Image credit – Barbara Evripidou

With a career spanning journalism, TV presenting, and event management, Jamie has leveraged media exposure to create thriving business ventures. From hosting shows on BBC2 to leading EVO Business Club and EVO ULTRA, his journey is one of adaptability and innovation. Here Jamie shares lessons from his media career, insights into business networking, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Join us to learn from a professional who excels at creating connections and fostering growth.

What are the most valuable lessons you learned during your time as a journalist/TV presenter?

You need specialist knowledge (TV loves experts), good communication skills and – honestly – a huge dose of good luck to be in the place at the right time. You can also leverage your appearances on network TV – when I had a series on BBC2, I wrote to the Daily Mail and suggested I write a weekly column, which I landed. Same with the Mirror, and that lasted 20 years! 


What inspired the transition from media to events?

Unless you are an A or a B lister, it’s hard to get consistent jobs. I started to host summer roof terrace parties in Bristol. I asked a friend to bring a friend. I provided food and drinks. 20 turned to 40, then 50. I noticed that relationships were springing up, and interesting high-profile guests came along. So I took a leap of faith and created my first social event business, Only Connect.

Image credit – Barbara Evripidou

Tell us more about your history with Cardiff, and what drew you to the city.

I was planning on emigrating to Dubai, so I moved to a canal boat to keep things simple and agile. But after spending a day on the boat in the stunning West Country countryside I realised the UK is incredibly special, and lived on there full-time for six months. In November, without enough heat or electricity, I started to freeze. At the time, I was helping BBC1 presenter Martin Roberts make a TV show about his new hotel in the Valleys, so I just moved into the hotel. Like Martin, I fell in love with the wonderful Welsh spirit, so I moved here full-time.

What’s the difference between Evo and Evo Ultra?

EVO Business Club is traditional business networking open to all, with groups of 20 to 30 people. EVO ULTRA is a peer group of 12 members, with a ‘leader of leaders’ as the chairperson. This is open to CEOs or MDs with multimillion-pound businesses. ULTRA is growing at a terrific pace now, especially in Wales! I literally can’t keep up with it. It’s a dream come true for me and I know the members gain so much too.

How would you summarise what ULTRA does in 30 seconds?

In EVO ULTRA, we workshop challenges, we discuss ideas, we hold each other to account and it’s all very confidential. We resolve the problem most business leaders face – it can be lonely at the top. Almost all the members have also expressed a desire to continue learning. ULTRA answers that need, in just three hours a month.


You’ve been busy lately; what are some of the most exciting projects in the pipeline for you at the moment?

I’m opening a third ULTRA group for Wales this summer at Penderyn Distillery in Swansea and a fourth group at The Ivy, Cardiff in October – chaired by Rupert Moon, the rugby hero, and Hannah Williams. We’re opening in Gloucestershire soon at The Ivy, Cheltenham and later in Oxford, I hope.  

Image credit – Auction Kings – Discovery Channel

Biggest professional highlight for the first half of 2024?

Being the headline sponsor of the Cardiff Life Awards. It’s the single best business decision I made in 2023 and it all came together earlier this year. I’d recommend this to anyone. Brilliant team, brilliant experience, brilliant results for ULTRA.  


What’s on your business bucket list for the future?

To grow ULTRA in Wales and England, as well as Dubai and maybe London soon. We’ve got exceptional momentum and it’s just a joy to see CEOs and MDs come together to share ideas and support one another. It’s extremely satisfying. I’d like to also make my first feature film at some point, having made quite a few short films thus far.


One piece of advice you’d give to young entrepreneurs.

Don’t try – do! Yoda also said that, but it stands up. Also, write handwritten letters when asking for help – especially if you’re new to business. Established leaders will and should try to help if they can.


You’re very active on LinkedIn – what are your top tips for people using the platform to grow their business profile?

LinkedIn is a good daily habit. Simply post interesting and engaging content every day – try to post useful info rather than just promoting yourself and your business.

Author WCS

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