Meet the Team
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Stuart Littlewood
Operations Manager
DAN TILEY
Programming Manager
NICOLA TILEY
CREATIVE PRODUCER & PROGRAMMER
Ian Curran
Marketing Account Manager
LOIS HEIGHWAY
Account Manager
MATT SCHOFIELD
STUART LITTLEWOOD
MANAGING DIRECTOR
After his days as a grocery boy at the Co-op, Stuart has spent over 55 years working as a producer and promoter with some of the biggest names in showbusiness. Through his illustrious career, Stuart has devised West End shows, secured Platinum selling record deals, and taken artistes from village halls to prime-time TV and film careers.
Stuart’s favourite part of leading Handshake Ltd is seeing a packed audience enjoying themselves at one of our live shows. Given the office radio remote he’ll tune in to soft Rock’n’Roll like The Eagles and Showaddywaddy, or Country Radio FM.
In his spare time, if not on holiday, you’ll find Stuart on the golf course or watching Manchester City.
DAN TILEY
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Whilst being a milk man, Dan studied for a BTEC in Audio Engineering, and has since toured the world as Production Manager for numerous bands and shows. After becoming a sought-after lighting designer, Dan went on to become Technical Manager for Stadium FX.
Dan still gets out on the road with Handshake productions, but nowadays you’ll usually find him at Handshake HQ buried in spreadsheets and post-it notes handling all day-to-day operations. His favourite part of the job is working with a great team to deliver amazing shows for our audiences. When Dan gets hold of the office radio remote, you’ll find him rocking out to Radio X.
In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending being outdoors with his two sons, cycling and walking in the hills. Dan loves to play golf and is a fan of Preston North End Football Club.
NICOLA TILEY
PROGRAMMING MANAGER
Educated at Rishworth School and Oldham Sixth Form, Nicola soon took to the skies as an Air Stewardess for Air 2000. Now managing the Programming Department at Handshake Ltd, Nicola has worked at Handshake for more years than she cares to admit.
After the Skinny Iced Lattes, Nicola’s favourite part of the job is the variety, and seeing the end result after securing the best dates at theatres, concert halls and arenas. A lover of Muse, Pink and Lady Gaga, Nicola would go for Modern Pop or 70’s hits whenever given the office radio remote.
With two young boys, Nicola doesn’t have much free time, but tries to squeeze in sessions at the gym and on the gin (not at the same time). Nicola loves yoga, going on holidays and seeing family and friends as much as possible.
NICOLA TILEY
Creative Producer & Programmer
Graduating from The University of Sheffield with a BA Hons in English Literature and Drama, Ian went on to work as an actor and presenter for over fifteen years, and still performs in the UK tour of OH WHAT A NIGHT! As well as writing this show, Ian has written other shows and musicals for the stage.
Ian’s favourite part of working at Handshake is creating and writing new in-house productions and seeing them through from inception to ovation. The office radio remote usually sits on Ian’s desk and his first choice is Magic Soul.
In his spare time, Ian is a children’s book author and loves visiting new places with his family.
LOIS HEIGHWAY
MARKETING ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lois studied English Literature at The University of Liverpool and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Marketing. Experienced in the retail and hospitality sectors, Lois leads the Handshake Marketing Department after roles at JD Sports and Manchester City Football Club.
Lois’ favourite part of working at Handshake is visiting the different towns and cities to watch our production shows. When given the office radio remote, Lois always picks dance music.
In her spare time, Lois loves city breaks, going to festivals and visiting friends in the Lake District. Lois also enjoys walks with her dog, Lulu.
MATT SCHOFIELD
Account Manager
After training at Oldham College, Matt worked in various night-time industry roles including managing bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Booking and promoting celebrity guest acts and live appearances, Matt now brings his expertise to Handshake as Account Manager.
Matt’s favourite part of working at Handshake is the caffeine fuelled creativeness and the ability to follow the success of each show from start to end. When given the office radio remote, Matt flicks between Kisstory and Absolute Radio.
Matt is a loyal fan and follower of Oldham Athletic Football Club and enjoys cooking, eating Scotch eggs and listening to podcasts. Matt loves going on long walks with his two Pomeranians, Teddy and Rolo.
STUART LITTLEWOOD
MANAGING DIRECTOR
After his days as a grocery boy at the Co-op, Stuart has spent over 55 years working as a producer and promoter with some of the biggest names in showbusiness. Through his illustrious career, Stuart has devised West End shows, secured Platinum selling record deals, and taken artistes from village halls to prime-time TV and film careers.
Stuart’s favourite part of leading Handshake Ltd is seeing a packed audience enjoying themselves at one of our live shows. Given the office radio remote he’ll tune in to soft Rock’n’Roll like The Eagles and Showaddywaddy, or Country Radio FM.
In his spare time, if not on holiday, you’ll find Stuart on the golf course or watching Manchester City.
DAN TILEY
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Whilst being a milk man, Dan studied for a BTEC in Audio Engineering, and has since toured the world as Production Manager for numerous bands and shows. After becoming a sought-after lighting designer, Dan went on to become Technical Manager for Stadium FX.
Dan still gets out on the road with Handshake productions, but nowadays you’ll usually find him at Handshake HQ buried in spreadsheets and post-it notes handling all day-to-day operations. His favourite part of the job is working with a great team to deliver amazing shows for our audiences. When Dan gets hold of the office radio remote, you’ll find him rocking out to Radio X.
In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending being outdoors with his two sons, cycling and walking in the hills. Dan loves to play golf and is a fan of Preston North End Football Club.
NICOLA TILEY
PROGRAMMING MANAGER
Educated at Rishworth School and Oldham Sixth Form, Nicola soon took to the skies as an Air Stewardess for Air 2000. Now managing the Programming Department at Handshake Ltd, Nicola has worked at Handshake for more years than she cares to admit.
After the Skinny Iced Lattes, Nicola’s favourite part of the job is the variety, and seeing the end result after securing the best dates at theatres, concert halls and arenas. A lover of Muse, Pink and Lady Gaga, Nicola would go for Modern Pop or 70’s hits whenever given the office radio remote.
With two young boys, Nicola doesn’t have much free time, but tries to squeeze in sessions at the gym and on the gin (not at the same time). Nicola loves yoga, going on holidays and seeing family and friends as much as possible.
IAN CURRAN
Creative Producer & Programmer
Graduating from The University of Sheffield with a BA Hons in English Literature and Drama, Ian went on to work as an actor and presenter for over fifteen years, and still performs in the UK tour of OH WHAT A NIGHT! As well as writing this show, Ian has written other shows and musicals for the stage.
Ian’s favourite part of working at Handshake is creating and writing new in-house productions and seeing them through from inception to ovation. The office radio remote usually sits on Ian’s desk and his first choice is Magic Soul.
In his spare time, Ian is a children’s book author and loves visiting new places with his family.
LOIS HEIGHWAY
MARKETING ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lois studied English Literature at The University of Liverpool and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Marketing. Experienced in the retail and hospitality sectors, Lois leads the Handshake Marketing Department after roles at JD Sports and Manchester City Football Club.
Lois’ favourite part of working at Handshake is visiting the different towns and cities to watch our production shows. When given the office radio remote, Lois always picks dance music.
In her spare time, Lois loves city breaks, going to festivals and visiting friends in the Lake District. Lois also enjoys walks with her dog, Lulu.
MATT SCHOFIELD
Account Manager
After training at Oldham College, Matt worked in various night-time industry roles including managing bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Booking and promoting celebrity guest acts and live appearances, Matt now brings his expertise to Handshake as Account Manager.
Matt’s favourite part of working at Handshake is the caffeine fuelled creativeness and the ability to follow the success of each show from start to end. When given the office radio remote, Matt flicks between Kisstory and Absolute Radio.
Matt is a loyal fan and follower of Oldham Athletic Football Club and enjoys cooking, eating Scotch eggs and listening to podcasts. Matt loves going on long walks with his two Pomeranians, Teddy and Rolo.