Our People
Simon
What’s your role?
I call myself Managing Director and I lead the team, but in a customer centric agency like ours, I get involved in all aspects of the business. I also water the plants, make the coffee and most mornings empty the dishwasher, oh, and my most important job, I try and make sure there’s always a cold beer and cider in the fridge on Friday afternoons.
Background and education
I went to school in Camberley in Surrey and University in Hull before joining the advertising industry as a graduate trainee in London back in the wonderful 1980’s. Prior to starting SBW in 2004 I was a Divisional MD at EuroRSCG Riley where I spent 6 years and had responsibility for 5 of their offices.
What do you do outside work?
From my picture, it’s fairly obvious I enjoy golf, a sport i’ve played for over 30 years, but one I have failed to master. Beyond golf, I hung up my football boots (trainers!) a few years ago, so now I spend my leisure time when i’m not playing golf, watching the kids do sport or watching it on TV. I’m married to Teresa, a school teacher and we have three kids, Joseph 15, Alfie 13 and Daisy 9 and we live in Portishead, 8 miles outside Bristol.
Sam
What’s your role?
I have joined SBW Advertising to head up the new office based in Cardiff Gate and am very excited to be working with Simon again as we share the same passion for customer service. I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting new clients, and perhaps in the future some clients of old, to talk to them about all things recruitment advertising and consult on attraction strategies, employee communications and how they might use Social Media as a recruitment channel. Just as exciting, I will be talking to them about their general marketing needs, which is a huge strength of SBW.
Background and education
I have just calculated quite scarily that I have spent over 17 years in the advertising and communications arena, having worked in several national advertising agencies, and the last 10 years have been spent in Wales working with many public, private and not for profit organisations, before joining SBW. So I think I may know a bit about your challenges, and how to attract the best talent whilst always conscious of the need to deliver a good return on investment. But we can all continue to learn and I am looking forward to starting my CIM qualification in September.
What do you do outside work?
I love walking my Bichon Frise, Rosie on Barry Island beach and at Cosmeston Lakes on the weekends and I can often be found trailing my husband Jules, who’s in the RAF, and my daughter Jess 11, around the Welsh countryside looking for Geocaches!
Leticia
What’s your role?
In my role as Account Director, I head our (frankly brilliant!) account handling team, making sure we are looking after all our clients’ needs and delivering a fantastic service. I also work with clients at a strategic level to ensure that they achieve their objectives and we add value to their business.
Background and education
Originally from Brazil, I came to Britain in 2001 to study at Cardiff University where I achieved a 1st class honours degree in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting. I have also recently completed a CIM Professional Marketing Diploma, and aim to continuously keep abreast of the latest marketing and advertising developments, more specifically SEO and social media. Before joining SBW in 2010, I worked for two and a half years at TMP Worldwide as an account handler looking after clients like Admiral Insurance, Office for National Statistics and City & County of Swansea. Prior to TMP I worked for a digital agency in Cardiff Bay.
What do you do outside work?
I live in Cardiff with my husband Steve and my eloquent budgie Stewie (his name inspired by our love for the Family Guy series!). We enjoy going for long walks in the mountains and most weekends we head to the Brecon Beacons. I also enjoy swimming and taking photographs – I’m addicted to Instagram and also have my own blog where you can check out pictures of our walks in the mountains as well as some amazing views from our office, at the height of the 12th floor of Colston Tower.
Charlotte
What’s your role?
As Account Manager I am responsible for a portfolio of clients, delivering cost effective and strategic advertising and marketing plans, and irritating the studio! Being part of the account handling team I spend a great deal of each day talking to all sorts of people which is a real benefit of the job, even on a Monday morning!
Background and education
A proud Cornish lass, I tore myself away from the Duchy to further my education at Oxford Brookes University. Loving the city so much I then moved on into an Advertising and Design agency but the bright lights of London soon beckoned and I moved onto a specialist Planning and Buying agency in the West End. After four years, countless schedules and a severe lack of good cider, it was time to move back to the South West and I joined SBW in 2010.
What do you do outside work?
For the 51 weeks of the year not skiing I tend to think and dream about skiing. When not skiing I may well be seeking out the finest public houses in the region, enjoying a fine cider and thinking about skiing. Sometimes I visit friends around the country to talk about skiing, and wish that I was back in Bristol with a proper pint of cider.
Rui
What’s your role?
As the digital marketing guy at SBW my responsibilities include taking care of the online activities such as PPC, SEO and social media as well as strategising the best way for a client to reach their target audience. As with everyone here at SBW, I work closely with the rest of the team to ensure everything is perfect. Social media is a particular passion and I get outrageously excited to see the way its development is continually revolutionising everything from the way we do business, our daily lives, and even being pivotal in world politics!
Background and education
Originally graduated from Manchester Uni in Biomedical science but decided on a change of career upon leaving. Being a massive music obsessive, I started in club promotion followed by a stint at a London based record label. That’s where my love for all things digital grew from and after returning to Bristol to work in marketing, worked several internships and local agencies before coming to SBW as the social media/digital man. I’ve been loving it ever since!
What do you do outside work?
As sad as it sounds, a lot of my spare time is spent on the web looking at what’s changing in digital and social media but I do honestly have other hobbies! My obsession with music never went away and I can be regularly found gigging in local venues, pretending to be famous and generally living the budget rock start lifestyle. My other loves include coffee and Bristol City FC, which I’m pretty sure will eventually join forces to give me a heart attack.
Richard
What’s your role?
Part of my job is to be ridiculed for being Northern, but when I’m not being poked with sticks I’m the agency’s Senior Account Executive. I manage my own set of clients but also support key staff on larger projects, so you are likely to hear from me at some point if you’ve got business with SBW.
Background and education
I am a graduate of Public Relations and Corporate Communications at the University of Central Lancashire. Prior to starting at SBW in 2011, I was working with the McCann World Group for the best part of three years, managing projects with brands such as MasterCard, Samsung and William Hill.
What do you do outside work?
I am a massive foodie – hence the gravy in my profile picture. My northern heritage has meant that gravy is an obligatory addition to most meals but having said that I feel I was probably born in the wrong country. My weakness is for all things Italian, so you can bet your bottom Euro that’s where I’ll be off to if I’m out-of-the-office on holiday.
Tina
What’s your role?
I spend most of my time creating concepts and writing copy but I’m also a dab-hand at editing and proof-reading. But I don’t get away that lightly! Because I’ve been at SBW almost since the start, I’ve got a pretty good idea how it all works so you might find me helping out in account handling or even finance – they say variety is the spice of life!
Background and education
I started working in advertising after finishing my education (sometime pre-GCSE’s) and here I’ve stayed. After working for Rex Stewart (RSJPG), JPH and then Harrison Cowley, I moved to Riley Advertising as an Account Manager working on clients such as HTV, Relyon, Devon County Council and University of Plymouth. I stayed here until my first daughter Florrie was born. Two more daughters, Connie and Cissy followed and I was finally enticed back to work shortly after SBW formed in 2004.
What do you do outside work?
As well as looking after house and home, I manage to squeeze in seeing bands and having a pint of cider (or two) with friends. I’m also a bit of a gardener and am now qualified to RHS level 2 after taking my exams last year. At weekends, you’ll often find me trawling the charity shops for retro/vintage bargains to add to my ever growing collection.
Jane
What’s your role?
I am Head of Finance here at SBW and my aim is to ensure that our clients and suppliers receive their documents promptly and that we receive our payments. I also have the important job of looking after the payroll – and making sure we have enough milk in the fridge for Simon to make our early morning hot drinks.
Background and education
I went to school in Staffordshire and then spent a year as an exchange student in the USA where I also graduated from the local high school. I then studied for an HND in Cheltenham. My career has taken me travelling all around the country when I worked for a few large Catering Companies mainly in a financial role. My last role was for the Vodafone National Contract before I joined SBW.
What do you do outside work?
I am married to Simon (not the MD!) and we travel whenever we get the chance – we are working our way through the book ‘1000 places to see before you die’ and are making good progress (I must be getting old!). I love football (Derby County), am addicted to Body Combat at the gym and enjoy cooking .
James
What’s your role?
I work with all things ‘webby’, creating standards compliant web sites, resolving cross-browser compatibility issues and creating tableless layouts.That means I’m well-versed in major web design applications such as Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop and handcoding valid XHTML and CSS. I can also find my way around unobtrusive DOM scripting using the JavaScript framework, Mootools. Some people in the office think I speak another language!
Background and education
I’ve been working in the advertising industry for too many years to remember but worked with Euro RSCG Riley for 8 years before becoming a freelance web designer.
What do you do outside work?
Working freelance, I tend to work more than play, but on the odd occasion I do take time out, you might find me trying my luck at the casino or meeting up with friends for a beer or two.
Sam
What’s your role?
I’m the Creative Director and my role is to lead the design team and push new ideas in the most logical way possible, resulting in simple yet engaging creative. Clarity is at the heart of all we do. There’s an art to making the complicated appear simple and it’s at the forefront of everything we produce. I believe now is the most exciting time to be working in the communication industry, especially in an integrated environment such as ours. We have a mantra, and it’s ‘Always Direct & Always Focused’.
Background and education
I studied Graphic Communication at the Cardiff School of Art and Design. After graduating in 2004, I joined one of Bristol’s oldest advertising agencies, learning my craft working on a variety of sectors. I then joined a marketing consultancy learning the benefits of digital, before joining SBW as creative director in 2011.
What do you do outside work?
I’m house proud and a collector of mid-century furniture, with a penchant for a nice chair. During the weekend I can be found scouring car boot sales or markets. I’ve been called a ‘Japanophile’ once or twice with my love of a particular brand of clothing and shoes. My shoe collection is equal to that of the chairs in my house!
Warren
What’s your role?
I work on a wide range of design projects, ensuring that ads, leaflets, brochures or mailers are produced to a high standard and will be eye-catching and attractive pieces of work. Whatever the brief, each piece of design will receive the same creative approach and attention to detail. After working in the business for so long, I’m used to turning high quality work around quickly – that’s why they call me Whizzy Waz - I’ve also gained quite a reputation for buying the best secret santa presents!
Background and education
I began my working life as a designer in the print industry, before moving to Community Media Ltd as Senior Designer and then Production Manager at an advertising agency in Clifton, Bristol. I then worked freelance with a number of top agencies and have been with SBW since its opening day.
What do you do outside work?
I live in Long Ashton with my partner and two young sons and have nearly finished a renovation project on my house. The next part which I'm looking forward to, is the garden - just in time for summer. I enjoy the usual cooking, entertaining and being a grown up kid with my boys. We have great fun in the office and everyone is especially pleased to see me when I bring in biscuits and chocolates!
Daren
What’s your role?
I am the Sales and Marketing Director at SBW, it's my job to introduce and showcase some of the many ways companies can now communicate and attract new audiences using the latest technologies such as Mobile Apps, Mobile Websites and Mobile Marketing Strategy. I believe the "Mobile Revolution" is here! I want to help companies understand how social media can connect into their business life and even more importantly how they can use it to work for them. The bottom line is my job is helping, not selling!
Background and education
Through my love of sport, I studied Physical Education & Sport at Bath College. But I first followed my childhood dreams and became a radio presenter working on various stations in the UK. I also have a history in Publishing and Press Advertising where I was Head of Field Sales and became involved in running successful teams providing campaigns (in print and online). More recently I became involved in the digital market assisting with digital strategy providing Websites, SEO, E-marketing, but I truly believe, now is the time to go Mobile!
What do you do outside work?
Love Rugby! - I am now what they call a more “social player”. You may see me at Twickenham or more likely to hear my voice as I had the wonderful opportunity of commentating and announcing! I love trying new foods and experimenting in the kitchen in my spare time not always successfully. I also have a bit of an explorer inside me as I really enjoy holidays that offer plenty of culture and adventure.
Cerys
What’s your role?
I work within the lovely creative team at SBW, with Tina (the copywriter) and Angie (graphic designer) coming up with new ideas and producing the final artwork for clients. The work I am involved with ranges from producing simple recruitment ads, to pitching for full blown integrated print and web advertising campaigns.
Background and education
I originally completed a Design Degree at University College Falmouth, in Cornwall, joining the world of work as a Concept and Content Designer for Engineered Arts, a company who specialise in the design and production of interactive exhibits for science museums internationally. In 2011, I decided to study for an MA in Creative Advertising to gain further qualifications for art direction and copywriting.
What do you do outside work?
In my spare time I love to explore cities, climb mountains, swim in the sea and sample cider with friends! When the weather's not right for swimming in cider, I enjoy nothing more that a bit of designer-making; whether it be knitting, illustrating or screen-printing.
Angie
What’s your role?
I’m a graphic designer here at SBW, working with the creative team to make sure all work coming out of the studio looks as wonderful as can be! I’m kept on my toes by the varied projects we get in, and really enjoy being a part of the creative process.
Background and education
I initially studied fine art, but after a couple of years working I decided to retrain as a graphic designer, and so followed three years spent living in Brighton and gaining a first class design degree! I then worked in the crazy bubble of central London as an in house designer for a year before coming back to the south west (I grew up in South Wales) to fresher air, a wonderful new city and plenty of rain.
What do you do outside work?
I’m quite a creative soul and love settling down with a pencil and paper on an evening in, with a glass of red wine and some good tunes in the background. I also like checking out exhibitions, going out with friends, eating sushi from conveyor belts and exploring new cities. I’m quite into my food and being part Italian I can be found cooking spaghetti for lots of my meals!
- Simon Wright
- Sam teague
- Leticia Korin Moore
- Charlotte Clotworthy
- Rui Deng
- Richard Annerson
- Tina Badley
- Jane Ford
- James Bailey
- Warren Mitchell
- Daren Stainton
- Cerys Marks
- Angie
