Chamber Hero: Al Tredinnick

Al Tredinnick is the Chief Operating Officer at Digicave

Photo by: Brighton Togs

1. Please tell us a bit about your business, what you do and who you work with

At Digicave we specialise in new technologies for marketing and Pr Campaigns. We work with big brands and big agencies to give them crazy experiences that their customers can enjoy and share through social media. We’ve done some really unique campaigns where we’ve made virtual zombies appear around London to be chased down by gamers, we’ve made James May pop up as virtual tour guide at the Science Museum and Gary Barlow magically appear on the cover of Hello! Magazine. Basically whenever you see some crazy new bit of wiz bang technology used in a new marketing campaign we’ve often had something to do with it.

2. What gives you the most satisfaction from your business?

People’s reactions to our work. We always aim to actually stun people with something they have never seen before. It never gets old!

3. What’s been the biggest challenge for you as a business?

Waiting for the world to catch up with new technologies and their benefits.

4. What are your goals for your business over the next 12 months?

Investment, growth and really pushing the boundaries on a few land mark campaigns. Also opening up the Middle East as a market.

5. What’s the main reason you give your time for free to the Chamber?

We get a lot of benefits from being a member and being a business based in Brighton. Volunteering gives us the chance to give back and help others get the same benefits.

6. Are there any Chamber members that you would rate as giving outstanding customer service?

I would vote for the Chamber themselves actually. You don’t get such selfless support and attention from many other places.

7. If you could invite anyone to speak at a Chamber event, who would it be?

Jemal Edwards – Heard him speak at TedX recently and he was amazing!

8. What’s been your favourite Chamber event this year?

The Summit! It totally broke the mould for business conferences in my opinion.

9. Which local business person would you most like to hear as a breakfast speaker?

Mark Koska from Star Syringe

10. What is your favourite place in Brighton?

Anywhere in the sunshine that has cold beer.

11. In your opinion, what’s the best thing about living and/or working in Brighton and Hove?

The people. We have the most free-spirited population in the country. It is never boring here to work or play.

12. Can you recommend a favourite pub, restaurant or café?

Chili Pickle or La Chosa

13. When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I read a book a week no matter how busy I am. It keeps me relaxed and full of ideas.

14. How hard do you find it is to achieve a healthy work/life balance?

For me it’s not about hours it’s about mental partitioning. You have to be able to leave work at work.

15. When meeting you for the first time, what would you say people remember about you?

Enthusiasm and colourful language.

16. What’s your favourite TV programme?

Horizon

17. What book are you currently reading?

The Hydrogen Sonata, Last sci fi book by Ian M Banks before he died recently. Very Sad!

18. What’s your dream holiday destination?

Thailand, It takes real effort not to just keep going back there rather than exploring new countries.

And finally...

19. What’s the best thing about being a member of the Chamber?

Brighton Chamber reflects Brighton’s unique personality so it’s always fun to be a part of.

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk