Retired stationmaster Davy’s passion rekindled with new career in tourism – The Irish News

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After dedicating a 30-year career to saving people’s lives in Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, former Station Commander Davy Harbinson now finds fulfillment making people’s days at Larchfield Estate.

In 2020, Davy was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal (QFSM) for his service to the community. Just three years later, he was facing what he describes as “a bit of a slump” following his retirement as temporary group commander.

However, a chance encounter reignited the spark within the Belfast man who is now loving life as an Onsite Events Manager in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Davy said: “I suspect that most people who have spent a lot of time in a dynamic environment feel the same when suddenly there is nothing. It can be a difficult transition.

“I have been offered various fire safety consulting roles, but this is not for me. I’m a people person, and if I’m being honest, it was like the stars aligned when this position was brought to my attention.

“About four months ago I was talking to someone who was in the fire and rescue service and they happened to ask me if I would be interested in a job as an on-site events manager at Larchfield Estate.”

Initially hesitant, Davy agreed to have a chat with Larchfield Estate’s Senior Director of Events and Sales, Gabby Tomb, and from that moment on, he knew the job was what he wanted to do.

Davy said: “I’ve never thought about a job like this before, I love holidays and I assumed something like this would limit my ability to travel, but after speaking to Gabby, my role he called right on the street.

“There is a lot of flexibility in this role. Every day is different and for me it’s all about meeting people and making sure they are happy and have a great day. I go to work every day wanting to make sure people are happy.

“And of course my colleagues are great, there’s a real sense of camaraderie and a focus on our wellbeing – we’re really made to feel valued by our bosses.”

As on-site events manager, Davy often finds himself taking on the role of master of ceremonies at many of the weddings hosted at Larchfield Estate and manager on duty at their corporate and private events and celebrations – from car launches and dinners to gala, to iconic birthdays and PR Events.

It’s this part of the job that Davy credits for ensuring that no two days are ever the same.

“Each event brings something new, and being a Master of Ceremonies can be a lot of fun,” he says.

“I come from a high-pressure environment and although there is a degree of pressure in this job as well, it’s a different kind of pressure, but I like the challenge.

“I was responsible for many operational incidents during my time in the fire service, so in some ways there are similarities between the two roles. There is a plan of action and you have to run that plan accordingly and make sure everyone is in the right place at the right time.

I have been offered various fire safety consultancy roles but this is not for me. I’m a people person and if I’m being honest it was like the stars aligned when this position was brought to my attention

— Davy Harbinson, Onsite Events Manager at Larchfield Estate (Former Fire Station Commander)

“Then of course you have to deal with the unexpected incidents that come up and it’s the team’s job to keep everything running smoothly.

“I would really encourage anyone looking to change careers or thinking about returning to work to get involved in the tourism and hospitality industry.”

While Davy and his colleagues enjoy the flexibility, freedom and sense of purpose that a career in Northern Ireland’s thriving tourism and hospitality industry allows, Tourism NI is encouraging more people to embrace a career in this fantastic sector.

Tourism NI is continuing its dedicated campaign called ‘Make It Here’ which aims to help change perceptions of what it’s like to work in the tourism and hospitality industry and attract and retain more great people.

If you are considering a career change and want to learn more about working in the tourism and hospitality industry, visit www.makeyourcareer.co.uk for more information. To find out more about Larchfield Estate visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.