We are fortunate enough to have a highly experienced and dedicated team at Central Hall Westminster.
Here you will find information on who we are. In this specific page, meet our board of directors.
Our Directors drive the business forward and introduce innovation and event industry excellence. In these interviews they share their passion for Central Hall Westminster, for the events industry and also key insights into what makes them tick.
Sarah Ainsworth
CEO
How long have you worked at CHW for?
Since 2016, I started working as Finance Director
What do you do at CHW? Job title and responsibilities…
I oversee the finance team who process daily transactions (purchases, sales invoicing, bank receipts etc) and review financial reports – of how much profit we have made which we can donate to our charity parent organisation.
More recently I have been sorting out additional bank loans and overdrafts and looking at our projections for business in the coming year and how we make every £ stretch further.
What do you like most about working at CHW?
The people and the purpose of the organisation
Where is your favourite place to go in Westminster?
St James Park followed closely by cake and a coffee in my regular corner seat in Wesley’s Café that is now known as Sarah’s corner
What will be the first thing you do post lockdown?
Most definitely have a haircut and then go out for a meal.
Sarah Franczak
COO
How long have you worked at CHW for?
I started in February 2019 as Sales and Events Director
What do you do at CHW? Job title and responsibilities.
I’m responsible for the overall strategy for setting and hopefully exceeding our revenue targets. This includes overall direction of the sales team, including plans for building new business, account management and looking after our repeat clients.
Alongside this the Events team report to me and our mission is to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction at all times and to look for meaningful ways to enhance our client’s experience and grow our business opportunities.
As a member of the Board of Directors my role also includes the creation and maintenance of strategies in relation to the overall business including governance, staffing and continued progression.
What do you like most about working at CHW?
Aside from the fact that our building is stunning, we’re grade II* listed; I love the diversity of space that we have available which leads to a varied and exciting portfolio of events.
Where is your favourite place to go in Westminster?
St James’ Park – it’s an oasis in the heart of London and just two minutes from our doorstep. I also love Chez Antoinette, a chic little Parisienne style café on Palmer street, just 5 minutes’ walk from Central Hall.
How long have you worked in the events industry?
20 years! I studied Hotel & Restaurant Management at university and have been in the industry ever since.
What is your greatest highlight while working in the events industry?
It has to be winning the contract for Nike to be ‘Nike House’ during the London 2012 Olympic games. This was in my previous venue and I was privileged to be able to meet many sporting greats.
What are your top three tips to venue bookers for planning the perfect event?
- Never assume
- Check, check and check again
- Always have a contingency plan
What are you looking forward to most post lockdown?
I’m most looking forward to a chilled glass of wine in my favourite local gastro pub followed by a delicious meal with friends and family.
