The Booking Office
Meet our people
FRANCESCA DEVINE · CO-FOUNDER

A conversation can change
what happens next.

Francesca Devine with long blonde hair wearing a charcoal blazer
The person behind the connection.
WHERE IT BEGAN

Finding my way.
Creating opportunities.

I grew up in Clydebank, and from an early age I wanted to discover more of the world. Sport and music gave me opportunities to challenge myself, from winning Scottish Cup medals in netball and football to playing trombone in the school orchestra.

At 16, I left school to study at the University of the West of Scotland. My studies covered international politics, social policy and public relations. Alongside university, I worked around 30 hours a week at Hotel Chocolat and built a small beauty business offering lashes and brows.

I’ve always been willing to work hard and create opportunities for myself. But those early jobs also taught me something about where I thrive: talking to people, understanding what matters to them and helping them find what they’re looking for. Some of the friendships I made then are still part of my life today.

LEARNING THROUGH PEOPLE

Seeing potential.
Thinking bigger.

My career took me through hospitality, student finance and construction. Each experience helped me understand different people, businesses and working environments. I learned to ask questions, hold my own and build relationships with people whose experience was very different from mine.

I also learned how much it means when someone sees your potential. A business contact I had approached became a friend and encouraged me to think more broadly about what I could do. His belief in me helped me consider opportunities beyond the path I was already on.

A WIDER WORLD

Two weeks away.
Six months of possibility.

A two-week trip to Dubai became a six-month stay.

There, I worked in brand activation and events, met people from across the world and felt my confidence grow. Conversations in everyday places led to friendships, introductions and work. I saw how much can happen when you are curious, approachable and willing to take the next step.

After returning to Scotland in 2025, I joined Space and People, bringing together brand activation, project management and work with clients and partners. It helped clarify what I wanted next: to build ideas, lead, develop partnerships and use my ability to connect people.

THE BOOKING OFFICE

Listening first.
Connecting with purpose.

That ambition brought me to The Booking Office.

Mary Ann and I have known each other since I lived across the road and went to school with her girls. Today, we bring different generations, experiences and perspectives to a shared purpose.

For me, good connection starts with listening. What is someone trying to achieve? What do they need? Who could help them? And how do we turn an introduction into something worth following through?

That is the work I want to build: helping people feel confident in the room, bringing the right people together and giving those conversations somewhere to go.

A LITTLE MORE OF ME

Balance. Energy.
And a little extra joy.

Alongside running a busy business, I make time for my partner, family and friends and enjoy keeping active. Training in the gym gives me space to focus on myself, challenge myself and recharge. Those relationships and routines bring balance to my life and keep me feeling grounded and energised.

And one of my favourite roles is being a stepmum to Mary Ann’s wee dachshund, Brie. My partner and I love being her honorary step-parents. Time with her brings a little extra joy to both our lives.

CONVERSATIONS WITH PURPOSE

The right people.
A meaningful next step.

Let’s talk about your next eventRead Mary Ann’s story