Owner and Managing Director of Hoochie Coochie live music venue and late bar, 54 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle www.hoochiecoochie.co.uk

Brand & Reputation delivers dynamic leadership, insightful review, and creative strategy across multiple sectors to transform clients' brand and reputation.Recent clients include: University of Oxford, UCL, UNICEF, Audi UK, NHS, Cancer Research UK, MIT, University of Manchester, University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, University of Cape Town, Courtauld Institute of Art, University of Nottingham, UNNC (China), Bangor University, Swansea University, Independent HE, Christ Church… Show more Brand & Reputation delivers dynamic leadership, insightful review, and creative strategy across multiple sectors to transform clients' brand and reputation.Recent clients include: University of Oxford, UCL, UNICEF, Audi UK, NHS, Cancer Research UK, MIT, University of Manchester, University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, University of Cape Town, Courtauld Institute of Art, University of Nottingham, UNNC (China), Bangor University, Swansea University, Independent HE, Christ Church Oxford, Nottingham Trent University, University of Bath, University of Plymouth, University of Hull, Bournemouth University, Leeds Trinity University, Fairleigh Dickinson University (US), Dublin City University, Solent University, London South Bank University, University of Sunderland, CASE, The Scouts, The North East LEP, Children’s Cancer North, The Children’s Hospital Charity, Dogs Trust, Brunel University London, Robert Gordon University, University of Salford, Harper Adams University, Plumpton College, University of Southampton, Leeds Beckett University, University of Stirling, University of Winchester, University of GalwayOur services:• Organisational vision & values, Brand review & audit, stakeholder research & consultation, brand strategy, competitor benchmarking, narrative development & market-testing • Marketing strategy review & development, campaign review & planning, market research & analytics• Communications: customer & supporter relations, internal comms & staff/student/customer engagement strategy, communications review & audit, crisis comms strategy & coaching• Reputation: Crisis & Issues management, media coaching, stakeholder mapping & engagement, policy & government relations, CSR, community & culture engagement B&R provides MarComms mentoring + can design and lead Board, executive team or staff workshops & presentations. Audit and benchmarking services across all disciplines are undertaken with sensitive professionalism and discretion. Show less

Part of the 7-strong University Executive Team with a broad External Relations portfolio which included leadership of the award-winning External Relations department plus University leadership for: brand, marketing, reputation, student recruitment, internal comms, fundraising, alumni relations, CSR, culture & community engagement, graduation awards & events and public affairs.

I led a multi-award-winning team of more than 60 staff across 4 core teams:- student recruitment - brand, strategic marketing & events- communications, alumni relations & development (media relations, media training, internal comms, social media, repuation management)- admin and corporate relationsI was a member of the University's Executive Leadership and Senior Management teams

The Communications & Marketing Office was part of the Registrar’s division.It was made up of 3 distinct teams: Strategic Marketing; Student Recruitment; and Communications (Content, Media Relations, Public Affairs, Internal Comms etc.)The role of my office was to raise the University’s profile, manage its reputation and provide a professional service of strategic marketing & communications support in line with the University’s 2020 Development Plan. I was responsible for… Show more The Communications & Marketing Office was part of the Registrar’s division.It was made up of 3 distinct teams: Strategic Marketing; Student Recruitment; and Communications (Content, Media Relations, Public Affairs, Internal Comms etc.)The role of my office was to raise the University’s profile, manage its reputation and provide a professional service of strategic marketing & communications support in line with the University’s 2020 Development Plan. I was responsible for a talented team of professional marketeers and communicators in the central team and a wider network of 85+ marketing administrators across the University Community.I managed a 7-figure budget.Key responsibilities:Establish a strategic approach to Marketing & Communications and provide executive leadership on all CommunicationsBalance clear strategic direction with a service of support and consultancyMake communications services more accessible for University membersDeliver a multimedia service of quality, consistency, cohesion and valueOngoing production of high-quality marketing materials (print and online)Continue to increase Durham’s national and international media profilePlatform-building strategy to access UK & EU policy communitiesKey ProjectsBrand development & managementWeb development (www.durham.ac.uk)New & Social Media marketingMarket intelligence and researchUndergraduate & Postgraduate recruitment marketing (Home & EU)DIALOGUE (On and offline Internal Communications programme)Generating media coverage (international, national, regional specialist)Media Training / Media monitoring and evaluationCrisis Communications and Incident ManagementPublic Affairs and stakeholder mapping and profilingVIP relations & strategic events (incl. University Chancellor) Show less

One of Europe’s leading Motor Retail Groups with an annual turnover in excess of £3 billionAs Head of Communications for the Group I was responsible for a team of professional colleagues in areas of:(a) Press Office(b) Internal Communications(c) Community, Media & Investor Relations(d) Corporate MarketingKey areas of work included:Executive leadership and development of Communications StrategyInternal Communications Strategy and programme for more than… Show more One of Europe’s leading Motor Retail Groups with an annual turnover in excess of £3 billionAs Head of Communications for the Group I was responsible for a team of professional colleagues in areas of:(a) Press Office(b) Internal Communications(c) Community, Media & Investor Relations(d) Corporate MarketingKey areas of work included:Executive leadership and development of Communications StrategyInternal Communications Strategy and programme for more than 5,500 colleagues Community and Investor relations project – inc. the development of an online Investor Centre and regular annual reports and AGMsManagement of Group Press Office handling media enquiries from trade, city, manufacturer and UK press.Devising and coordinating product launch events for Aston Martin, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Ford etc.Developing relationships with key manufacturer/city personnel (international travel)Scripting, directing & presenting corporate films and conferencesGroupwide product training and customer service programmesI also led on reputation management for both the Vardy Foundation and the community and charity portfolio of Sir Peter Vardy – including the Emmanuel Schools Foundation’s Academy Schools and aid projects in Africa and Eastern Europe. Show less

PR, Media Relations, Copywriting and Management Consultancy for a diverse client portfolio:- Enron- Nissan- LG Philips- Siemens- NHS- Chamber of Commerce- Learning and Skills Council- Business Link- One NorthEast- English Partnerships- FHM / Yuill / Haslam Homes

Account management, copywriting and PR lead for a diverse client portfolio:Scott USAKwikFit GroupNectar InternationalWilcox GroupKBRVisit BritainDurham Business SchoolAnderson & Garland

Account Executive for a portfolio of private equity, PLC and corporate banking clients. Investor Relations, National and specialist media relations and public affairs projects and campaigns in a fast-moving, corporate environment