Crypt Factor welcomes new compere to stage

Business who want to be there when the cream of the sector’s would-be entertainers take to the stage should act quickly to secure their spot in the crowd.

An audience of more than 600 of the region’s property community will descend on Elland Road on Thursday March 19 to watch the contestants compete for the coveted winner’s title.

A total of 10 budding singers and groups will give it their all as they help to raise more than £60,000 for charities LionHeart and St George’s Crypt.

This year’s Crypt Factor will see some high-profile changes, as Garry Howes takes the reins from Alex Duckett as the event’s compere.

Mr Howes is director of investment at Gent Visick and is no stranger to the stage, having sung Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon in last year’s competition.

He said: “Like many people I’ve been overwhelmed by how the Crypt Factor has grown over the years to become one of the region’s most successful fund-raising events.

“It continually raises a huge amount of money for two great charities, so when I was asked to become compere, it was an easy decision to make.

“After taking part last year, I also completely appreciate the amount of work that goes into the event and how nerve-racking it is to perform on stage in front of hundreds of people, so I can definitely empathise with all this year’s singers.

“Alex always did a superb job and he will be a tough act to follow but I’m really looking forward to putting my own stamp on this year’s show.”

Mr Duckett, who exited stage left from the industry last year to pursue a career in the automotive industry, will still have a hand in this year’s proceedings as part of the Crypt Factor’s organising committee.

The event’s headline sponsors include Bond Dickinson, Bruntwood, Morgans City Living and Town Centre Securities, while The Yorkshire Post is the event’s media partner.

Jonathan Morgan, managing director of Morgans, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Garry on board and there’s no doubt he’ll do a fantastic job at what could be the biggest Crypt Factor ever.

“This year we have a great selection of singers and groups who will be performing songs from across the decades.

“As always we have received a fantastic level of support with a huge range of businesses associated with the region’s property industry reserving tables as soon as they went on sale.

“We only have a handful still for sale so we would urge any businesses that still want to attend to contact us now to avoid disappointment.”

The acts performing in this year’s competition come from a wide range of companies including GVA, Rex Procter, Blacks, Bruntwood, Irwin Mitchell, Morgans City Living, Bond Dickinson, Gent Visick, Fuse Studios, Morgan Sindall, The Harris Partnership and Addleshaw Goddard.

Last year’s event raised a record-breaking £60,000 for its two chosen charities.

St George’s Crypt a churchbased charity and has been at the frontline of support for homeless, disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Leeds and its surrounding areas since 1930.

LionHeart offers all types of help and support to RICS members and their families who face problems in their lives that are often completely unexpected. These can include ill health, disability, unemployment, family separation and debt related issues.

---

In its ninth year, the Crpyt Factor has become one of the most successful and celebrated fundraising events in the region.

This year’s competition will take place at Elland Road on Thursday March 19.

The remaining tables of 10 are priced at £1,100 + VAT and can be reserved by calling Carolyn on 0113 2615713 or by emailing [email protected].