John Brennan - Managing Director
With 20+ years of experience, John has worked with various education providers in the UK, including nurseries, UTCs, Free Schools, Studio Schools, Sixth Forms, MATs, and Independent Schools. He offers advice and solutions on culture, communication, reputation, and branding, serving as a trusted adviser to CEOs, principals, and headteachers. John's track record includes achieving results and improving school outcomes. Currently, he is advising new MATs on formation, growth, and offer development strategies, while also assisting established Trusts with their external communications strategy and pupil pipeline development..
Sali Midjek-Conway - Associate Director
Sali has 20 years of marketing and communications experience in further and higher education institutions. She has expertise in strategy development, internal and organizational transformation communications, engagement planning, student recruitment marketing, training, development, and brand management. Sali also launched a higher education institution in a global football stadium. Recently, she led the marketing communications department in one of the faculties at the University of Manchester, overseeing campaigns and events in the UK and overseas. . Sali currently holds positions as Vice Chair on the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) North West Board and on the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) North West Committee.
Jessica Shepherd - Associate Director
Jess is an experienced professional in education communications. She has worked at prominent institutions like University College London and Times Higher Education. With over 17 years of experience, she has a strong reputation in higher and further education as well as Multi Academy Trusts. Jess provides high-level communications counsel and excels in both reactive and proactive public relations. She understands the complex political landscape of the education sector and has connections across the sector that benefit her clients. Overall, Jess's experience, expertise, and network make her valuable to any educational institution in need of strategic communications support.
Kathryn Crowther – Consultation Lead
Kathryn has conducted research and consultations with various education organizations, including multi-academy trusts, schools, education charities, and further/higher education institutions. She has expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, analyzing public consultations for the Department for Education, and working with school leaders, teachers, support staff, parents, and students. Recent projects include designing focus groups to gather feedback from staff at Outwood Grange Academies Trust and collaborating on an online survey with Ambition Institute to explore factors influencing potential teaching applicants.
Nick Mackenzie - Partner - Browne Jacobson LLP
We're delighted to be collaborating with Browne Jacobson, led by Nick Mackenzie, on a customized workshop for Trust non-executives and executives. Our goal is to enhance understanding between Trustees and Trust senior leaders and foster effective collaboration to advance the Trust's strategic objectives. This includes evaluating the Trust's capacity to achieve these goals within the evolving education landscape. We're proud to partner with a top education law organization, recognizing the vital link between governance and Trust leadership development in line with the DfE's MAT plans.
Geoff Chandler -
Founder & CEO of Moxton Education
Moxton Education is an ICT consultancy and procurement organization focused on the Education Sector. They work with schools, trusts, colleges, and commercial organizations with education customers. Geoff has 30+ years of experience in Education, starting in a Lincolnshire Primary School and then working in Local Government. He has also run commercial businesses delivering Educational ICT solutions. Much of strategic communications relies on an organisations approach to ICT strategy. We collaborate with Moxton to help clients establish their ICT strategy, leveraging their unique expertise and experience in the sector.
Lisa Byrne - Non-Executive Director of Marketing & Associate Media Consultant
Lisa, with 20+ years of media experience at top UK companies, brings an honest and refreshing approach to advertising and media buying. Working with national and regional brands, her 'audience first' approach allows her to understand requirements and create impactful campaigns. She negotiates hard, plans effectively, and conducts audience research for campaign analysis. Experience her passion in just one meeting.