19 Dec 2022
We Guide. We Create. We Deliver. Welcome to our world #WeArePennineEvents.
Pennine Events celebrate their 20th anniversary within a constantly challenging and dynamic events industry.
From the Tour de France (twice!) to Walking with Giants, from major light festivals and fireworks shows from some of the UK’s most iconic locations, through to mass participation charitable trials raising hundreds of thousands through their supporters, from Tour of Britain, Pedal for Scotland, UCI Cycling World Championships and other top level cycling spectaculars through to brand activation & roadshows, from Clippers and Tall ships races to working with military ships, awards shows & conferences, mega music festivals, football parades and adrenaline inducing ‘ironman type’ bespoke challenges – the Pennine Events team has done it all and continuous to push the boundaries to create, guide and deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences on behalf of major national and international clients and working relationships with many of our countries Local Authorities.
The Northwest based SME has been operating for 20 years and brings over 100+ years of combined experience in Live events. Over the years the team have received multiple accolades such as an Outstanding commendation from Metropolitan Police, Best UK Sports event, receiving Gold for Event Excellence, and more!
The SME is a true example of entrepreneurship and creative business management, started from humble beginnings by Owner and Director Mark Sandamas in 2002. It was exemplar how the small business made it through the Covid period where events were on hold for over a year and decimated the industry. The company restructured and with sheer grit and dedicated were able to come back with a bang in 2021, such that it has been extremely busy that the team haven’t stopped since.
Mark Sandamas, Owner of Pennine Events said: “I still have vivid memories of the first steps back in December 2002 forming the company, a bit like igniting the touchpaper on a firework, but with less idea of what would happen. Maybe ironic for a professional in event planning, but there really wasn’t much plan then other than being very committed to doing the best I could, seeking out and taking any opportunity and determined to enjoy the ride. I really cannot believe that was twenty years ago – given how quickly it has flown. Though when the team list the incredible rollcall of events we have delivered, then I’m less surprised but no less enthusiastic and exhilarated. I have been so fortunate to have made wonderful friendships, met really interesting people, but in particular to have an amazing team at Pennine. Without them, the journey would never have got so far, nor been anyway near as fulfilling. To also attain our two biggest contracts in our 20th anniversary year is a wonderful way to celebrate… and to look forward to the next twenty.”
With over 25 years’ experience, owner Mark champions the industry as a whole, through his seat as council member on the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA), founder and managing director of UK Bike Tours, and Owner of Coast to Coast Packhorse, the leading operator of holidays and tours on the World-famous Wainwright’s Coast to Coast trail.
Alissa Koopal, CEO of Pennine Events said: “As the team celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pennine Events, we look back on such an incredible 2 decades of some of the most iconic events that we have
been so fortunate to support, plan and deliver such as the Tour de France. Most excitingly of course,
LCL Bike Ride’s longstanding commitment to community engagement and reuniting the cycling community, has raised over £350,000 over the past years alone, for numerous leading local and national charities, making its return post-Covid19, it was one of the first mass participation sporting events (outside of pilot events) to take place in the UK since restrictions were put in place in March 2020. This year, the team’s Driven By Purpose strategy has enabled to support 6 amazing charity partners for the 30th anniversary: NSPCC, Alder Hey, Clatterbridge, North West Cancer Research, Woodlands Hospice and Railway Children.
The Pennine Events’ team is full of aspiration, resilience, ambition and thrives on new and innovative ideas, and look forward to another 20 years of guiding, creating, and delivering once-in-a-lifetime experiences and events.
we are looking forward to a year like no other, through the sheer dedication and commitment of the
team to keep our beloved company surviving through some of the most devasting and challenging
past couple years where Covid completely decimated our industry that so many people rely on. Our
2023 calendar will see some of the biggest events we have delivered to date such as UCI World
Cycling Championships in Scotland and a whopping 30th year anniversary of our very own LCL Bike
Ride. We’re delighted and excited to see thousands of cyclists re-uniting. We have ensured free
places for all children aged under 15 and continue to be an all-abilities and non-competitive event –
to promote cycling, healthy living and also- community for all. I would encourage everyone to get
involved, strap on their helmets and power up their pedals for such fantastic causes”
