With an extensive and comprehensive network of contacts within the venue industry worldwide, Edward has built relationships with architects, structural engineers, finance consultants, suppliers and clients in every corner of the globe.

A highly motivated professional with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, he is organized with outstanding relationship building skills, which ties up excellently with his planning, analytical and decision-making capabilities. This has amalgamated in an in-depth understanding of stadium & arena design and construction developed over the past three decades.

Edward negotiated the acquisition of the terraced wings from the Olympic Aquatic Centre, London, which was to be re-configured for use in other venues after the London 2012 Olympic Games.

While working with Intelligent Engineering, Edward was part of a team responsible for a multitude of global projects, such as LG Arena (UK), O2 Arena (Ireland), Olympic Aquatic Centre (UK), Manila Arena (Philippines), Georgia Tec (USA), Flushing Meadows (USA), San Jose Earthquakes (USA), Gulf Stream Racecourse (USA), with numerous projects in the latter stages of discussion in the USA, Brazil, Italy, Russia, Singapore, Middle-East, UK and Ireland, when he moved to take up a new position.

Daniel and Edward have worked closely for many years which has allowed for a flourishing and fruitful business partnership, which Edward now brings directly to Stad Astra in his Non-Executive role, where he will advise and consult on projects from across the venue industry, utilising his invaluable experience.

Graham has shown an acute aptitude in both sport and business his entire life, leaving a trail of innovations in his path. Having earned his business wings at Loughborough College at an early age, his work in the education sector led to Oxford University, specifically a Masters in educational management. This was followed by doctoral studies, and five years later his title became Dr Graham Deeks MSc D. Phil (Oxon), upon completion of his thesis ‘Control Around Managing Change and Leadership’.

Family commitments prevented the opportunity to become Professor of Education at the University of California, but this did lead to alternative opportunities, with Graham expanding his knowledge into the commercial world, where he became the management executive of two medium-sized companies, before venturing into consultancy work into his semi-retirement.

His paper on ‘Opportunities & Threats Facing SME’s (Small, Medium Enterprises) In an Everchanging World’ was sponsored by the EU, following consultation in London and Brussels, with various elements of these studies still implemented at government level today.

Graham’s currently finishing his first book, ‘Wondering, That’s the Trick’, which ponders and challenges the human condition, specifically humanity’s position within the universe. His lifetime of work across a multitude of areas within the educational sector has constantly challenged his way of thinking and how new approaches can be considered and implemented throughout society.

Stad Astra utilises Graham’s leading-edge ideologies to the betterment of not only the business itself, but how they can be more fruitfully harnessed across the multiple niches we encounter as part of our unique working sector that provides solutions in venues, brand opportunities and future-proofing sustainable solutions.