Party season is fast approaching and if you are looking to decorate your party room with balloons and other event accessories then who better to give advice than NABAS – The Balloon And Party Professionals Association – the only registered trade association for the balloon and party industry in the UK. I caught up with current chairman, George Oustayiannis… hello George and welcome…
Hello! I’m George Oustayiannis and the current Chairman of NABAS, and Director at GO International, the UK’s leading importer and wholesaler for everything party!
What is the story behind setting up of NABAS?
NABAS was set up almost 35 years ago (2022 will be our 35th Anniversary). All the leading manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and decorators came together to form a non-profit association, run for the members, for the members, with a number of benefits. It was created to be a voice for the industry.
What would you say are the pros of hiring, say a balloon professional that is a registered member of NABAS?
Without doubt, the knowledge that a NABAS member is insured, and that they have a network of over 650 members willing and able to help and support them.
What perks does being a NABAS member offer a balloon and party specialist?
The ability to network with your peers, as well as having access to leading manufacturers, wholesalers and balloon decorators. We also have dedicated team of NABAS approved instructors, as well as the most comprehensive insurance on the market.
Apart from being Chairman of NABAS, what specialist balloon & party profession are you in?
I’m also on the Board of Directors for The Impact Group – an invitation only organisation of the UK’s leading wholesalers.
Have you always wanted a career in the balloon/party professional spectrum or did you have other aspirations?
As the eldest son of a very traditional Greek family, I had two choices. I could be a lawyer or a doctor. But if I wasn’t that bright, they’d settle for accountant. I actually started in law, and became a city broker, and was the youngest divisional director for one of the city’s leading firms. But my wife decided I didn’t want to be a broker anymore! I’m afraid I took away my parents “Church Bragging Rights” with the “What does you son do for a living?” question.
What advice would you give to anybody thinking of starting up as a balloon and party professional?
Join NABAS! The wealth of knowledge and support is unparalleled.
Personal now, what outfits/footwear would you normally wear when in “party mode”?
As casual as the host allows. I spent far too many of my earlier years in a suit and tie. I try and avoid fancy dress, and only ever looked remotely acceptable as Batman, because I could hide my true identity behind a mask!
Boots Or Shoes?
Shoes, as a Piscean, I hate any kind of footwear and can’t wait to go barefoot! Shoes are so much easier to kick off, or quickly put on when need be!
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can learn more about NABAS
Thank you George for chatting to us today. Let’s hope the parties can go ahead as safely and as healthy as possible this year!
Linda x
All photographs (apart from the Pinterest and header pic ) have been published with kind permission of NABAS.
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