Our Ambassadors
Our Ambassadors are industry individuals that unite together for Backup!
Working in various roles in their day jobs either employed or freelance, our Ambassadors are well connected in the industry. They use their platforms to spread the word about Backup and the work it does as the charity for the technical entertainment industry, as well as signpost individuals who may need help, informing companies and venues on how they can get involved, represent Backup at industry events and help recruit more Backup Ambassadors.
Plus, as Backup is a charity for the industry and by the industry, the industry feedback from the Ambassadors gives our Trustee Board a wider view on our existing services, as well as looking at future support the the industry might require.
Our Ambassadors are all passionate about the industry they work in and want to make sure their industry colleagues know about Backup, should they ever need to turn to it for support.
If you would like to enquire about becoming a Backup Ambassador please email us at [email protected]
Amber Etra
Amber is a season industry professional, with over 15 years working in both technical production and the industry supply chain. Having studying Lighting Design & Stage Management, her career has encompassed technical theatre roles (inc. West End’s Lion King), LD liason for lighting manufacture Vari*Lite and she is now a Global Rental Rep at lighting vendor Christie Lites.
A volunteer swimming teacher in her community for over 10 years, empowering others through education and skill-building, Amber feels kindness and support should be at the heart of everything we do. Sometimes we have an excess to give and sometimes we need it ourselves – Backup helps that balance for people when they need it most.
Andrew Hedges
Andrew is a production sound engineer and Head of Events at Autograph Sound, where he has worked for 20 years. Since 2017 he has led the special events team, delivering audio for society weddings and parties, brand activations, product launches and corporate AV for clients, including Jaguar Land Rover, Moët & Chandon, Ford and Rolls-Royce, bringing techniques from Autograph’s theatre sound work into the world of live events.
A long-term supporter of Backup Tech, Andrew is proud to serve as an ambassador for the charity, championing the vital support it offers to industry professionals when they need it most.
Chris West
For over 20 years, Chris has trained thousands of professionals across all technical aspects of the entertainment industry. He has also designed and led training programmes for some of the industry’s leading companies. Operating independently through his company, West Training, Chris brings his extensive knowledge and experience to a diverse range of businesses. West Training not only delivers comprehensive training but also leads the way in designing innovative e-learning spaces and developing new online courses from conception to implementation.
Gemma Fletcher
Gemma started working in theatre at the age of 15 and has moved across theatre, circus, corporate, festival and now touring globally in the music industry as a Production Coordinator. Within her career the job title has changed but its all logistics at the core. Get the right people to the right place with the right gear!
A personal driving force is always been to get people back home to their families they way they sent them to her. Now a qualified mental health first aider and advocate with additional support models in leadership and management, Gemma takes her lived experience into everything she does which has now brought her to Backup Tech.
Hannah Ratcliffe
Bio Coming Soon
Joanne Croxford
Bio Coming Soon
Lee House
Lee has dedicated his career to the live events industry and has worked in many aspects of the industry, ranging from LX tech, manufacture technical support and product management, through to all aspects of sales, marketing, and operations within the distribution channels. His current role is Managing Director of Ambersphere Solutions. Lee is a long-time supporter of Backup, deeply committed to helping industry professionals in need.
Luke Edwards
Luke is a UK-based touring lighting designer with roots in Belgium. Over his 10-year career, he has been closely involved with Music Support, first as someone seeking help and later as a dedicated supporter. In 2021, after undergoing brain surgery, Luke reached out to Backup for assistance but luckily found he didn’t need to take up the financial aid in the end. Now, he is committed to giving back to the charities that have been there for him during challenging times, driven by a deep gratitude for the support he received.
Paul Jones
Paul has been a production manager for 30 years and runs a business that only uses freelancers and is run exclusively by freelancers. He started the UK Live Event Freelancers Forum, designed to offer help and support to live event freelancers through the pandemic- now boasting over 31,000 members!
Paul is a MHFAider and encourages freelancers to take MHFA and the Addiction and Recovery courses, to help better understand these delicate areas. Winner of two Unsung Hero Awards (TPI and The Festival Supplier awards), Paul continues to mentor young people and is an industry partner with The Academy of Live Technology.
Suzi Green
Suzi Green is a qualified psychotherapist and a veteran tour manager with 25+ years’ experience, combining industry insight with therapeutic expertise to promote wellbeing in high-pressure environments. During lockdown, she founded The BACK LOUNGE, a global peer-support community that continues to grow, offering connection and support. Her advocacy work has earned industry recognition, including most recently the TPi Tour Manager of the Year Award 2026. Suzi works with individuals and organisations across live music and entertainment and serves as a Trustee of Music Support and an Ambassador for Backup Tech, championing mental health and wellbeing across the sector.