Helen Milburn

Hyve

As general counsel of events business Hyve, Helen Milburn saw her workload take an unexpected turn circa March 2020. Starting off the year with two US trade show acquisitions, Hyve then went into survival mode as its events were cancelled one after another due to the pandemic.

Milburn, who joined the company in 2019, found herself right in the midst of the action, leading on one of the first Covid-induced rights issues in May. The deal was critical for Hyve to withstand significant financial headwinds, while a financing package was also secured under Milburn’s watchful eye, acting as a further buffer for the FTSE-listed business.

Now it’s a waiting game, as events organisers await the green light from jurisdictions around the world. In the meantime, Milburn is steadily working her way through Hyve’s event cancellation insurance, claiming back up to £47m for the business in the process.