“We’ve got your back” Eclipse staff say support is vital to prove ‘anything is possible’

“We’ve got your back” Eclipse staff say support is vital to prove ‘anything is possible’

Building a successful creative technical production company is impossible without having the right people to push it forward. As Eclipse celebrates 30 years in the business we look at how our amazing staff go above and beyond every day and support one another to make anything possible.

At Eclipse we prove that ‘anything is possible’ for our clients, so it’s no surprise that the same ethos is applied across the business. As the saying goes ‘teamwork makes the dreamwork’ and we are fortunate that our employees always look out for their colleagues to ensure each job runs like a dream.

As our Head of Projects Simon, says “at Eclipse, everyone has each other’s’ backs”, so to give a greater insight into the support shared across the business and find out why working as a team is so important, we caught up with staff from different departments to get their take.

Jermaine has worked at Eclipse for almost two years as New Business Sales Executive. During that time he has managed to build a wealth of knowledge and experience in this field. He loves the camaraderie among staff and the caring attitude displayed by management.  

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced on a job and how did you overcome it?  

It was probably when I started here. I was fresh into this industry even though I’ve sales experience across different mediums – advertising, B2B, media, telecommunications and consumables – and it was a daunting prospect to try and learn the mountain of information about the events industry. However, my manager at the time walked me through the whole process and was always at hand with insight and as the voice of reason to answer questions no matter how trivial they seemed. 

How crucial is it that you work as a team to be able to do your job?

My role is becoming more inter-relational, so for me to be able to work as part of a team with our graphics, scenic, venue partnership and projects teams is important. Liaising with colleagues enables me to perform better in my role as it gives me an insight into how a scenic option would be set up, for example, or it could be that I need a contact at a company but haven’t got the right person, so the account managers would be the point of call there. 

If a colleague asks you for help, what can they do to guarantee you will come to their aid?

Offer cake! Although that option is off limits while I’m training to compete in a boxing match supporting a youth organisation. Seriously though, if I can help, I will.

What was your most memorable moment at work and why?

Being on-site for the FA and River Island staff parties. It was in my first three weeks and I got to see the setting up, being informed on which lighting, speakers, set and mixing desks etc. were used to deliver the job was quite an immersive experience for me.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since working at Eclipse?

One of the significant things I’ve noticed about Eclipse in this business is the staffing structure that we have that isn’t mirrored across the industry – we’re pioneering in simplifying job roles. I think that relieves staff in this high-pressured and stressful industry.

Simon has been part of Eclipse’s project management team for 18 months and is currently Head of Projects. He says it is the people who make Eclipse a great place to work.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced on a job and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenges are usually graphic-related. For example, a logo might have changed and we need to update it. To overcome this it’s a case of being cool, calm and collected, talking through the clients’ concerns and then talking to our graphics team and our suppliers to see what can be done in the time frame.

Can you recall a time when a colleague went above and beyond to help you?

Once, a colleague drove overnight from London to Amsterdam to deliver additional equipment for an event. It goes a long way when someone stops what they’re doing and focuses on you. I’d hope they feel the same back.

How crucial is it that you work as a team to be able to do your job?

It’s vital – if we do it alone something will go amiss. At Eclipse everyone has each other’s’ backs

What was your most memorable moment at work and why?

Being accepted to move from Account Manager to Head of Projects. It meant that the management team had faith in my abilities.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since working at Eclipse?

I’ve learned that different people have different skill sets, so when I need help, I now know who is best to call upon and when.

Oliver has worked at Eclipse for nine months as VP Area Manager and loves the fact he is given the freedom to get on with his job and manage his time in line with the demands of the role.  

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced at work?  

Learning to be more sales driven. I have also put myself in uncomfortable situations and learnt from those experiences.  

How crucial is it you work as a team to be able to do your job?  

It’s vital. We only ever have issues when we ‘assume’ something will work out or don’t communicate. 

Do colleagues go above and beyond to help each other at Eclipse?  

Even when different departments are busy, people will go above and beyond to help or rectify a situation. There’s always someone to call with the answer. It’s always nice when you get support, especially when it’s a busy or stressful time.

What was your most memorable moment at work?

All of the ‘laugh out loud’ moments, and there have been a few, which helps the day go by.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since working at Eclipse?

Never assume, always follow up and always get it in writing.