Seb Murphy
UK South
+44 (0) 7415 103306
When I left university I didn’t feel like a standard 9-5 was going to be for me, so I moved to Chamonix, where I taught English for a year. I was lucky enough to be able to ski most days through the winter and get out either for a run or a climb in the summer. I developed a passion for skiing and was able to develop my skills to a high standard.
When I arrived back from Chamonix I looked for a job where I could continue to interact with like-minded people, and so began working with Ellis-Brigham Mountain Sports in Covent Garden. I spent the next 2 years with Ellis- Brigham, working in multiple stores where opportunities to progress arose.
After Ellis-Brigham, I went to work in the buying team at Snow+Rock, where I could continue to apply my passion for the outdoors in a work environment. At Snow+Rock I broadened my knowledge of the outdoor industry and got to see the marketplace from a different viewpoint.
In my spare time I like to ski, run and climb, as well as going hiking in the great British countryside. I enjoy travelling and I also play rugby for my local team.
I love working in the outdoor industry, I have met some great people and have had some amazing experiences.
Matt Moore
UK Midlands
+44 (0) 773 421 5821
After leaving University and cutting my teeth on the Graduate management scheme with Pizza Hut, managing up to 60 teenage staff in a busy city centre restaurant I decided the Outdoor Industry was where I wanted to be. I then spent five years in outdoor retail with YHA Adventure shops where I won Outdoor Retailer of the year before moving on to Lowe Alpine as Sales manager for Central and Northern England. It was here that I built trusted relationships with key customers during a time of big change for Lowe Alpine including relaunching the Asolo brand in the UK.
Following that I spent 5 years with Terra Nova Equipment as Head of Sales. This included managing the UK sales team and being directly responsible for Key accounts and Export sales along with work on marketing and design. This provided a broad experience in the outdoor market and a complete understanding of the business process from design right through to the purchase by the end consumer.
In my spare time I trail run, compete in Mountain Marathons and adventure races, escaping to the Mountains in the UK and Europe when I can. One day the big adventure will be an attempt on Mount Paget on South Georgia the highest summit on British soil.
Sam Markovic
Northern England
+44 (0) 7398 141963
My first steps into the outdoors were taken on family holidays to Yorkshire and Scotland, but things really kicked off for me at University. After joining the Hiking Club and falling in love with Britain's wild spaces, it was inevitable that wild camping, running and particularly climbing would become passions, and you'll now find me outdoors whenever I have spare time; whether that's climbing in the northern corries in winter, enjoying the warm rock on Kalymnos during the summer, or bagging Wainrights in the drizzle and howling wind.
After graduating, I realised I wanted nothing to do with my degree and instead started at the Ellis Brigham store in Manchester. Over the years, I worked my way up the retail ladder and eventually was offered the role of Outdoor Trainer for the company. This took me up and down the country, developing staff, organising training events, and helping brands deliver their vision to customers. Through this role I was lucky to meet many fantastic people within this unique industry, and I'm very excited to continue my journey at ProAgencies.
Lawrence Friell
Scotland and Lake District
+44 (0) 77 9590 4043
It would be fair to say that I am happier outdoors than in. I don't have a particular sport as such, but dabble in most and have cycle toured the length of UK, NZ and spent 6 weeks cycling Vietnam & Cambodia. Trekking highlights have to be the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, South Coast Track on Tasmania and the GR20 on Corsica. I haven't climbed for years, but I've been to Wadi Rumm in Jordan and I love the Dolomites for the Via Ferratta. Whilst I'd never classify myself as a runner that tends to be what I do most these days with a sub 23 hour lap of the Bob Graham Round in 2019 just to prove to myself I'm capable.
I began working in the outdoor trade in 2000 in Itchy Feet's Bath store whilst at University. Once graduated I moved on to assistant manager at their newly opened London store for a year before going travelling. Returning from travels I took on the role of Sales manager Scotland and Northern England for Lowe Alpine where I remained for 8 years. During this time I also covered Ireland for a year, managed Lowe Alpine's outlets for a few years and was responsible for their Eastern European distributors for a year. Following this I was the Project Manager for the European Outdoor Group on their Market Research Project.
All these roles have provided me with some great friends, contacts and the reason to work in this very special industry.