User:ChrisJenkins79

Chris Jenkins was born in 1979 in Bournemouth and got his first taste of showbiz when he and three friends formed the rock band Tube when he was 14 and bought a bass guitar.

In 1999 Chris founded the National Student Music Awards in the UK and moved to London, licenced the event in Ireland and was soon promoting concerts all over the UK.

A couple of years later Chris moved back to Bournemouth and started bringing bands to his local venues. Promoting acts from Snow Patrol to Ben Kweller and Reef.

In 2003, Chris was asked to look after things at his hometown venues, the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) and Pavilion Theatre. It was almost destiny, as the BIC helped with his A-Level business studies project 'a feasibility study of being a concert promoter in Bournemouth', (apparently it was not feasible). His first live gig was at the BIC in 1991 (The 'Quo'). Ten years later his rock band Tube played at the venue twice. In 2002 (despite his Business Studies project, he got a 'B') he promoted a string of concerts at the venue... and in 2003 they gave him his own desk and he bought a suit.

In 2005 Chris set up the Dorset Music Forum (formally Bournemouth & Poole Music Industry Group), and joined the South West Music Forum, to develop the music industry in his hometown. In 2007 he launched 'Sun, Sea & Sound' a music industry week, providing opportunities and support for the future of the business.

Chris started managing the singer and songwriter Streebeck. His debut album "Without A Baedeker" (Label: NSMA Records. Dist. Universal Music) sold thousands and in 2006 in went on a huge 48-date sold out theatre tour with David Essex. Streebeck is now recording his second album.

In 2008, after 5 great years, Chris left the BIC to pursue some new challenges (although he still helps out every now and then).

In April 2008 he became CEO of Wittdo, a global social enterprise in leisure and tourism and economic development consultancy. The award winning 'Wittdo' (Chamber of Commerce Best Start-Up 2007) plans to make the world a better place.