolving and the size and scale of the events we are delivering is growing.

“In the first quarter of the year, we are set for our busiest start to a year ever with an overseas incentive trip to Toronto, two UK sales kick offs and a ski trip, among others.”

What are your plans for the festive season?

“We’re planning a fun filled festive day for the entire team before having a well earned break over Christmas. Our dedicated Christmas committee have a range of surprises planned for the day so we can’t wait!”

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