People make Access. Everyone who works here really cares about what they do.
And it’s their experience, expertise and ‘can do’ attitude that is our USP. Many of our troops have worked at some of the top agencies in the Northwest. But thankfully, they left the bureaucracy and the bulls**t behind them.
Simon Landi, Managing Director
Simon’s 17 years experience in Branding Design, Direct Marketing, Above the Line Advertising and Brand Development obviously hasn’t taught him anything: he still ranks being a cheerleader on the Vernon Kay stand at Sale Rugby Club as more important than his IPA Effectiveness Awards. Make sure you pay on time because he’s quite handy with a golf club!
Kirstie Jennings-Brown, Account Manager
Kirstie brought her extensive marcoms knowledge and PR experience to the table in the summer of 2006. The highlight of her career is undoubtedly the time she spent interviewing people on buses for a marketing placement! She enjoys going to gigs, singing in her car and playing catch with her psycho cat.
Jenny Keating, Account Manager
Jen's become a firm fixture of the team turning her talents to The Steam Packet Company, Greater Manchester Police, TMP and Littlewoods to name a few. Apart from gaining valuable experience working with top professionals, Jen states meeting Jeff Hoardly (aka Cain Dingle from Emmerdale) as one of her proudest achievements! When she’s not running, swimming, playing badminton or doing ballet, Jen manages to squeeze in a little exercise for the brain having gained her CAM diploma in Marketing Communications.
Sarah Parker, Creative Director
18 years in the business and boys are still top of Sarah’s list. Client list, that is! The “fab boys” at Red Arrows and Williams Motor Racing are an enjoyable blast from the past with Sarah’s recent favourites including Manchester’s Commonwealth Games. If she’s not working, Sarah loves riding her horse, snowboarding, travelling and cooking. Very occasionally, Sarah treats herself to a glass of wine.
Kirstine Davis, Deputy Creative Director
Over the years, Kirstine has worked for some of the biggest accounts (Alton Towers, Greenalls, Nissan) at some of the best agencies (JWT, BDH/TBWA, Access) in the business. She loves going to the gym but likes to restore the balance with a healthy dose of home cooking! If there’s one thing she absolutely CANNOT STAND, it’s Michael Winner. Calm down dear.
John Neate, Production Director
John’s been in the business for so long he started out checking proofs by candlelight! Over 30 years on and he can still be heard talking about 'the good old days'. Away from the delights of ink dispersion, he loves the great outdoors and can often be found up a gully or dangling off the end of a rope. His favourite comedy double act is The Chuckle Brothers and when he was a baby he slept in a drawer - which explains a lot.
Mark Holland, Art Director
Upon failing his audition for McFly, Mark decided he was better suited to a career in advertising. He did his degree, four placements and finally landed on our doorstep. When he showed us his work, it made even John smile. We had to give him a job. Mark still wishes he had hordes of screaming fans, but at least he’s stopped trying to sing.
Ruth Peevor, Account Director
After her first job at Turtle Wax, Ruth really started to shine. Over the years she’s worked on everything from local tourism to national brands. Ruth is a huge fan of big, fast cars, but can always rely on reaching her destination under her own steam: Although dreams of becoming the next Flo-Jo have now been dashed, Ruth did once run the 100 metres in 11.8 seconds!
Mark Hope, Digital Director
Mark has been in the biz for about 13 years taking the roles of Designer, Art Director, Creative Director and Freelance Digital Design Consultant before helping set-up Access Digital as our Digital Director. Phew. Mark insists he was once a swimmer, triathlete, cyclist and water polo player for the Northern Counties but we’ve yet to see photographic evidence! Favourite travel destinations include Thailand, New Zealand, Fiji and… Cornwall.
Paul Gregory, Web Developer
Brought on board to help the ever-expanding Access Digital team, Paul actually graduated in 2006 but admits he still lives like a student. A self-confessed web guru, Paul thinks his most shameful secret is singing in the Manchester Cathedral Choir as a lad. But Phil hasn’t found out he’s a PC fan yet!
Michelle Sussams, Art Director
Michelle joined Access in summer 2006 after achieving a 2:1 in Graphic Design at Blackpool and Fylde College. It was here that she developed her excellent sense of colour: she has matching bags, belts and shoes in about 25 different shades! When she’s not splashing around in Gran Canaria, Michelle goes swimming with Jen.
Phill Watson, Mac Jedi Master
Phill Watson has worked in Advertising for over 20 years. He is a self-confessed Macintosh fanatic and says unless something has an Apple logo on it he's not interested! At Access, Phill has introduced an improved file management system and working practices: throwing out the old PC server and putting in a nice reliable Apple XServe. Phill is married with two kids, a cat, two goldfish and 3 Macs (a fourth Mac is on the way).
Simon Critchley, Artworker
Simon loves getting his hands dirty…in fact, when he’s not changing layouts he’s busy changing parts in his beloved VWs and even fancies himself as a bit of a mechanic. In over 10 years as an artworker for high profile clients like Littlewoods, Iceland and Wembley Stadium, Simon’s biggest challenge was being a Man U supporter working for Man City. Don’t worry Simon; as long as you remain a Mac supporter, Phil says you’ll be OK!
Anthony Neate, Production Executive
Anthony followed in the footsteps of his dad now bravely works on the same table! Obsessed with San Diego, Hitchcock, UFOs and Mexican food, Anthony is also a massive Aston Villa fan and loves anything to do with animals - hence the parrot. Who’s a pretty boy then?
Mia Bengtsson, Senior Designer
Sweden’s latest export Mia is extremely allergic to nuts (we try to keep her away from John at all times). After leaving the sunny seaside of southern Sweden, she found her home in rainy Manchester five years ago. But she’d already left her legacy behind: Crowned Young Entrepreneur of The Year in 2003, Mia wrote her first cookery book at the tender age of 17 and even reached the last stages of interviews to star on TV’s The Apprentice. We don’t know about Sir Alan Sugar, but we say; ‘You’re hired!’
Sue Malone, Office Administrator
Sue has been with Access since 2002 and is the friendly voice that will usually greet you on the phone.
Despite being our 'Time Sheet Tyrant' and ruthlessly organising the office, Sue often shows a much softer side – but only to her dog, 2 cats (one with 3 legs) and assortment of 17 fish!
In between spending time at Access, looking after her animals (and family), Sue likes to shop shop shop!
Steve Kay, Head of Finance
A Chartered Accountant with a passion for Tennis, Golf and Travel - rather than tax computations!
Steve has been with Access since 2004, which he says is a breath of fresh air after a series of accountancy and FD roles in Manufacturing, Transport and a Solicitors Practice. Being an FD of a Brewery did have a few perks though!
Monica, Head of cleaning
Always the last to leave, Monica has been our cleaning supervisor for the last 4 years. Before she even makes it to our Manchester office, Monica has already done a day’s work caring for mental health patients at Withington Hospital. A keen cook who specialises in West Indian Cuisine, Monica has plenty of volunteers to try out new recipes – with 3 children and 8 grandchildren!
Zig, Zag and Marble
Our newest recruits are Orville, Porky and Sharky. They join George & Mildred, Kitty the catfish, Sucker Face, Marble and old Zag, the ONLY fish from the original batch that wasn't eaten. Watch out little guys!
