CV

Work

Managing Editor | [...] Content
November 2017 – 

Coming soon!

Managing Editor | Mediablaze
July 2015 – October 2017

When it came to managing content for clients, I would like to say I brought the same kind of thinking, organisation and quality that you'd expect a newspaper or magazine editor from a bygone print rich era to deliver (scenes imagined from fiction), but, alas, I never worked for a paper or mag – one day perhaps – and am far too young for that to have ever been a reality from my own personal experience. As such, I can only speculate about the comparison.

However, what I can say is that I did bring a certain sense of journalistic vigour and credibility to my work, with fantastic, long-lasting results for a number of brands. So, from my perspective, totally like an old school editor with a contemporary content twist.

Key achievements:

• Receiving a CMA in 2016, which recognised the work done in transforming WeLiveSecurity into a truly global information security content platform.
• Launching Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion website, and setting up and managing the startup’s content for the first six months.
• Developing and commissioning editorial for Speedo’s groundbreaking platform Speedo On, helping deliver a range of personalised content to swimmers.

Consultant Content Editor | Axonn Media
May 2011 – July 2015

I'm currently working on a pilot script based on my experiences here ... it's a comedy. During my time here, I applied my skills as a writer and thinker to the burgeoning world of online content, with an acute focus on improving quality of output and delivering, primarily through the written word, innovative and new ways of communicating with audiences.

I also managed the development and production of graphic, video and animated content for a number of B2B and B2C clients, including startups, small businesses, niche organisations and FTSE 100 firms.

Oh, and on an industrial scale.

Key achievements:

• Initiating and effecting positive change, including expanding the range of content types and services on offer; developing a scorecard system to encourage continuing professional development; and delivering an office wide consultation and paper to improve the editorial department
• Maintaining high client retention (three years upwards for many clients)

Freelance writer, editor and editorial consultant
September 2008 –

When I chose to go freelance, I was unaware and oblivious as to how intense the global financial storm, which began to take shape in 2007, would come to be (leaving the kind of devastation we tend to associate with natural disasters).

I was young, massively uninformed and not at all interested in the world of finance – after all, I like words, not numbers. Also, I didn't work in the city, nor did I associate with corrupt, avaricious capitalists (still don't, I hasten to add). So, of course, what did I know? Nada.

Nevertheless, with the credit crunch as an ominous backdrop, I made a good go of it, and took on some really interesting jobs, like shooting a short film in Auschwitz with a group of young people from the north-east; carrying out two, big research pieces; writing generously about art and culture; and working with the Labour party in North Tyneside on numerous campaigns.

And while, a year later I moved onto other things – it was, for me, difficult to continue being freelance on a full-time basis – I have continued to, on the side, take on jobs that interest me personally and professionally.

One more word on the world on the financial crash of 2008 – it's legacy, and the misplaced, destructive political reaction to it, is still being felt. Austerity continues to punish and deprive those who aspire to a life that is not characterised by unnecessary hardship and suffering. Brexit is an ugly, tragic and miserable mess born out of austerity, hate and fear (as well as a reaction to a political establishment that does not reflect, understand or listen to the people they claim they represent). I'm not yet ready to contemplate the long-term negative effects of this Frankenstein experiment. Inequality and poverty endures, as entrenched as ever. Personal debt has crept up to dangerous levels again. Donald Trump is president of the US. And ... well, you get the picture.

Still, there's always hope.

Branch manager and journalist | Headliners
June 2007 – September 2008

This is where it all really began. Before I started up with Headliners, I was largely writing articles in the north-east for free. No-one really wanted to pay a new, NCTJ-less journalist. Undaunted, I persevered. I wanted to write and to earn a living from it. To be a journalist. (Although, sadly, I've never quite felt like I had an authentic experience – you know, local newspaper, writing about council meetings, reporting on cases heard in the magistrates.)

With Headliners, I had an opportunity to do more than just produce myself – here I was tasked with encouraging others to tell stories across print and film. Only we were working with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. It wasn't easy, but it was inspiring and extremely rewarding.

I helped set up, manage, design and deliver an accredited journalism programme, as well as oversee workshops with a range of organisations that worked with or on behalf of young people.

Key achievements:

• Established the charity as one of the leading youth media organisations in the North East from scratch
• Developing brand awareness of Headliners with key regional stakeholders
• Laid foundations for long-term legacy that continues to this day