“It is all about the WHY and this amazing person understands not just business but people & team dynamics too. Society needs good employment opportunities and they come from stable, growing, scaling, businesses and Sam really gets that.”

Stephen Dimon - Owner of 1st Group Limited

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have learned from you during your time at Shaping. Your leadership, vision, and dedication have been truly inspiring. The impact you have made through the work that we do is undeniable. I have learned so much from your collaborative and team-building spirit, Strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to the City.

While it is hard to imagine Shaping Portsmouth without you, you'll be a fantastic addition to any team or organisation. Your passion, expertise, and infectious enthusiasm are truly remarkable.

Thank you again for everything, and I wish you all the very best in your new endeavours. I'm excited to see what amazing things you accomplish next!”

Omojowo Marian Oshodi Glover - Digital Marketing | Project Management professional with an MSc in Digital Business Management

“Sam worked with me throughout my time leading the Cruise Passenger Programme. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of leading projects and events was a huge support to me as I introduced and implemented the various elements of the programme. Both passionate and hardworking, Sam was not only a guiding light but supported me with ideas and connections and I couldn't have achieved what I did without her efforts. Sam is a fantastic asset to the Shaping Portsmouth team.”

Sarah Bell - Travel Industry Consultant

“What can I say about Sam? A fantastic communicator who is extremely organised in helping delivering objective goals. Having been a keener supporter of Shaping Portsmouth for many years I can say the organisation goes from strength to strength with Sam being such an integral part of the success.

Sam is also fantastic at making connections and referrals which is been a huge asset when expanding Delivered Social's branch to Portsmouth. Thank you for all you do for myself and the organisations I've worked for (Past and present!). You're simply fantastic.”

“I worked with Sam during my time at Destination Southampton Conference Bureau and whilst at Stadium Experience.

She was a great project leader, business development leader and team leader, working collaboratively with clients and suppliers to deliver excellent results.

Sam always impressed me with her strategic business planning and future focus.

It's great to be working together again.”

Shirley Wynne-Jones - Event Director based in Hampshire | SWJ Events

“Sam is such an inspirational leader. She has extensive experience and talent in leading high performing teams, increasing revenue in both for and not for profit organisations and is highly strategic and driven to exceed outcomes.

Her passion for helping others to succeed is infectious. Sam is one of those rare people who are committed to improving themselves, professionally and personally so she can be the best version of herself for both her work and family.”

Kat Thorne - International Keynote Speaker | Life explosion ➜ High Performing | Positive Habits Teacher | Former CEO | Redesigning Work Life Balance

“Sam and I worked together at SFC and she did a great job helping to grow sales in a fast-paced environment. When we took the decision to move back into hosting large scale concerts at St Mary's after a long absence, Sam embraced the challenge and was instrumental in the delivery of a hugely successful event. An excellent project manager with the commercial expertise required!”

Toby Steele - Experienced CFO with Managing Director and M&A background

“Sam came in at very short notice to help with the planning and delivery of our 2021 Freshers Fayre (the biggest event of the year for UPSU). With very little time to get used to the site or project as a whole, Sam jumped into every part of the project to support and was an incredible person to work with, ensuring deadlines were met and being my 'organised brain' behind the scenes of everything, as well as recommending and sourcing additional support we required from her vast network of contacts and ensuring we stayed on track with everything to deliver the event effectively.

Sam was present for the full 5 day delivery of the event itself, and was wonderful to work alongside; so professional, calm and collected when there were 'on the day' issues to resolve but also fun and enthusiastic about every element of the event and a pleasure to be on the ground with. She was a brilliant colleague to work with and who kept me going across what was a long and tiring week but that was just such fun as well!

Sam supported me so well throughout the entire process and I would not have been able to deliver the event without her expertise and help. It was sad to have to say goodbye after working together so productively and enjoying every part of the event and we hope that this is the first of many events we ask for Sam to support us on as an organisation as we would absolutely love to bring her in for events we deliver in the future.

Thank you Sam!”

Natalie Dutka-Bowskill, Student Opportunities & Operations Manager Portsmouth University

“I am very fortunate to know and over periods worked with Sam for over ten years now. Heard About Sam was an integral part of the business and of the business success when we worked together. Since then Sam is so important to the success of the business, I have grown with the team and run today. Helping start Dirty Martini in London with myself and our team was a landmark for our business. I would sincerely recommend Sam to all who look to get for advice and support with their business.”

Scott Matthews, CEO, CG Restaurants

“Sam’s knowledge enabled us to create a framework for Sales generation, setting targets and reporting. The team found her input enormously helpful and with her friendly and helpful nature she was able to build positive relationships both internally and externally. We would definitely collaborate with Sam again.”

Oliver Weeks, Managing Director | Kimbridge Barn

‘‘Sam is so passionate and knowledgeable she is a pleasure to work with. She knows her industry very very well and delivers solid solutions that get the desired results. She is attentive to the needs of her clients and really takes the time to get to the heart of what they need. In the time I’ve worked with her she has never missed the mark. Her instincts are second to none and her real desire to get the best possible results has always shone through and proved her head and shoulders above the competition.’’

Hazel Mallinson-Nesmith, Artistic Director | Black Hat Theatrical

“The Re-opening highstreets fund (RHSS) enabled a formal partnership with Shaping Portsmouth and Heard About Sam and had a clearly defined remit. On behalf of Portsmouth City Council, Shaping Portsmouth delivered against clear objectives. Through a range of business-facing awareness-raising activities, we worked to ensure that the reopening of local economies could be managed successfully and safely. The working relationship with Sam was a success and I thank you for your support, partnership and contribution to the process run during this relationship. Although the contract has now ended, we hope that the relationship fostered throughout the contract period will continue as the Economic Growth team continue to support retail areas and place making across the city.

Rebecca Alexander,

Place & Markets Officer, Planning & Economic Growth | Portsmouth City Council

“Having known and worked with Sam over a 12 year period, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to any of my colleagues and clients. She has always been dedicated to her role, delivering results for her clients and important to me, dedicated to delivering the very best customer service at all times. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to project management, staff management and using the necessary tools to achieve the objective in hand. She is highly motivated, strategic, work logically and delivers targets. Not only a great and professional businesswoman, Sam is also a lovely person who I have always enjoyed working with and was a pleasure to do business with.”

Kate Hutton, Owner | Hutton Faux Flowers

“Business South is a business engagement organisation delivering high profile business events which attract key stakeholders and leading employers from the south-central region. It is extremely important that we work with professional delivery partners and Sam is certainly one of our external partners of choice.

We have worked with her over the last 5 years and Sam has always demonstrated exceptional attention to detail in relation to the events that she has hosted for us. Her proactive approach to enquiries, event planning skills and interaction with us and our clients are exemplary. We value Sam’s support when delivering a premium business event and we are confident that she will deliver on all levels.”

Leigh-Sara Timberlake, CEO | Business South

“I would like to thank you for the years of dedicated service you gave to the club. Your energy and passion were infectious and you should be rightly proud of your achievements in helping to create a first-class events team that has really helped to place St Mary’s on the map as a credible and alternative events venue.”

David Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer | Southampton Football Club

“A first-class professional who always delivers and not only goes the extra mile but does it willingly and regularly. To prove I have no hesitation in recommending Sam to anyone who needs this type of support and guidance, we at Shaping have hired her to run our Partner development and recruitment role, and I can't think of a better Ambassador for our organisation.”

Stef Nienaltowski, CEO | Shaping Portsmouth CIC

“I met Sam in late 2016 when she had started to plan the delivery of a 32,000 capacity Robbie Williams concert at St Mary’s Stadium Southampton, as the team at the stadium needed some specialist concert input and support. We worked closely on the successful delivery of this event and whilst working with Sam I was impressed by her professionalism, commitment to the club and her hard-work, whilst delivering a complex and difficult show.”

Neil Roberts, Director | NRCO Ltd

“Sam is passionate about people management, having personally guided and nurtured up and coming stars to fulfil their potential in their existing roles, as well as progressing them to ensure they have been ready for the next opportunities. Not stopping there, she is the driving force for the event management of the venue, securing repeat business as well as major new business such as several concerts.”

Debbie Rigney, Marketing Manager | Stadium Experience

“I wanted to add my personal thanks. It was great to hear the work you have been doing, with the passion and attitude to the work you undertake with such commitment, all of which is very much appreciated.”

Neil Chapman, Managing Director | Hover Travel

“Sam is incredibly attentive to our requirements and takes the time to understand what we are striving to achieve from budget negotiations right down to table decorations, whilst always spinning what must be many plates from several stakeholders to provide us what is always a wonderful evening.”

Jacqui Pennal, PA to the Board | P&O Cruises

“Sam, you are a pleasure to work with, you give 100% of yourself to Shaping Portsmouth and you have had a fantastic impact on everything you do. Thank you and I look forward to working with you into the future.”

Michael J Thornton, Owner | KSM Telecom

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Testimonials