
Meet The Team

Rob Knowles
Director
Rob is the Director of SPG Events NW, the company behind a wide range of artisan markets, street fayres, and community expos across the North West of England & Yorkshire.
SPG Events NW helps small and local businesses gain exposure and expand their reach by orchestrating curated events in Wigan, Bolton, Salford, and Yorkshire.
Under Rob’s leadership, and backing from Wigan Council SPG Events NW focuses on offering affordable vendor opportunities, marketing support to participating traders, and seamless event logistics—so that business owners can concentrate on their products rather than operational challenges.
For me, community events aren’t just dates on a calendar — they’re the heartbeats of local life. Whether it’s a bustling street market, a seasonal fair, or a small business showcase, I’ve always believed in the power of shared spaces to create connection, joy, and opportunity.
My passion for community events comes from seeing first-hand how much they can uplift a town — supporting small businesses, encouraging creativity, and giving people a reason to come together. There’s something special about watching a quiet high street turn into a vibrant hub full of music, laughter, and local pride.
At SPG Events NW, I get to turn that passion into purpose. From planning layouts and booking vendors to promoting events and managing the buzz on the day — I love every part of the process. The best reward? Seeing smiles on faces, stalls busy with customers, and knowing we helped make something meaningful happen.

Samantha Marsh
Events Manager & Owner
Samantha Marsh is the driving force behind SPG Events NW, serving as both owner and events manager. In this dual role, she oversees all aspects of event planning, from concept development and vendor partnerships to site logistics and promotional strategy. Samantha champions the company’s mission to provide local artisans, makers, and small businesses with a platform to reach their communities through well‑curated markets, street fairs, pop‑up expos, and themed events across the North West.
Under Samantha’s leadership.
Her hands‑on approach ensures that each event balances community engagement, brand exposure, and smooth execution for all participants and attendees.
Samantha’s involvement in local business development and community events positions her as a well‑respected figure in the events and markets sector across Greater Manchester and surrounding counties.

John
Lead Events Manager
John is the Events Manager at SPG Events‑NW, where he plays a vital role in bringing together communities, businesses, and creative entrepreneurs through well‑curated markets, fairs, and festivals across the North West of England.
John oversees the full lifecycle of each event—from planning and vendor coordination to site logistics, set‑up, and on‑the‑day management. They work closely with Our head office, local businesses, food vendors, craft makers and performers to ensure each event is engaging, accessible, and runs smoothly for both traders and visitors.
In this role, John draws on strong organisational skills, excellent communication, and a collaborative approach to problem‑solving. Whether managing outdoor market stalls, seasonal Christmas fairs, or large community expos, they ensure that expectations are met with consistency, safety, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
John is committed to SPG Events‑NW’s mission of supporting small and home businesses, boosting local economies, and creating spaces where people can come together, discover new talents, and enjoy shared experiences.
In putting the needs of both traders and attendees first, John helps create events that are not only professionally delivered but also deeply felt in the local community.

Martin
Events Supervisor
Martin serves as Events Supervisor at SPG Events NW, he is responsible for the on-the-ground execution and coordination of events, ensuring smooth operations from set-up to close-down.
With strong leadership skills and a hands-on approach, Martin oversees event staff, manages vendor logistics, and acts as the main point of contact during live events. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and resolve issues quickly makes them a key asset in maintaining SPG Events NW’s reputation for well-run, enjoyable, and safe events.
Working closely with the Events Manager and company leadership, helps bring together diverse traders, performers, and local businesses, creating a welcoming space for communities to connect and support local enterprise.

Becca
Media & Publications
Becca joins us as our Media & Marketing Coordinator, bringing fresh ideas, creative energy, and with her passion for promoting local events and small businesses. With a keen eye for design and a talent for storytelling, she’ll be leading our social media, digital campaigns, and community engagement—helping us shine an even brighter spotlight on the incredible markets and events we deliver across the North West.
We’re excited to have her on board and can’t wait for you to see what she has in store!
