Experience

Freelance, London —
Senior Copywriter

JANUARY 2020 - PRESENT

When you hear so many people banging on about how sweet freelance life is, it’s only a matter of time until you want to give it a go yourself. As well as being a one-woman A-Team for all of my previous employers (well, in adland anyway - I’ve forgotten how to pour a pint) I’ve also been a go-to for MOJU, a storyteller for Shelter and a veritable odd-jobber on the side.

Gymbox, London —
Senior Copywriter

FEBRUARY 2019 - DECEMBER 2019

My first venture in-house has been, in one word, ‘sweaty’. In three, ‘bloody good fun’. As a self-professed non-gym person, it was an odd move. But to get my claws into one of the most fun TOVs out there has been an utter pleasure. Bringing my strategic head and branding background, I’ve been working hard on making this notoriously cheeky chain a more palatable prospect for a 2019 audience, while having the chance to reconnect with ‘proper’ writing and learning how to do burpees. Winner winner, protein shake dinner.

Havas People, London —
Senior Copywriter

FEBRUARY 2017 - OCTOBER 2018

I lead a broad range of projects for Havas’ specialist talent and employer branding agency. (Essentially, selling jobs to the right audiences in the most engaging, imaginative ways.) If you’re unfamiliar with this particular niche of the advertising world, it’s probably as intense an experience in understanding an audience as it gets. As you can imagine, it’s kind of a tougher job convincing someone to be a prison officer than selling a bag of crisps.

Clients include: Prison Service, Direct Line, Pfizer, Standard Chartered
Pitch wins: Whitbread, BP, Ikea, University of West London
 

ThirtyThree, London — Copywriter

OCTOBER 2015 - FEBRUARY 2017

Conceptual creative for several large UK and global clients. I led pitches, built client relationships and took two juniors under my managerial wing.

Clients included: The Army, McDonald’s, EE, Deutsche Bank
Pitch wins: PA Consulting, Slaughter & May, Lincolnshire County Council.
 

Clinic, London — Copywriter

JANUARY 2014 - SEPTEMBER 2015

My introduction to agency life saw me build on my editorial background, developing my conceptual and creative skills along the way. In all honesty, they took a bit of a punt on me. I rocked up with my portfolio of articles and a promise of baked goods, landed the job, then had to work out how to come up with proper ideas for the first time. It paid off. (Thank god.)

Clients included: Umbro, Southampton FC, Arsenal FC, Barclays, Exterion Media, H&M.
 

Universal Music, London — Editorial Writer

MAY 2012 - NOVEMBER 2013

The first real-life writing job was as editor for new music venture, Emerging Icons. With a minimal team and huge aspirations, I was essentially given free rein to make the website content whatever the hell I wanted it to be. Lucky them. As well as having great fun developing reviews, regular features, and radio competitions, a particular highlight included curating a stage at London 2012. (What a treat.)
 

Room Thirteen, London — Freelance Writer

JULY 2010 - JUNE 2013

I was a regular reviewer, interviewer and all-round gig enthusiast for this independently and affectionately run online music mag. I remember likening one album I was sent to listen to as being the aural equivalent of a bunch of dying carnations from a petrol garage. One particularly defensive fan said I sounded like a “bitter old NME journo who has been around for too long.” Never has a comment boosted my confidence more.

EDUCATION

Manchester Met University
2:1 BA Hons English & History

SEPTEMBER 2005 - JUNE 2008
 

Rosebery School, Epsom

SEPTEMBER 1998 - JUNE 2005

BITS & BOBS

Presenting: I’m a confident public speaker, which is what got me presenting to 1,200 people at Havas’ annual meeting.

Pitching: I love meeting new people, sharing ideas and getting clients excited about creative work.

Mentorship: I’ve line managed Junior Creatives and am a fully-fledged member of the Creative Mentor Network.

Learning: I’ve taken courses from mindful work to D&AD (including being one of 50 rare creatives chosen for R-LDN 2018.)
 

bonus facts

·       Winner of The Weakest Link. (Yes, the real one on actual telly.)

·       Goes to the cinema at least once (but often twice, even thrice) a week.

·       Took up Improv classes to improve creative skills/become Amy Poehler.