Speakers & Content
2025 Conference Programme
The Changing Shape of Indoor Climbing
Our agenda for 2025 drew together insights from our national research and the expertise of industry leaders to nagivate the change to the indoor climbing market.
Got a topic you want us to cover in 2026? Contact [email protected].
Agenda
Click on any session to learn more and save your personal schedule using the star feature.
- Thursday 18 Sep 2025
- Friday 19 Sep 2025
Thursday 18 Sep 2025
9:30 am
Registration
Collect your badge at the Magna Centre main entrance
10:30 am
Welcome from the ABC
Kath Hipwell, Dean StrawRedpoint HQ Main Stage
Join the ABC team and board members for an insight into the work of the ABC over the last year, including Part 4 of our Operational Guidance (Access and Acknowledgment of Risk), the new Incident Reporting Database, and more.
We'll also be launching our bi-annual market research report, sharing the key themes and trends in the sector for 2025.
11:15 am
State of the Nation: The Changing Shape of Indoor Climbing
Redpoint HQ Main Stage
Join industry leaders for a discussion on the evolving indoor climbing sector. The discussion will explore the current landscape of the indoor climbing industry and its future trajectory. The panel will discuss key macroeconomic trends and the latest insights from ABC industry research. Is the market still on the rise, or hitting a plateau? The expert panel will explore the impact of private equity and venture capital, the realities of competing in saturated markets, and what this means for growth opportunities. The session will close with a look ahead — where is the industry going, and how can businesses stay ahead of the curve?
Moderator: Hannah Mitchell
Panel:
Rich Emerson, Chief Executive, The Climbing Academy
Emily Vermont, Founder & CEO, Indirock
Antoine Paulhac, Co-Founder & CEO, Climbing District
Melanie Bonney, Chief Executive Officer, Coast and Vale Community Action
12:00 pm
Visit Exhibition & Lunch
Explore the Partners& Exhibition Hall and collect lunch from our fantastic streed food vendors.
12:30 - Partners& Spotlight Talk - Kickstart Your Reponse to our Changing Industry in One Step
2:00 pm
AI as an Ally: turning technology into opportunity
Claire FarwellRedpoint HQ Main Stage
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries worldwide, this session explores how indoor climbing businesses can harness its power to drive efficiency, growth, and innovation. This session will tackle the pressing question: are we overlooking AI at our peril? From streamlining operations and enhancing marketing to making better, data-driven decisions, this presentation will showcase how AI—when used with intention and a clear strategy—can become a valuable business partner.
Learn how to balance automation with human insight, test and integrate tools effectively, and future-proof your operations without losing the personal touch.
2:50 pm
HR best practices for managers
Andrew Moore, WorkNest HR teamBrearley Breakout Room
Learn best practices for professionalising management and staff care in climbing walls with WorkNest's expert Andrew Moore.
Sustainable Climbing Alliance
Tiphaine Lazard, Tim Mullens, Rich EmersonHead Rush Tech Room
Is it time for the climbing industry to make its sustainable transition?
The topic of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability in climbing is more important than ever – and yet, the industry is lacking structure, coordination, and clear market demand.
Based on a collaboration with various European partners, Greenholds and EP Climbing are launching a survey to better understand the challenges, needs, and interests around this topic. From carbon footprint calculators (like EP’s lifecycle analysis) to circular gear production (such as Greenholds’ rope-to-hold project), the tools are beginning to emerge — now we need your voice.
Take the survey and tell us what matters to you – and let us know if you’d like to speak during the roundtable!
Hosts:
- Tiphaine Lazard, Marketing Manager, EP Climbing
- Tim Mullens, Founder, Greenholds
- Rich Emerson, Director, TCA
The Future of Route Setting: Safety, Skills, and Career Development
Joe LewisPortman Finance Breakout Room
A discussion on the importance of standardised qualifications and CPD in route setting - a crucial part of the indoor climbing ecosystem. We’ll explore how professionalising this area can improve safety, raise industry standards, and support the development of rewarding, sustainable careers for setters across the sector.
Host:
- Joe Lewis, Rock UK & ABC board lead for Route Setting Development
Panel:
- Eve Cuthbertson, Route Setting Manager and Head Setter, Parthian Southampton
- Ben Humphris, RSD Senior Provider, Climbing Wall Training
- Zoe Wood, Freelance / National Comp Setter
4:00 pm
Securing the Future of Climbing Walls – Risk, Insurance & What’s Coming Next
Laura Sweet, Lime Street BrokersHead Rush Tech Room
This session is an opportunity to have a practical, open conversation about the risks we’re facing as an industry, and how they tie into insurance, claims, and long-term sustainability.
There’s no question the climbing and bouldering world is growing fast. Walls are diversifying with everything from fun climbs to auto belays to activity-based play. The market is maturing — but the insurance space around it is tightening. We’re also still seeing the aftershocks of inflation, consolidation in the insurance market, and operational changes post-Covid.
All of this means we need to talk about how we stay resilient — not just this year, but over the next five, ten, fifteen.
Host:
Laura Sweet, Head of Sport & Leisure, Lime Street Brokers
Social Media Marketing
Bianca Chiburta, Omar BobatBrearley Breakout Room
Right now, many climbing gyms use social media to promote their business, but there’s untapped potential in using it to build stronger brand identities. Investing in brand storytelling could play a key role in the long-term growth of climbing as a sport and culture.
Bianca and Omar will share practical tips on finding your content style and creating posts that resonate, inspire and maybe even go viral.
We are passionate about how businesses can use social media to grow their brand and create content that adds value. We’ve seen first-hand the impact of climbing content online: people have come to Indirock for the first time saying, “I watch Magnus’ videos,” which shows how powerful digital content can be in attracting new climbers.
Hosts:
- Omar Bobat, Bouldering Bobat and former creative director, Hang
- Bianca Chiburta, Creative Content Manager, Indirock
Mountain Training: How to build a professional coaching workforce (cost effectively)
Guy JarvisPortman Finance Breakout Room 2
Guy will discuss how walls can recruit and develop their coaching and instructional staff, in a cost-effective way, to deliver excellent sessions with happy, sticky customers. He will also give some early insights into Mountain Training’s coaching scheme review and the launch of the Bouldering Wall Instructor.
Host: Guy Jarvis, Executive Officer, Mountain Training England
BMC: Supporting participation in climbing
Dan MiddletonPortman Finance Breakout Room 2
A discussion of the current BMC membership offer to climbers, and your ideas for what should be included in the future.
Host: Dan Middleton, BMC Climbing Development Manager
6:00 pm
Inside Edge: climbing & networking evening
The Climbing Hangar Sheffield
Join us at The Climbing Hangar Sheffield for a friendly evening of bouldering, networking, dinner and drinks!
Our team comp returns so get ready to take on your industry friends and rivals on some of the newest holds on the market.
What to expect:
- 18 comp blocs including some offbeat circus challenges
- Mad Rock boot demo - first UK look
- Scorecard provided by Griptonite
- Drinks provided by Triple Point
- Pizza from Farina's and Mezze bowls from Mid Feast
You will need to register if you have not climbed at TCH Sheffield before.
Don't forget to download Griptonite in advance to get ready for the comp!
Transport will not be provided to/from TCH. There is parking available and the site is easily accessible by public transport and Uber. Please consider car sharing, as cars can be left at the Magna Centre overnight.
Friday 19 Sep 2025
9:00 am
Connecting Communities in Climbing
El Temple, Abbi Blakey, Mischa SpeigelPortman Finance Breakout Room
This session is a dedicated space for grassroots leaders, climbing wall staff, volunteers, community organisers, and anyone striving to build stronger, more inclusive communities, particularly for underserved groups within their walls. Whether you're running inclusive sessions, supporting youth, or engaging marginalised communities, this is a space to network, reflect, and share. We'll celebrate successes, explore challenges, and exchange practical ideas from real-world community work.
Host: El Temple, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, ABC
Panellists:
- Abbi Blakey, NICAS
- Helen Cassidy, TCA
- Mischa Spiegel
Meet the board & ABC AGM
ABC BoardHead Rush Tech Breakout Room 1
A members only session for climbing wall owners and top level management. Hear more about the work of the ABC board, their expertise and what they’re working on for the membership behind the scenes. We will also discuss insights from our recent member research.
We will also hold the ABC AGM in the session.
10:00 am
Can Climbing Walls Make Money?
Jeremy WilsonRedpoint HQ Main Stage
Jeremy will provide his personal reflections on industry dynamics and current trends.
10:45 am
Visit Exhibition & Refreshments
Climbers Against Cancer T-Shirt Giveaway 10:45
Black Diamond Boulder Pad giveaway - hand in your completed floor plan to the ABC stand by the end of break!
11:15 am
Diversifying revenue streams: practical strategies for growth and customer retention
Redpoint HQ Main Stage
As competition is increasing, climbing businesses need to look beyond the wall. This panel explores practical ways to grow revenue, attract new audiences, and build lasting customer loyalty. The panellists will discuss how to tailor your offer to local demographics, the pros and cons of specialist versus generalist models, and how to stand out in crowded markets.
The discussion will also cover alternative income streams – from yoga and pilates classes and expanding training and workshop offerings to events, corporate bookings, cafés and retail – and how to make them viable, even in smaller spaces. What actually works and where should you invest? Finally, the panel will look at how to build a membership base that drives both revenue and loyalty.
Moderator: Mary-Ann Ochota, Broadcaster
Panellists:
Jack Griffiths, Director & CEO, Flashpoint Climbing Group
Francesco Ragazzi, Founder & Managing Director, Beta Boulders, Copenhagen
Ben Livingstone, Director, Graystone Action Sports
Gill Lovick, recently retired Managing Director, Beacon Climbing Centre
12:00 pm
Professionalising routesetting
Redpoint HQ Main Stage
This panel will explore how routesetting can be recognised as a professional, creative discipline with clear career pathways. The discussion will cover what is needed to professionalise the role, including qualifications, apprenticeship schemes, mentoring, and improving working conditions. The debate will also include key issues including attracting and training new setters, the responsibilities walls have to their teams, and the pros and cons of employing permanent versus freelance routesetters as well as examining industry support measures to protect these valuable professionals. The discussion will also address equality, diversity, and inclusion in routesetting—ensuring setter teams reflect the diversity of their communities and membership.
Moderator: Mary-Ann Ochota, Broadcaster
Panellists:
Ros Beveridge, Freelance routesetter and Senior National Routesetter (youth)
Mikey Cleverdon, Freelance routesetter and Senior National Routesetter
Carol Ng, Freelance Routesetter, Climbing coach & Marketing Manager, The Climbing Works
Dan Knight, Director of Climbing, The Climbing Hangar Group
1:00 pm
Lunch and conference close
The Partners& Exhibition hall will stay open until 14:00
Meet our speakers
Keynotes
Claire Farwell (she/her)
Ethical AI Expert, Keynote Speaker & Corporate Trainer
Claire Farwell is a globally recognised AI strategist, ethical AI advocate, and corporate trainer, dedicated to helping businesses navigate AI adoption with a focus on ethics, strategy, and long-term workforce sustainability.
With a background spanning business innovation, technology, and creative industries, Claire has worked with global brands such as Lufthansa Group, Accenture, Banco Santander, Mattel, & SeatCupra, equipping leadership teams with AI-driven strategies for growth and transformation.
As the founder of AI Claire, she has delivered customised AI workshops and keynote speeches. Her expertise spans AI ethics, responsible adoption, digital transformation, and AI’s role in workplace longevity, ensuring professionals remain relevant in a rapidly evolving job market.
A Leading Voice in AI & Workforce Longevity. Claire is a passionate advocate for AI-driven career longevity, ensuring that professionals—regardless of industry or experience—can thrive alongside technology. She regularly speaks at STEM events, corporate summits, and academic institutions, including Agora International School, EAE Business School, and ISDI, where she educates future leaders on AI’s role in reshaping industries.
Her keynotes explore AI’s ethical implications, workforce adaptability, and the intersection of AI and human creativity, inspiring businesses and individuals to embrace AI as an opportunity for growth, not replacement.
Claire Farwell
Ethical AI Expert and Corporate Trainer
Jeremy Wilson
Founder and Owner, Lakeland Climbing Centres
Jeremy graduated from Cambridge with a double first in Nuclear Engineering in 1986, followed by a Masters in Production Engineering in 1987. He then spent nearly 30 years as an investment banker working for JPMorgan, working in their mergers and acquisitions department and retiring as their Chairman of the Energy Sector in 2013. During that time he worked on notable transactions such as the merger of BP and Amoco ($50 billion) and that of Exxon and Mobil ($74 billion).
He founded The Lakeland Climbing Centre in Kendal in 1995 and opened VauxWall in 2014. LCC runs 8 walls in London, 3 in the North West and recently acquired Rainbow Rocket (Cambridge), Big Rock (Milton Keynes) and Beacon (N Wales). LCC are currently building their 16th wall in Cambridge which is due to open in August. LCC’s mission is to “Get People Climbing”, based on a tri-partite ethos of Happy Customers, Happy Staff and making enough money to keep their Centres looking shiny and new.
Jeremy lives in the Lake District and is married with five children. He remains a passionate (but very average) climber. He is a partner in The Depot Group of climbing walls and sits on the Board of UKC/Rockfax.
Jeremy Wilson
Lakeland Climbing Centres
Panels
Ros Beveridge (she/they)
Freelance routesetter and Senior National Routesetter (youth)
I am a West Midlands based freelance routsetter who has been working in the climbing wall industry for 10 years. After climbing my whole life I started working as a wall assistant in 2015 at a small independent wall before moving on to work first as shop manager then as assistant manager for the Depot in Birmingham. My route setting journey started while I was the wall assistant at Boulder Central then progressed while at the Depot and I was encouraged by Alex Fry to join the setting team. There I worked under Alex’s mentorship to develop my setting skills all while working as assistant manager and coach. I was invited to join the setting team for the Junior British Championships in 2021 and from there I was able to develop my skills further to become a member of the National Setting team with a specialty in youth competitions. After 8 years of working in a climbing centre I set out to become fully freelance so that I was able to continue my skill development and so that I had more freedom in my schedule. Now I travel across the country setting at various walls and work with a large pool of routesetters. I am also passionate about routesetting education and have helped deliver setting courses and taster days. I hope that one day we are at a point where there is a clear career path into routesetting and that climbers see it as a viable career option.
Ros Beveridge
Freelance routesetter
Mel Bonney (she/her)
Chief Executive Officer, Coast and Vale Community Action
Mel Bonney is CEO of Coast and Vale Community Action in Scarborough which houses Street Rocks. Having worked for over 25 years in the community development sector, Mel is passionate about helping people do good things in communities. Mel is also passionate about all things outdoors and is an avid hiker and (very average) climber. She is privileged to be able to combine a personal passion with professional life through the recent development of Street Rocks, a small but perfectly formed climbing centre within our community building, The Street. Our climbing community campaigned tirelessly to be able to make Street Rocks happen, and our aim is to bring climbing to everyone, to build community through climbing and to provide a bridge to outdoor climbing.
Mel Bonney
Coast and Vale Community Action
Mikey Cleverdon
Freelance Climber | Coach | Routesetter | Developer
Mikey Cleverdon brings over 20 years of experience to the indoor climbing world as a freelance routesetter, competition setter, and coach. Mikey has worked internationally and domestically and as a member of BMC National team, setting for national competitions, including both the Scottish and British Bouldering Championships in 2025, Mikey has become a trusted name in both commercial and competition climbing settings.
As a freelance setter, Mikey has worked with leading companies and events across the UK and beyond, including as an event setter and route setting-coach for Beta Setting, providing progressional workshops for route setters and Head setters alike.
His versatile approach to setting, grounded in creativity and athlete-focused design, has allowed him to create engaging climbs for gyms, competitions, and events at every level.
In addition to his setting work, Mikey has spent 15 years mentoring and providing apprenticeship-style roles for new route setters, helping to shape the next generation of professionals in the industry. His extensive coaching experience, both for individual athletes and teams, has given him unique insight into the intersection of training, movement, and competition performance.
Mikey owns a deep understanding of the evolving indoor climbing industry and with passion for growth and development in routesetting, he is excited to share his expertise on the trends now shaping the future of route setting, the art of creating inclusive, challenging problems, and the importance of nurturing new talent within the climbing community.
Mikey Cleverdon
Freelance routesetter
Rich Emerson
Chief Executive, The Climbing Academy
Rich started in the climbing industry in 2007 when he and his business partner started The Climbing Academy, in Bristol. He'd had a previous career running a management development consultancy and is a 'lifer' in terms of climbing. Paul and Rich always wanted to build a chain of walls, seeing climbing as a growth sector and so we opened our second wall soon after the first, in Glasgow. TCA has grown organically, through loan finance ever since. Periods of involvement with the ABC, including chairing it through Covid, gave Rich exposure to the wider sector. He now finds his walls in both Bristol and Glasgow facing new competition and is currently working his way through these challenges!
Rich Emerson
The Climbing Academy
Jack Griffiths
Director & CEO, Flashpoint Climbing Group
Jack is the Director and CEO of Flashpoint Climbing Group, a collection of five climbing walls and activity centres across the South West and South Wales.
Originally from London, Jack discovered climbing at the age of 14 through the kids’ club at The Castle Climbing Centre. Since then, he has built a lifelong career and passion in the climbing industry. He holds the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor qualification and is a provider for the Climbing Wall Instructor and Bouldering Wall Instructor awards. Over the years, Jack has gained extensive hands-on experience across all aspects of climbing wall operations, including route setting, reception, instruction, and management.
Recently completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Jack is excited to combine his academic learning with his industry experience to support the ABC and help to deliver value to its members and the wider climbing community.
Jack Griffiths
Flashpoint Climbing Group
Dan Knight (he/him)
Director of Climbing, The Climbing Hangar
With 25 years of climbing experience and two decades in route setting, I’ve witnessed the transformation of the climbing industry firsthand. After a career teaching in secondary education, I decided to follow my passion and join The Climbing Hangar in 2012, helping to grow the business from a single site to 11 locations. As Director of Climbing, I have developed and led a full in-house route setting team, contributing to The Climbing Hangar’s evolution and supporting others in building sustainable careers in climbing.
Dan Knight
The Climbing Hangar
Ben Livingstone (he/him)
Director, Graystone Action Sports
Ben is the co-founder of Graystone Action Sports. Graystone Manchester is the flagship development and has set the standard for action sports facilities in the UK, not only in terms of the range of provision, but also in terms of customer service. Graystone targets multiple urban/action sports & activities including skateboard, BMX, free ski, snowboard, parkour, scooter, climbing, dance, cheer, acrobatics, gymnastics and film making. The focus at Graystone is on inclusion, bringing more people into the sports in a safe & secure environment. Our facilities are destinations offering an extensive indoor park, a bar & restaurant, a retail store, classroom/meeting space, a physio studio and digital media editing suite. Ben is also co-founder of Pier To Pier Action Sports Consultancy, providing operational and development advice to the rapidy growing action sports sector, and LHC Ltd, a consultancy providing feasibility studies and market analysis for new hotel developments and leisure-led schemes.
Ben Livingstone
Graystone Action Sports
Gill Lovick
Gill Lovick, recently retired Managing Director of Beacon Climbing Centre Ltd
Gill has been in the climbing wall industry for over thirty years. A PGCE at Bangor University brought her to North Wales where she co-founded Beacon Climbing Centre in 1994, one of the early big walls built in response to a new and growing demand for bad weather climbing entertainment. Then in 2009 she co-founded both Beacon Climbing Walls Ltd (manufacturing and construction of walls and holds) and Big Rock Climbing Ltd in Milton Keynes. By summer 2020, a lockdown reshuffle left Gill as sole director of Beacon Climbing Centre, and at the helm until retirement in April 2025.
Gill has always strongly believed that climbing (in the gyms) should be for all, and that exposure to climbing needs to be enabled in many ways, not all of which make significant profit for the walls in the short term, but which can aid in long term sustainability. Gill’s one remaining business is iClimb Ltd, a foray into app technology for climbers and climbing gyms.
Gill Lovick
Beacon and Big Rock co-founder
Hannah Mitchell (she/her)
Writer and journalist
Hannah is a writer and journalist who combines her passions for storytelling, climbing and caring for the outdoors in her work and volunteer projects. With by-lines in local, national and international publications, she has a strong focus on the environmental, social, and cultural significance of climbing. She regularly works with the British Mountaineering Council, is a Director for the Women’s Climbing Symposium and runs a community conservation initiative, Tidy Climbers.
Hannah Mitchell
Writer and journalist
Carol Ng (she/her)
Freelance Routesetter, Climbing coach & Marketing Manager, The Climbing Works
Carol is a freelance route setter and climbing coach with over a decade of experience in the climbing industry. As a GB national route setter, she brings expertise to commercial walls across the north of England, while also working internationally - from Hong Kong to Ireland.
Trained under Percy Bishton, the first Olympic head setter, Carol is passionate about inclusive route setting and helping develop the next generation of route setters.
Carol Ng
Freelance / The Climbing Works
Mary-Ann Ochota
Broadcaster
Mary-Ann Ochota is a broadcaster and author. She’s passionate about making outdoor and adventure activities accessible to more people, and tackling the barriers to inclusive access. She works with organisations including the British Mountaineering Council and campaigning communities including All the Elements.
Mary-Ann Ochota
Broadcaster
Francesco Ragazzi
Founder & Managing Director, Beta Boulders
My focus at Beta Boulders is on real estate, growth, finance, and process optimization.
Previously, I worked for seven years in pan-European real estate private equity at Och-Ziff, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche Bank.
I hold a Master in Management (with distinction) from London Business School.
Francesco Ragazzi
Beta Boulders
Emily Vermont (she/her)
Founder & CEO, Indirock
Emily Vermont is founder and CEO of Indirock, a non-profit bouldering wall and coffee shop in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Indirock opened in Spring 2022 with three clear aims: to make bouldering accessible to as many people as possible; to provide training and work opportunities to vulnerable young people; and to be part of the regeneration of Southend City Centre. Before Indirock, Emily co-founded a prison music charity called Finding Rhythms, which she ran between 2012 and 2017, and then worked for the School for Social Entrepreneurs. In 2023 she also co-founded Big Up Southend, a monthly makers market inside Indirock's building. Emily sits on a handful of boards and this year was recognised as one of the top 100 female founders in Small Business Britain's f:entrepreneur campaign, and top 100 women in social enterprise in the WISE100.
Emily Vermont
Indirock
Antoine Paulhac
Co-Founder & CEO, Climbing District
Antoine founded Climbing District in 2020 along with his partners Henri d'Anterroches and Benjamin Bouissou. Climbing District now has eleven locations, six in Paris, four in London and one in Milan. Prior to that, Antoine used to work in the private-equity industry and carried out company acquisitions and divestments (tourism, healthcare, editing) as well as equity fund raising. Antoine graduated from ESSEC business school (Msc in Management) and from Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne (Master in corporate law).
Antoine Paulhac
Climbing District
Breakout sessions
Omar Bobat
Omar Bobat
Bouldering Bobat
Biance Chiburta
Creative Content Manager, Indirock
Bianca Chiburta
Indirock
Katya Creed
Regional Manager, London Climbing Centres
Katya has worked in the climbing industry since 2011 and is currently a Regional Manager at London Climbing Centres. Her broad remit includes overseeing events programme and competitions, contributing to the marketing department, and heading up recruitment for the London region. She also leads on brand sponsorships, brokering and negotiating partnerships for the company.
She has a background in policy and advocacy, having served two terms as Chair of the International Network for the Young Fabian think tank and worked with London First’s campaigns department on initiatives to strengthen London’s position as a global business hub.
Katya is passionate about promoting the growth, accessibility, and professionalism of indoor climbing and is excited to support the development of the industry through her role on the ABC Board.
Katya Creed
London Climbing Centres
Dan Crossdale
Group General Manager, Depot Climbing
Dan Crossdale is the General Manager of Depot Climbing. Having started climbing in secondary school, Dan began working in the climbing industry as an instructor in 2008 and has been involved with every element of running centres from initial development through to Management.
Dan has been involved with the ABC for 14 years and has developed a passion for Health and Safety across the sector. He believes there is scope for innovation within this area and hopes to bring the sector together to see progress for the betterment of all gyms.
Dan Crossdale
Depot Climbing
Eve Cuthbertson
Route Setting Manager and Head Setter, Parthian Southampton
My setting journey started at 21 when I worked for a local activity centre. We were allowed to set after hours, from there I was offered the work setting at a local university wall, for free. I did this for 3 years while also working at a SEN school.
In December 2018 I took the plunge and went freelance after many walls I climbed at expressed a need for more female setters. It took several months of free setting and building up contacts before I was working consistently across the south coast and London.
In the summer of 2020, I fell pregnant and continued to set for 3 months while coming to terms with how life was to change. At 5 months post-partum I returned to setting part time. Since then, I have become head setter/ setting manager at Parthian Southampton, still freelance and run round after a 4-year-old!
Eve Cuthbertson
Parthian Climbing
Naomi Hatto
Route Setting Development Coordinator, ABC
Naomi has been passionate about climbing for as long as she can remember and enjoys the personal challenges that come from pushing yourself both physically and mentally. Naomi loves pushing her limits especially when it comes to sport climbing and is enjoying introducing her daughter to the sport.
Naomi has worked professionally in climbing and as a route setter for ten years, and is excited to be involved in professionalising route setting and helping to build pathways for it to become a career for those involved.
Naomi Hatto
RSD/ABC
Kath Hipwell (she/her)
CEO, Association of British Climbing Walls
Kath is passionate about sport and its powerful positive impact on the body and mind. She has loved the mountains and climbing since she was a child and is now enjoying introducing her own children to her friendly local wall, NICAS and the outdoors.
Kath is responsible for the development and execution of the ABC’s strategy: working with the board and partners to promote the professionalism, health, growth and diversity of indoor climbing.
Kath Hipwell
ABC
Ben Humphris
Senior Instructor, RSD & Managing Director, Climbing Wall Training
20 years ago Ben Humphris took his first steps in route setting at his local wall in the Peak District, Derbyshire. Now a Level 3 qualified Rope Access Technician and Mountaineering Instructor, Ben runs Climbing Wall Training Ltd and is a Senior Trainer for the Association of British Climbing walls Route Setting Development Programme. Ben combines Health and Safety expertise and acts as a Technical advisor for a number of climbing facilities in the UK.
Ben Humphris
RSD / Climbing Wall Training
Guy Jarvis
Executive Officer, Mountain Training England
Guy is the Executive Officer for Mountain Training England. This means he spends far too much time sat at his desk, plotting. He is responsible for the overall running of the organisation delivering qualifications and training to 5,000 candidates a year. Before taking on this role he was the Director of Training at Undercover Rock in Bristol managing a team of around 25 instructors indoors, outdoors and overseas. He needed a staff team that he could trust, as they delivered training to the likes of Team GB youth athletes, severely disabled individuals, school groups, adult beginner lead climbers (both indoors and outdoors) and everything else in-between. As a qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor he’s climbed and led mountaineering trips all over the world but his teenage son has now introduced him to the gentle pastime of downhill mountain biking...
Guy Jarvis
Mountain Training
Tiphaine Lazard
Tiphaine Lazard is International Marketing Manager at EP Climbing, where she also leads the company’s CSR development. With a background in the surf industry and a strong focus on purposeful brand growth, she brings hands-on experience in launching and scaling niche sports products across Europe. Prior to her current role, she was instrumental in developing Clip 'n Climb’s presence across the continent. Tiphaine took part in the "Convention des Entreprises pour le Climat"- a french business-driven climate transition initiative - reflecting her long-term commitment to environmental transition within business. She works at the intersection of brand, impact, and community—driven by the belief that marketing can be a lever for positive change.
Tiphaine Lazard
EP Climbing
Joe Lewis
Head of Activities and Leisure, Rock UK Summit Centre
Joe is a passionate climber dedicated to introducing new people to the sport and developing those within it to reach their potential whatever that looks like. He currently is the Head of Activities and Leisure at Rock UK Summit Centre, South Wales developing the climbing pathways for both adults and young people. He is also a BMC volunteer for South Wales promoting indoor climbing and organiser of multiple area climbing competitions.
Joe Lewis
Rock UK Summit Centre
Ged MacDomhnaill
Founder and CEO, The Climbing Hangar
Founder and CEO of The Climbing Hangar, co-founder of the Women’s Climbing Symposium, creator of the UK’s biggest UV Climbing Competition and party and the first UK Climbing company to introduce private equity into the industry – Ged’s industry CV is diverse and only just getting going.
Ged is passionate about protecting what’s precious in our climbing culture while it evolves with the times, a flux often seen as conflict but something he believes can benefit both our crags and our sport.
Ged MacDomhnaill
The Climbing Hangar
Dan Middleton
Climbing Development Manager, BMC
Dan has worked in the climbing industry for over 30 years, his role is to support climbing participation through the work of the BMC and our partners. He remains a keen indoor boulderer who enjoys an annual trip to Font and the occasional foray into the mountains to trad climb.
Dan Middleton
BMC
Andrew Moore
Senior HR Consultant, WorkNest
Andrew joined WorkNest in 2023 and has worked in HR since 2018.
As a Senior HR Consultant, he supports businesses with complex HR challenges, offering practical advice on employee relations, organisational development, and leadership coaching.
Andrew has managed a wide range of high-risk ER cases, supported restructuring and TUPE processes, and helped develop workplace policies. He has also led major change initiatives, contributed to industry publications, and delivered popular webinars, including a top-rated session on managing toxic workplace behaviours.
With qualifications in Employment Law and Coaching, Andrew combines strategic insight with hands-on experience. He is passionate about building inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys hillwalking, climbing, endurance sports, playing and listening to traditional Scottish music, reading and writing.
Andrew Moore
WorkNest
Tim Mullens
Founder, Greenholds
Tim is an entrepreneur in the world of Sports & Innovations with an overall focus on materials & sustainability. Making the world a better place through sports in general.
When Tim started climbing 10 years ago, he met Geert Voncken, climbing gym owner of IVY climbing in Sittard, the Netherlands.
Both saw a big challenge in the sportsclimbing industry: a linear market and the use of non-sustainable materials in the production of climbing holds.
This is how Greenholds was born. Now they produce climbing holds made from Nylon waste out of the automotive industry. In August 2025, they made a big breakthrough by producing the first climbing holds made from old climbing ropes. Closing the loop and ignite the transition towards a circular economy in sportclimbing.
Tim Mullens
Greenholds
Pete Nellist
Climbing Development Officer, Active Stirling
Pete is the Climbing Development Officer for Active Stirling in Scotland, a sports trust for the Stirlingshire area. He focuses on developing climbing in the local community through schools, clubs and organisations.
He has been climbing since a young age and has widely varied experience in the sector, from wall-management to outdoor instructing and summiting 6000m peaks.
Pete holds the Mountain Training Mountaineering Instructor Award and is a Ready to Rock course provider for Mountaineering Scotland.
Pete Nellist
Active Stirling
Dean Straw
CEO, Development Through Challenge
Dean is the CEO of Development Through Challenge, the charity that operates Mile End Climbing Wall, one of the UK’s first dedicated indoor climbing centres.
Having spent over 30 years in the charity sector working with young people in East London, his work alongside the vibrant, diverse communities of Tower Hamlets developed existing strong views around the need for inclusivity and diversity within all aspects of society and the need for an active stance against discrimination in all forms. He hopes that his passion for pursuing an active EDI agenda will help provide a more diverse and inclusive sector and help remove barriers to participation for those outside the sport.
He has been a climber and climbing coach for 25+ years and is proud to lead such an amazing team at DtC and Mile End Climbing Wall.
Dean Straw
Development Through Challenge
Emma Perera
Employmewnt Lawyer and Independent Director (Legal), ABC
Emma Perera is an employment lawyer who is passionate about climbing and supporting the ABC with its aim of promoting the professionalism, health and growth of indoor climbing.
Emma joined the ABC as a Legal Non-Executive Director in 2021 to provide support and guidance to the ABC both in relation to its own operations and its work within the climbing community. When she is not climbing at the walls in East London she likes to run away to the hills for long days out hiking.
Emma Perera
ABC Board
Laura Sweet
Head of Sport & Leisure, Lime Street Insurance Brokers
Laura Sweet
Lime Street Insurance Brokers
El Temple (they/them)
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager
El is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for inclusivity who discovered their love for climbing during NICAS sessions at their not-so-local wall in Suffolk. As well as a climber they are a competitive ultra-marathon runner and avid cyclist, who can be found in the early hours doing laps of Regent’s parks.
El has a background in Sports Science, specialising in the effect of reproductive hormones on female athletes, and alongside their EDI role also works in sport welfare with London Sport. Through this and their voluntary work, they are dedicated to enhancing access and outreach to underrepresented communities.
El Temple
ABC
Ian Walton
Independent Director (Treasurer), ABC Board
Ian’s background is in accountancy, followed by a period teaching maths, and then back into accountancy in business change management, leading finance functions through periods of change or challenge.
He became involved in climbing and comps in particular when his kids took up climbing, holding various positions as comps chairs and is an IFSC accredited judge.
Ian Walton
ABC Board
David Watson
Climbing Wall Manager, University of Hertfordshire
David had a successful career as an insurance professional for many years before deciding to work in the climbing industry. A keen climber since a teenager, he has managed to combine his business skills with his passion for climbing to embark on a second career.
He now runs the climbing wall at the University of Hertfordshire and helps represent the interests of smaller walls and individual members.
He has a wealth of experience working with youth groups together with commercial expertise in brand building, strategic partnerships and business acquisition.
David Watson
University of Hertfordshire
