Lindsay Tuck's Job Ladder

Chief Executive, Leisureworks (2007–present)
I joined Leisureworks just before the completion of this brand new trust as the first Chief Executive, and finalised the merging of Derwentside Leisure Services with the District's existing Leisure Trust, Derwentside Leisure Ltd. The trust delivers cultural services across North Durham via arts and sports development, a receiving theatre and cinema, a multifunctional arts centre with cinema and gallery, three sports centres and swimming pools, along with the usual bars and cafés and over 1.2 million customers a year. Having spent the first year ensuring all polices, funding and staff were in place, we are now drawing up capital programmes to provide a new cultural facility at the west end of our area, a major refurbishment of the arts centre and renovation of the front of house areas in one of our other leisure centres. We are also building relationships with our new partners following the creation of the unitary authority, and ensuring the trust continues to hit its financial targets, so there are plenty of challenges ahead. My current role is an ever changing feast and allows me to be involved in every facet of the organisation. I work closely with staff, customers and partners. I can also be hands-on when working with artists and athletes. I make decisions and take measured risks to progress the business. I am allowed to use my entrepreneurial skills to develop new initiatives, knowing that I have a great team of people around me to carry them through.
 

Head of Arts, Darlington Borough Council (2003–2004)
The lure of returning to the theatre attracted me back into ‘proper employment’. I thoroughly enjoyed myself working for this unitary council responsible for a beautiful receiving theatre, a large multifunctional arts centre, large-scale outdoor events, public art and arts development. With a wonderful team, I carried out a major refurbishment of the arts centre to create a centre of excellence for young people’s theatre and improve visitor numbers and income.

Consultant (1999–2003)
Being offered a contract to market the largest public art programme in Europe, ‘Art on the Riverside’, gave me the incentive to start up my own arts marketing consultancy. For four years I worked with many interesting arts clients providing marketing and management advice. Clients included The Bowes Museum, Arts Council North East, Killhope Mine Museum, Arc, Northern Sinfonia and various councils.

Theatre Royal, Newcastle, Head of Marketing and Development (1994–1999)
Was this work? I really loved my job at the Theatre Royal – long hours, limited resources, one computer between three, huge targets to hit, small budget – but the best people, wonderful shows, brilliant audiences, never-ending challenges, passion and humour everyday.

Newcastle City Council, Marketing and Promotions – Publications (1989–1994)
I worked with a very small publishing house owned by the City Council. Whilst working here I returned to university to take postgraduate qualifications in marketing.

Ford, Marketing Executive (1987–1989)
Foolishly lured by a company car and a big wage, I worked for car manufacturer. Surprisingly, the experience and the training received did help to further my career, but working without interest or passion does not compensate for the take home pay which did help me make a conscious decision about the type of industry I wanted to work in.

Metro Radio, Promotions Executive (1984–1987)
Fresh out of university and thinking I was going to be a brilliant presenter, I accepted a graduate traineeship at the local radio station. A year of working in all areas of the station made me realise that I sounded as though I was 10 years old on air, and that I loved working behind the scenes staging events and promoting and marketing the station. A highlight was the Rolling Stones at St James Park, combining my favourite band with my favourite football team.