Turning obstacles into opportunities
When opportunities weren’t there, I created them. What started as freelancing grew into running an agency, chairing a board and co-founding industry awards.
Every challenge was a chance to build something bigger and open doors for others.
Finding a way forward
In 2008 nobody would hire me.
That’s where my journey started. I didn’t fit the mould and no one would give me a chance. So, I created my own. I started freelancing, built my skills and turned that into a business.
15 years later, I run Squibble—a strategic web and creative design agency that helps businesses untangle their brands, clarify their messaging, and build strategies that actually work.
But my journey has never been a straight path. I’ve spent my career finding a way around—or over—obstacles, creating opportunities not just for myself, but for others too. My goal has always been to open doors, break barriers and make space for more people to succeed.
Building Squibble & pushing boundaries
Squibble started over a decade ago as a graphic design business. But as clients asked for more, I taught myself HTML, CSS and PHP to build the websites they needed. I wouldn’t call myself a coder now, but back then, I was doing everything I could to figure things out and make things happen.
What I realised early on was this: Strategy matters more than aesthetics. It’s not just about how something looks—it’s about how it works. That belief shaped the way Squibble evolved, moving from design to strategy-led branding and web solutions that actually help businesses grow.
Taking the lead: Birmingham Tech Week & beyond
Six years ago, I was invited to one of the first board meetings for Birmingham Tech Week. I loved the concept. Tech has always fascinated me and the idea of breaking down silos between industries felt like something I needed to be part of.
I quickly became Chair of the board—because I got things done.
At the time, collaboration wasn’t the norm. Most agencies wouldn’t even talk to each other, and the same was true in the tech world. That had to change.
Through Birmingham Tech Week and later TechWM, we brought together, tech leaders and business owners who would have never connected otherwise. We weren’t just talking about collaboration—we were making it happen.
Championing marketing & creating opportunities
At Squibble, we work closely with marketing teams, and I’ve seen firsthand how relentless the job can be. There’s always another campaign, another deadline—no time to step back and celebrate the wins.
All the while, budgets shrink, goals grow and the pressure never stops. Marketers are expected to do more with less, proving their worth at every turn. Yet, despite being the driving force behind business success, their work often goes unnoticed.
That’s why I co-founded the Midlands Marketing Awards—to shine a light on the brilliant marketers behind the scenes. It’s not just about recognising great work; it’s about giving marketing teams the visibility, credibility, and celebration they deserve.
Because when marketing thrives, businesses thrive. And it’s about time that effort got the recognition it deserves.
What drives me?
Through Squibble, TechWM, and the Midlands Marketing Awards, my mission has stayed the same:
✔️ Champion the unseen – Whether it’s brilliant marketers, hidden talent, or businesses that need a stronger voice, I want to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.
✔️ Create opportunities – By breaking down silos and connecting people, I help open doors that might have otherwise stayed shut.
✔️ Push for bigger thinking – Strategy isn’t just for big corporations. It’s for anyone who wants to build something meaningful and make a real impact.
I believe that opportunities aren’t always given—you create them. And that’s exactly what I’ve spent my career doing.
Let’s talk
If you’re a business looking to untangle your brand, a marketer pushing for more recognition, or a team that needs a strategic approach—let’s make it happen.
PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENTS
