Management Team

Sally Hems Managing Director
A business and marketing graduate, Sally has devised and implemented PR & communications strategies for organisations ranging from Glyndwr University, City of Bristol College and Mind through to the South-West RDA and City Inn.

Sally’s strength lies in translating complex topics and issues into consumer and business benefits. She helped reposition Hewlett Packard as a lifestyle brand, promoted regeneration for English Partnerships and launched a Bristol drugs scheme to nationwide acclaim. She is skilled in on as well as offline, playing the lead role on Brabantia’s social media strategy. This enables her to effectively incorporate both into strategies dependent on client need and budget.

An avid on and off-road cyclist, when forced indoors, Sally enjoys cooking, film and reading philosophy and fiction.

 

Jonathan Buckley Strategic Director
Jonathan is marcoms all-rounder with over 25 years experience advising organisations ranging from SEEDA, Intel and Cisco through to City Inn and South London Swimming Club.

As a journalist, he won several Communicators in Business awards and moved into marketing and PR the ’90s, achieving directorships at top PR consultancies Charles Barker, Webershandwick and Beattie Communications. He is married with two teenage children and practises Zen, writes haiku, and plays the guitar. jonathanbuckley.terapad.com

People we work with

Many have earned their stripes agency-side or in-house and opted to work freelance. Some manage their own thriving businesses. All are passionate about delivering results that are bang on.

Mark Panay Digital Strategist

Mark has been involved in technical start-ups for over 15 years, advising clients on how best to build buzz and engage customers online. His last start-up YRmedia developed the first mobile affiliate marketing scheme, winning Best Use Of Mobile in 2003 for a campaign with Dizzee Rascal.

Mark left YRmedia in 2004 to co-found Simpleweb. Here, he has helped devise and deliver projects including a CRM system for DEFRA, social network for Zubworld and online campaigns for Fatface and British Military Fitness. He also heads up Media Genius - an apps-led business platform providing management and monitoring applications to PR & marketing agencies.

When he’s not playing with the kids or walking the dog, Mark DJs and makes squelchy techno. He’s also partial to going downhill fast on a mountain bike. www.simpleweb.co.uk

 

Gary Bristow Creative Consultant
Gary Bristow is a creative designer specialising in web, graphic and brand design.

Gary has been creating for the web and for print for ten years and clients include Mavala, Local Journeys, Ask a Biologist, Mothers for Mothers, Music on Mendip and Luke Jerram.

Too find out more and to see his creative work, please visit Gary Bristow Design at: www.garybristow.com

 

Elaine Swift Chief Wordsmith
After leaving her role as Nikon UKʼs head of press and PR in 2004, Elaine decided to focus on the part of the job she most enjoyed - copywriting. Her background in PR and marketing gives her a good understanding of organisations and business, providing extra value for clients.

Elaine works with clients ranging from SMEs to global brands. She loves this variety as it forces her to write in different styles for different audiences, helping her copy stay fresh and succinct.

Projects range from newsletters, brochures and press releases through to keyword optimised websites and annual reports. At Oakleaf, she has written annual reports for the Commonwealth Foundation and Glyndwr University. www.elaineswift.co.uk

 

Nicky Brown Production Specialist
Nicky started his career in TV and Film production at the BBC Natural history Unit. He is now producer, director and lighting cameraman at ‘Techsec Media Limited’ . He is an experienced expedition leader, mountaineer, caver and sailor.

Nicky’s impressive client portfolio includes: UK MOD, Reuters, BBC, SKY Sports, Hewlett Packard, Virgin, Orange,The Times, FHM, Northrup Grumman, Selex, University of Bristol and Bristol Education Authority.

Nicky also lectures part time on a foundation degree course for The University of Plymouth in Digital Media Production. http://techsecmedia.co.uk

 

Melissa Neill Communications Consultant
Melissa has over 15 years experience in PR, marketing and communications with specialist expertise in ethnic media and social housing.

With a track record devising and implementing cost effective communications, Melissa’s key achievements include overseeing an award-winning flood guide, initiating a successful media campaign for the Board Development Agency and placing national magazine features for Cococheno Hair Salon and Lash-is Ltd.