Who is James Sutcliffe?
Published: 7:15 AM June 5, 2021  Norfolk based James is a senior executive in the music and entertainment business, with a glittering career working alongside artists such as Dua Lipa, Maroon 5 and Stormzy. Having worked for global brands such as Ministry of Sound and Monster Energy, he recently joined forces with Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani in new venture. When the pandemic began, I was working for Monster Energy. Whilst the business wasnt really affected from a sales perspective, my role which was predominantly working in music events and with artists, changed completely. I went from regularly travelling in Europe and working at major music festivals and with major level artists, to being confined to my office at home! In December 2020, I joined LIVENow, which is a live streaming business, creating and streaming virtual events in music, sport, fitness and entertainment. I feel very lucky to have worked constantly throughout and have managed to adapt my career completely to future proof myself. It may sound like a clich, but hard work and consistency has always been my approach to everything. Even during hard times, staying positive and reminding yourself that better times always follow a tough patch is the key to keeping yourself going. Surrounding yourself with good people is also vital. I was born and bred in Lowestoft. Whilst my career has taken me all around the world and after spending a few years living in London, my wife and I decided to make the move back home five years ago. I'm very proud of my roots and love being back closer to friends and family. I live in Oulton Broad and for me, there is nothing better than the proximity we have to the beach, the broads and the surrounding countryside. To be able to retreat back here after either working in London during the week, or travelling further afield is a real blessing. My major frustration is the travel infrastructure, mainly the train routes. Its a nightmare to get anywhere. A high speed rail link to London and a better road system linking us to Ipswich would not only make travelling easier, it would also help the local economy no end. I love The Wildebeest near Stoke Holy Cross. The food is amazing and the atmosphere there makes it a great night out. Oulton Broad has a few amazing pubs, in particular my local, The Commodore. There's nothing better than spending a warm summer's evening sat by the water with friends having a few drinks. The War memorial at Thetford. When Im driving back from London, when I see it, Im only an hour away from home. Barbecue season in my garden. I'm a machine on that grill and the ultimate party host. Anything to do with the band Oasis. Fresh apple juice. Work hard, play harder and treat people well. Scarface. Stacking shelves in my local Spar. My watch collection. My wife, for not only putting up with me, but for her unwavering support in allowing me to pursue my dream career, which takes me away from home. She keeps everything ticking. Im a trainer addict. I literally have hundreds of pairs. They have their own room in the house. I like to think Im fun to be around. I am super positive and love to have fun. I love nothing more than making others around me smile. I have OCD when it comes to being tidy. I annoy myself with it to be honest. Its a close call between my wedding day and our daughter being born. If I said it was when Manchester United won the treble in 1999, I would probably get in major trouble. Eggs Benedict, coffee, apple juice. Bosh! I love a Malbec. I have a photographic memory. At school, I could memorise whole paragraphs of text from books. When it came to exams, I was convinced they would think I had cheated. I reworded the passages I had memorised, to make them sound more like I had written them. I dont embarrass easily these days. Another local paper got my name wrong on the front page. I got a lot of stick for that! My dad dropping me from his shoulders when I was about two. I think that bump to the head explains a lot to be honest. Those close to me know I have had two major cancer battles over the last 15 years. Last month I was given the all clear by the doctors and am now in full remission. Last orders at the bar please. Tell us why you live here and nowhere else  East Anglia has everything. Beaches, countryside, the Norfolk Broads, incredible restaurants, and more importantly, friends and family. Its home. You cannot beat that. My new venture LIVENow! is changing the way people consume music and entertainment content. When the world starts to open up over the next few months, we are going to be bringing some of the biggest artists in the world, to peoples homes, giving them access to live concerts in a way that has never been done before. I would appreciate your readers taking a look live-now.com  If you have a story, email gina@hallfarmfornham.com or follow Twitter: @geewizzgee1 Instagram: @ginalong_geewizz