Marketing Manager

• May 2019 - Present

My main areas of focus include the marketing management of our specialist marine environmental consultancy SAMS Enterprise, student recruitment, in particular the promotion of our BSc (Hons) Marine Science (University of the Highlands & Islands) programmes and other marine science education offerings from BSc to PhD. Building the profile and visitor numbers of our onsite outreach centre and tourism attraction, Ocean Explorer Centre, and promotion of the SAMS online shop (www.oceanexplorershop.co.uk) is also under my remit. The role requires me to manage strategic campaign and day-to-day activities across our digital marketing mix including social media management, content creation, organic and paid campaigns for our social platforms LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, online blog/SEO, website updates, virtual event management and promotion. Offline, you will often see me at events representing the company and engaging with attendees at high school career fairs, on-site conferences and local community events.

Head Of Communications

• Oct 2016 - Jun 2019

Head of PR and Communications for Argyll's biggest live music event - managing and delivering all aspects in strategic event marketing: digital and social content, website content, PR, partnerships & sponsors communications, on-site press management and live event digital communications. Responsible for all event marketing and communications, working to grow revenue and financial sustainability through ticket sales, securing of funding and sponsorship and collaborative working amongst stakeholder communities. I worked closely with the graphic designer & web developer in producing quality digital content to engage audiences and promote a first-class brand through a series of targeted campaign initiatives. Marketing campaigns were monitored, measured and reported and I played a key role in the creation and delivery of our Economic Impact Survey. Business development was also a key part of this role, for example managing the Oban Live Fringe, Oban Unsigned and my award application that led us to win Best Cultural Event at the H&I Tourism Awards. I managed all social media accounts, both paid and organic. I also represented the brand at trade fairs and conferences. As the event’s press officer, I wrote and issued press releases, and managed all media accreditation. I gained excellent management and creativity skills in this demanding, multi-tasking role that has helped me become well-established in the local area.

Freelance Communications Consultant

• Aug 2017 - May 2019

In this move to freelance as a communications professional based in Oban, I worked with businesses specialising in the design and delivery of marketing and public relations strategies, online and offline, that met the needs of the clients' marketing objectives. Specialist areas included rural events and tourism industries across the west coast of Scotland. In this move to freelance as a communications professional based in Oban, I worked with businesses specialising in the design and delivery of marketing and public relations strategies, online and offline, that met the needs of the clients' marketing objectives. Specialist areas included rural events and tourism industries across the west coast of Scotland.

Marketing & Promotions Executive

• Mar 2011 - Aug 2017

This self-start role has required me to create a promotions department with the aim to increase sales and circulation of Wyvex Media’s products, in particular its newspaper division. My duties include 1) developing and implementing an annual promotional plan for the newspaper group; 2) project managing circulation driving campaigns 3) identifying marketing and PR opportunities according to industry and local trends; 4) PR/Events/Sponsorship (community and commercial) and 5) managing the marketing and set up of competitions, reader offers and subscription promotions. Key projects included the “#OT7DAYS” campaign to launch a new website, managing media partnerships (Oban Live), the re-launch of The Oban Times Northern Edition, “Stay Connected” digital marketing campaign to re-launch the four newspapers’ improved digital edition, Bonnie Babies & Pet Idol promotions, Glasgow Commonwealth Games Legacy Scheme (community participants), The Oban Times 150th Anniversary and the 2011 Readers survey. SKILLS: Digital marketing, newspaper promotions, magazine promotions, subscriptions marketing, event management, marketing campaign management, copywriting, PR/press officer.

PR & Marketing Director

• May 2008 - Apr 2014

This successful, self employed role provided PR & marketing services for the events and tourism industry across the west of Scotland. My clients included Via Ferrata Scotland, Outdoor Capital of the UK, Vertical Descents Outdoor Centre, Cowal Highland Gathering, Spirit of the West Festival (whisky), Oban & Lorn Tourism Association (OLTA), West Highland Yachting Week, Inveraray Jail and Duart Castle. I generated millions of pounds of positive media exposure for the west coast of Scotland and earned me the title of top young entrepreneur at the 2010 PSYBT Regional ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ Awards.

PR & Events Assistant

• Jan 2007 - Apr 2008

Working within a fast paced marketing department for a large commercial retailer, my role here was to organise and co-ordinate a seasonal programme of PR and events across the company’s (then) 23 UK wide stores. This included working closely with store managers on a daily basis, increasing sales & footfall by generating events publicity in local media and writing copy for events promotional materials including in-store marketing campaigns and external advertising. I managed various events on-site and was actively involved in new store openings and their very popular “Santa Arrival” events nationwide. In addition to this, I also assisted in organising and generating publicity for charity and community partnerships, responding to regular media enquiries and website maintenance using CMS. This job required me to be creative, efficient, organised and confident.

Marketing Consultant

• 2005 - 2007