I love what I do.
Passionate about crafting compelling brand narratives, I am a strategic thinker with over 8 years of experience in brand strategy, and B2C & B2B integrated marketing campaigns. My career is anchored by a deep love for what I do, matched by a first-class honours degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications from the University of Huddersfield.
My expertise lies in developing high-impact ideas, campaigns, and activations that resonate across diverse sectors. My creative vision is always grounded in thorough consumer, market, and business insights. I thrive at the intersection of futures, trend, and consumer behavior analysis, adept at pinpointing emerging markets and pivotal shifts that brands must integrate into their strategic vision.
Key skills
Brand Strategy Development: Skilled in creating and executing brand strategies that capture the essence of a brand and engage target audiences effectively.
Integrated Marketing Campaigns: Proven track record of generating engaging ideas, planning, developing, and launching successful B2C and B2B marketing campaigns.
Trend and Consumer Behavior Analysis: Expertise in identifying key market trends and consumer behaviours, enabling brands to stay ahead of the curve.
Cross-Industry Experience: Versatile experience across retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and engineering, ensuring adaptable and innovative marketing solutions.
Project Leadership: Working effectively and efficiently, I have vast experience of managing large scale projects on time and on budget.
A LOOK BACK AT MY CAREER
Where it all began
Throughout my dynamic career spanning retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and engineering industries, I've consistently elevated brand presence and storytelling. Starting in the packaging and design sector, I played a pivotal role in managing national own label brands such as Nisa, Co-op, and Asda. It was in these early days roles I truly fell in love with the world of brand and realised just how powerful they could be when nurtured right.
My first global client
My ambition to broaden my impact led me to two years on the Primark account, a global fashion and lifestyle powerhouse. Here, I was instrumental in launching new stores across Europe and the USA, introducing licensed cafes, beauty studios, and barbershops. I also contributed significantly to developing and implementing the global sustainability strategy and accompanying marketing campaigns. Seeing my ideas brought to life in the stores I’d spent my whole life shopping in was a true career highlight. The experience I gained from this role, working alongside the most talented individuals is for sure the reason I am where I am today.
Stepping outside retail
Driven by a curiosity and a vision to diversify my expertise, I recognised the need to broaden my experience outside of retail in which the majority of my experience had been gained.
I embarked on a new chapter by joining a strategic marketing communications agency nestled in the heart of Harrogate. The agency’s expertise spanned an impressive array of sectors—including manufacturing and engineering, professional consultancy, and hospitality—offering me the perfect platform to hone and apply my skills in new and unfamiliar contexts.
This transition was not merely a change of setting but a significant leap in my professional development. It allowed me to view brand and marketing through a broader lens, adapt to the unique demands of different industries, and employ a more flexible and nuanced approach to my work. The experience gained in the bustling world of retail marketing provided a solid foundation, but it was the exposure to a variety of sectors at the agency that truly enriched my understanding and approach to brand strategy and marketing communications.
I excelled in elevating brand strategy services from the ground up, winning over 10 clients and spearheading their strategic marketing communications. My ascent from Brand Strategy Manager to Director of Brand, Strategy, and Digital was characterised by the ability to get under the skin of business problems, leading a multifaceted team to deliver impactful work and enhancing stakeholder relationship.
Moving client side
With Covid came change. Steering me towards a role that promised a coveted work-life balance, security, and an untrodden challenge—an in-house Brand Manager position within an ambitious D2C startup set on market disruption. This role allowed me to work closely with the Founder & CEO to architect the brand's foundation. From articulating its brand purpose, mission and values to devising a potent brand strategy that stood out in a complicated marketplace. My contributions encompassed revitalising the customer experience, initiating a successful influencer program, and pioneering the brand's first campaign, which for the first time brought a human storytelling angle to communications. Still very much involved in the brand development and business growth with this company, I’m proud of all we have achieved, the transformation we’ve been on and excited for what’s still to come.
Introducing Brand by SKH
After a decade of gathering unique experiences and celebrating exciting career milestones, I've decided it's time for a new, exciting, fresh challenge. So here I am, thrilled to announce that I'm moving into freelance work as a Brand and Strategic Marketing Consultant.
This decision is fuelled by my passion for branding and a desire to deliver tailored, impactful advice to businesses of all sizes. Freelancing offers the unparalleled flexibility to do my best work where I'm most inspired - right from my own space.
Being my own boss not only allows me to manage expectations more effectively but also ensures that every piece of work I deliver is packed with value.
I look forward to this new adventure and to collaborating with dynamic business owners and teams eager to elevate their brands. If you're looking to infuse your project with fresh, creative energy, I'm just a message away. Here's to new beginnings!