Philip Gee - Chairman

Phil is a seasoned business leader and entrepreneur. As chair of the FQ management team he brings a wealth of business expertise to our strategic planning.

Scott Balfour - CEO and Managing Director

One of the key elements in driving forward Fortesqueue’s service-lead creative excellence is Scott’s personal creativity and entrepreneurial flair. These qualities are matched with his background and training in hotel and business management.

Zilla Houghton - Business Development Director

Although trained as a chef, Zilla’s real talent is having the creative vision to deliver an event message in a truly memorable and effective way. Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious and help her to challenge clients to achieve event results in an international environment.

That notwithstanding, she still hates having her photograph taken. So, until it happens, here's the test card.

David Kemsley - Business Consultant

Since graduating in International Hospitality Management from Bournemouth University and after spending a year working in a 5-star hotel in Paris, David found that his true passion lay in delivering high quality events. With a keen interest in music, languages and a love for adrenalin sports, David is always looking for the next breathtaking thrill!

Julian Dodson - Director of Development

Julian now specialises in the design and delivery of experiential team and leadership development programmes, which act as catalysts for change for businesses and individuals. He's also a bit of a charmer, as you can see.

Peter Strange - Team Leader Bespoke Events

Peter is a specialist conference event organiser. He leads a team of event organisers with team development, party, incentive travel, exhibition and product launch experience.

Fran Robinson - Event Manager Bespoke Events

With a passion for skiing and doing a season Fran likes to prove she lives on the edge. Fran is a key believer in working hard and playing hard.

Vicki Baker - Event Manager Bespoke Events

Working at a surf lodge in Newquay in-between studying Advertising and Marketing in Leicester, Vicki took to the creative lifestyle and found that she loved living life on the crest of the wave. With a passion for music and all things creative, Vicki loves the unpredictability of events and works by the ethic 'think outside the box'.

Tom Dodson - Operations Manager

Tom has a background as a chef, licensee and entrepreneur. He is not only the licence holder for 'the room' by the river but also has logistical and operational responsibility for all 'room' projects, and where necessary, for bespoke events.

Julia Robinson - Head Chef, Kitch-N

Coming Soon..

Alan Simpson - Financial Controller

Alan and his team have the responsibility for financial control and office administration.

Patricia Ross - Book Keeper

Patricia has the unenviable job of trying to stay on top of the mountains of paperwork associated with the business of running top quality events. When she manages to get a break from the invoices, cheques and red tape then she leaves the country to tour the lesser-known regions of Spain or to visit friends or relations in the U.S.A. or Australia.

Victoria Purchase - Business Consultant

After working for the Royal Shakespeare Company and taking a degree in Stage Management at Drama School, Victoria realised she loved putting on a show. Moving from theatre into the events industry in 2001 she saw that she was able to put on a different show every day, treating each event in the same way she would a theatrical production. As Business Consultant, Victoria is able to paint the picture for the client form the very beginning.

Nicholas Eley - Business Systems Manager

Nick's systematic, methodical and logical approach to problem solving is the perfect compliment to the vibrant, creative hive that is Fortesqueue's. When he's not managing the I.T. infrastructure and software systems, drinking coffee, training staff  and managing the company's implementation of various ISO and British Standards, you will probably find him on the River Thames in Henley, either in a canoe or coaching the crew of Henley Dragon Boat Club.

Pip Robinson - Project Manager Middle East

Pip started life 'tup north', then having completed her Chemistry degree at Newcastle she decided to migrate to the warmth of the south in 2003. She joined Haymarket Publishing as an Events Manager in their Awards Department, moving to project manage the hospitality venue adjacent to the Tutankhamen Exhibition at the 'O2' in 2006. Deciding once again to migrate to even warmer climates, she joins us at Fortesqueue's to Project Manage 'the room', but this time in Dubai on Jumeirah Beach. Its a tough life!