Education & skills

BSc (Hons) Business Studies

Diploma in Marketing,
Chartered Institute of Marketing

MA in Consultancy
(graduating November 2014)

Cert Ed Theology

French-speaker; some Spanish

Software

Visionware Ltd (5 years)

I was approached to join as head of sales and marketing at this British, 3i-backed MBO from Control Data Corporation. I was responsible for identifying and negotiating international OEM licensing agreements and for building a global distribution network (USA, Europe, Pacific Rim). I supported our distribution partners in high-volume sales opportunities, negotiating alongside them for government and OEM contracts. I personally handled all international PR, wrote widely for technical journals, conducted multiple East- and West-Coast US media tours, and addressed many conferences and UNIX user groups. I left the business after 5 years when it was sold to a US software giant.

Sphinx Ltd (2 years)

Shortly after graduating, I joined as product marketing assistant and within 2 years was European marketing manager. I was responsible for the strategic marketing of a wide range of UNIX products (operating systems, compilers, applications, tools, etc) across our European distribution network, as well as for relationship management and identifying and negotiating new distributors. I travelled extensively and regularly addressed technical user groups. I left after 2 years to join Visionware.

Branding

Propaganda (2 years)

By 2004 I was a freelance copywriter, but this Leeds-based brand, design & advertising company (which had become my biggest client) was insisting that I join them as head of writing. I decided to do so just for a couple of years' worth of experience, with the intention of returning to freelancing. I oversaw all long-copy development and worked hard to improve the quality of proofing and production. I developed a writing-awareness and skills course which became part of the induction programme for all new employees. After 2 years, I resigned to return to freelancing.

Section D (5 years)

After 7 years in software marketing, I moved to the other side of the desk and joined this branding and design agency. From offices in Covent Garden and Harrogate, the company specialised in retail (mostly high-street fashion). Clients ranged from Orange to M&S via Diesel and New Look. I conducted brand audits and critiques, did extensive copywriting, and specified and bought large volumes of print. I resigned after 5 years to start a freelance copywriting business.