Zach Phillips

Leaving an established role to start JP ShowSystems (JPSS) in August 2021 was the biggest professional risk Zach Phillips had taken. Less than five years later, the specialist show control business has delivered projects across 22 countries on five continents.

Phillips began his career at 16 through an Electronics and Electrical Engineering apprenticeship and later spent seven years at Holovis before founding JPSS. As the company has grown, his role has shifted from day-to-day engineering delivery towards technical direction, business strategy and developing the people around him.

Over the past year, he has introduced more structured engineering standards, delivery frameworks and technical documentation across the business. The aim is to reduce risk, standardise how complex show control systems are designed, programmed and commissioned, and make sure knowledge sits within the company rather than with individual engineers.

Phillips says the achievement he values most is creating opportunities for other people. He has built mentoring and development into JPSS and provides work experience designed to introduce students to careers in themed entertainment that they may not previously have known existed.

Outside work, he volunteers as a Level 2 coach and event organiser with youth-focused kayaking club KEW Paddlers, helping run training and camping weekends that safely introduce young people and families to paddlesport.