Sue started her apprenticeship at 17, at what was the "sleeping giant of The League" - Red Rose Radio in Lancashire (later Rock FM). Working first as a Librarian, her skills were noted and within 2 years she was compiling the daytime playlist with the Head Of Music. She continued at "the club" for a further 5 years, developing an invaluable knowledge of the game.
In 1987 Sue entered promotion, representing such artists as; The Stone Roses, The Pixies, Erasure, James, The Happy Mondays, New Order and Simply Red etc...
But this was the start of the `90's and Sue decided to transfer her skills to a more senior position. She had always seen herself in a managerial type role and in 1990 helped to set up Red Alert with her well respected and talented partner Alison Martin.
Alison started her training back in 1986, when she graduated from Manchester University. Her apprenticeship included training with the NME, ‘Soul Underground’ and Manchester’s ‘City Life’ . In the late 80’s she was involved with various “clubs”:
GMR - ‘Meltdown’
(Presenter/Producer)
BBC Radio Lancashire - ‘On The Wire’,
BBC Radio Merseyside - ‘Late World Noise’,
Radio 4 - ‘WPFM’, and established herself as a respected player, also
working alongside Mark Radcliffe on Radio 5’s ‘Hit The North’.
During this time, Alison also had managerial and coaching aspirations, and in 1989 set up ‘Scam’ fanzine, followed by ‘Scam Promotions’, with journalist, Sarah Champion. This was Alison’s first taste of promoting artists to regional radio and TV. Here she helped to develop new talent including the likes of The Charlatans, 808 State and The Inspiral Carpets etc..
A year later Alison got the position she had always wanted as co-partner at Red Alert with Sue McDermott.
| Head of Promotions |
Liam has been part of the team since 1991. Previous to this he had worked at many Manchester clubs and venues, including The Hacienda and The Boardwalk. He soon developed a reputation for spotting what were later to become great stars. These included such bands as James, The Happy Mondays. Simply Red etc...long before the A&R scouts had even got near them.
By the late 1980’s, Liam had finished art college and needed a new challenge. He took advantage of one of the countries greatest crazes during the ‘Madchester’ era and set up his own merchandising company.
But this wasn’t enough for the illustrious star, so in 1991 he took a leap into the league of promotion. Since then he has established himself as a major talent and his skills of persuasion are well noted throughout “the divisions”.
Liam has subsequently become Head Of Promotions with a respected reputation for getting the right result.
Cathy spent her first 3 years at the club pushing her way up through the ranks of the youth team. She served her apprenticeship working on college attachments and school holidays and was eventually rewarded with a full-time contract 2 years ago.
Like some of the other famous reds, Cathy has earned the respect of players throughout the league and has succeeded in proving her place as a first team regular.
During her time with the club she has developed an amazing understanding of the game with probably her greatest years yet to come.
Although Martin has only been a full-time member of the team for a year, his CV tells a story of much done in a short space of time.
His formative years were spent attaining a degree in Communication and Media and has played for the team in the past on college attachments and available holidays.
He also has a history in TV research, working at Granada TV on various music orientated shows, including, 'Juice', 'Live at the Lilydrome', 'Passion', 'God's Gift', and 'Signed In The City'. All of which needed a developed knowledge of music and how the industry works.
He has since established himself as a talented member of the team who is willing to listen and learn from the more senior players.
After spending 2 years with the team, from October 1994 to October 1996, Charlotte decided she needed a new challenge,so she put in for a transfer to further afield. Travelling to India, Asia, Australia etc.., she picked up many new skills and her eyes were open to a diverse selection of music.
After a year away, she returned revitalised and eager to exploit her new talents. There was only one choice for her - to rejoin Red Alert. And so in the Summer of 1997, Charlotte rejoined the squad and shared her new found expertise with the rest of the team.