Meet Our Founders
Our founders are the brains and hearts behind BizzFest. As business leaders themselves, they’ve attended more business events than they can count, and have always felt that something was missing: the fun.
BizzFest is their answer. A festival-inspired business experience designed to help people learn, grow, and feel excited about business again.

Shaun Pledger
Co-Founder of BizzFest & Managing Director of Alloy Fabweld Group - Manufacturing, Engineering & Social Enterprise
Shaun Pledger is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and Group Managing Director of Alloy Fabweld Group, overseeing a diverse portfolio of companies across manufacturing, engineering, design, and social enterprise. With a passion for sustainable innovation, Shaun leads initiatives that create real impact, from low-carbon construction solutions to community-focused projects like Steel Warriors and Hashtag Big Smile. His businesses are rooted in a mission to deliver real-world value, empowering people and supporting local and global communities. Shaun’s leadership blends commercial success with social responsibility, shaping industries while making a meaningful difference.

Andy Coleman
Co-Founder of BizzFest & Founder of The House Group: Hospitality, Events & Creative Ventures
Andy Coleman is the founder of The House Group, with over 14 years of experience turning ideas into thriving businesses. The House Group includes award-winning restaurants, wine bars, mobile bars, and creative agencies, all delivering what Andy calls ‘The Unicorn Effect’: standout experiences for both customers and teams. Whether he's growing new brands, guiding rising talent, or supporting his team’s personal goals, Andy brings energy and heart to everything he does, building high-performing businesses that not only succeed commercially, but also support the aspirations of those who power them.
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Amanda Coulson
Co-Founder of BizzFest & CEO of SVC Solutions: Recruitment, Training, HR, H&S
Amanda Coulson is the CEO of SVC Solutions, a values-driven consultancy specialising in recruitment, training, and health & safety. With over 20 years at the helm, she combines her expertise as an ILM trainer and qualified business coach to empower individuals and teams across industries. Amanda is passionate about creating resilient, people-first workplaces, where personal development and leadership are at the core of business success. Her approach ensures commitment to growth and innovation, always prioritising the human element in business success.
Jon Percy
Co-Founder of BizzFest & Consultant General Counsel - Corporate & Commercial Solicitor and Business Advisor to SMEs
Jon Percy is an experienced in-house lawyer specialising in advising start-ups and high-growth companies. As General Counsel, he works as a trusted advisor to help businesses with their legal and operational matters, and provides commercial advice and business-focussed legal solutions. As a corporate transactional solicitor, he also manages M&A, investment deals, governance, and other company focused matters. Known for his embedded, proactive approach, Jon has co-founded a number of businesses and works closely with leadership teams to validate, develop and execute on their ideas, build strong business foundations and support growth.

Alex Crocker
Co-Founder of BizzFest & M&A Associate at Clearwater International - Investment Banking
Alex Crocker is an M&A Associate at Clearwater International with over four years’ experience advising mid-market clients on mergers, acquisitions, and transactions. Passionate about corporate finance, Alex supports clients by delivering clear, strategic advice throughout complex deal processes, combining financial expertise with a collaborative mindset. In his spare time, he enjoys playing (and watching) rugby, currently playing rugby at Championship level for Richmond Rugby.



