Our People

Like most people in the industry I kind of fell into it. My first job was at a free newspaper called the Herald & Post “A quality newspaper that just happens to be free” I've been in the industry for over 30 years now and still love it.

If you say you are going to do something, do it and do it well.

Time with family, walking the dog, playing golf, going to the match, watching sport, and socialising. Most people will tell you I absolutely love a few pints!

Yes, I'm not always right, but never wrong.

I have always loved Guiness advertising (helps I like the product as well). I also love any advertising that makes me smile or laugh and there is not enough of it at the minute. Currently I really like the EE ads with the insomnia track.

Collaboration is crucial so get involved with everything. We are just one part of the media mix and the more you understand all the other elements, the more you can get the best from the media plan for your client. Build strong relationships with the media and your clients. Trust is key, so be honest and authentic. Better to say you don't know but you'll find out than guessing!

I thought I wanted to work in PR but my parents were not keen on me doing such a niche degree so I ended up doing English Literature – which I loved, but not really helpful in getting a job straight from Uni! So, I banged on doors and asked for advice from PR agencies - what I could do to get that first job. Quite a few mentioned CAM diploma in marketing (now CIM), so I took out a graduate loan and paid my way through doing the diploma at night classes whilst I worked in a BT call centre by day and a pub on nights! Serendipitously, Media was the first Module, so as soon as I passed that I started applying for jobs in media so I could get into marketing. I secured my first job in a full-service agency as a media assistant - by the time I had passed the PR Module towards the end of the course I had fallen in love with media and never looked back!

I love them all, and that's why I love my job so much! I like finding the perfect media mix for each client brief. It's why I've always said I couldn't work for a media owner – I'd be working for a radio station and telling the client they needed to use cinema! I love that we can do it all.

I've always really admired Newcastle Brown Ale campaigns. Not only as a proud Geordie, but they have been very clever in their tactics for a very long time. The two that really stand out for me are the clap back at Stella Artois ‘Chalice' campaign – pure excellence in ad placement, and the shadow art “Taste the lighter side of dark”. A fantastic example of adapting the creative to use the medium to perfection. They actually used 3,000 Brown Ale bottle tops to create the illusion!

Have an organised inbox! I use mine as a 'to do list'. It helps me keep focused on what needs to be done. Everything is filed once completed or added to my diary as a follow up.

The variety of client sectors we deal with. It means we can utilise so many different media channels in a variety of strategic, innovative ways. I also love that I work with clients nationwide as this increases the number of media opportunities we can consider for campaigns.

I did consider joining the police force for a while so I think if I didn't work for SD, I would go for a complete career change. I've worked in media since I graduated so a change would be a challenge and I do like a challenge!

Strive to be respected, not liked.

I love walking. Mainly around the local area I live in. I first did Red January a few years ago and I've been hooked on walking, not only for exercise but for the mental health benefits since. I also love photography but I'm very much an amateur!

I was always eager to get out into the world of work and earn a living at a young age. I first worked at JD Sports when I was 15 as a Saturday girl and loved the vibe. I still get that little buzz when I go into the shop now and get tempted to ask for my staff discount at the till.

Clare Lee! I worked for a promotional marketing agency for 9 years before working at SD. It was the branch of Media that I specialised in. Clare was a client, colleague and friend. We worked together on various campaigns over the years and the Media world excited me. When SD expanded it was a natural career progression for me, knowing I had Clare on hand to mentor me I knew I was in safe hands.

How fast paced it is! Deadlines are quick and demands are high. I was also surprised how friendly everyone in the industry is, considering how competitive it is, I was expecting it to be a little more like "The Devil wears Prada".

My one biggest regret was not working in another city doing what I love. I would have loved to have worked in marketing or advertising in a city overseas like Paris, Milan or Barcelona. Or maybe there is still time! SD Paris office opening soon… Haha

I am naturally competitive by nature. I am also known to be 'a little' assertive. In my younger days I would probably have liked to have been a Marine or joined MI5. Being part of a strong team brings the best out in me and pairing that with my competitive ability and focus Its something I think I would have been good at and enjoyed.

I started off with a paper round, but my first 'real' job was in a hairdressing salon.

It's not a piece of advice as such but I was recommended a book years ago, 'The Go Giver'… I truly believe giving should be your first priority over getting and this book is a great little story about this.

Going for a walk! Fresh air and getting my steps in really helps me refocus and remain productive.

There are so many! But, the Cadburys ad where the gorilla is playing the drums. I'm animal mad, love Phil Collins and am a complete chocoholic so ticks all the boxes for me.

I love running, hiking, walking, most outdoorsy type activities (as long as it's not TOO wet), I'm not very good at sitting still so am usually on the go.

I worked in a supermarket for about 5 days when I was really young. I learnt it wasn't for me and found a different job.

The old Peter Kay, John Smith's ads are hilarious and stick in my mind, also I love the John Lewis Christmas ads, I look forward to them every year, anything Christmas related for me really.

No, other than being a candy crush whizz 🤣

Not my first job but my favourite one (apart from my current of course!), was on a little Greek Island called Paros, where I worked in a cocktail bar - Yamas!

I enjoy spending time with my family & friends and love being outdoors. I like to dabble with a bit of DIY and even went back to College a couple of years ago and did an evening class in Joinery & Construction. My project at college was to repair and restore a church pew, I spent so many hours hand carving a huge chunk of oak to replace a missing leg - the pew is now used every day in our porch.

I love lists and write everything down and cross things off. I also enjoy going for a walk every lunchtime. I think a break from screen, some fresh air always & some thinking time sets me up for the afternoon. I always write my to do list at the end of each day, so I am ready to start in the mornings.

Never over promise and always deliver on time!

I love them all but if I had to pick one, I really enjoy the planning and mapping stages of OOH.