Introducing Allan Pattison, our Partnerships Manager!
We recently caught up with Allan to learn more about his role, how he builds connections, and what drives his passions beyond the workplace.
I’ve come from…magazine publishing. Through the commercial side of that, I learnt the power of partnerships and developed commercial solutions as a more authentic alternative to regular advertising.
I started out in the automotive sector with Car Magazine, and this led to a group of us in the team to break away and launch our own car magazine called evo. This then led to an amazing white-knuckle ride developing a new magazine and business. Fortunately it worked, and evo became successful, becoming the leading car magazine for enthusiasts. As the audience grew, we launched many international versions.
My main passions have always been in the great outdoors however, so after we sold evo, I got involved with new launches, this time Women’s Running and Men’s Running magazines. I really enjoyed being immersed in the culture of outdoor pursuits and the characters who make up our ecosystem. They are actively into the same interests as me…! Every conversation leads to a story about an adventure or a great kite session.
At Aspire I…am Partnerships Manager. This is a business development role which takes me all over the country and Europe meeting sports and active lifestyle brands at events and shows.
My aim is to meet like-minded, interesting brands and find out if Aspire can add value to their future plans.
Sometimes this results in Aspire working directly for a brand and sometimes it results in planning an interactive event such as UTMB in Chamonix where we visited this summer. Through authentic activities, lots of potential new partnerships and relationships are formed.
Something I enjoy about PR is…having the power to use an honest narrative and inspire people to do good things and get a healthy mind and body.
Something that’s grabbed my attention recently is…the growth of the trail running community. It really feels like a sport and lifestyle on the rise involving fantastically like-minded people. It’s welcoming to all and you’ll be sure to find a distance and location which suits you perfectly.
Outside of work I love to…be outside somewhere amazing!
Kitesurfing is my number one passion. When it’s not windy I like to surf, paddle board and mountain bike. So that I can do the above without conking-out, I run three times a week to keep fit.
Trail running has become one of my favourite things, and I recently had my breath taken away running in the Alps in Chamonix. Amazing and addictive! Nine miles felt like 3 three because of the views and vibe.
If I was taking a roadtrip, my dream destination would be…the Canadian Rockies, via kite surfing in Vancouver.
To keep me company, I’d take… my family – wife Deb, daughter Amba and son Zac.
And we’d listen to…Bonobo, Maribou State and Faithless.
Favourite book…The Salt Path by Raynor Winn.
Favourite movie/box set…Trains, Planes and Automobiles.
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