25 years of building things that work.
I've spent my career at the intersection of creative, technology, and strategy — building production pipelines, restructuring agencies, and now helping organisations navigate AI without the hype.
What I believe
Strategy should drive tools, not the other way round.
Most AI conversations start with "which platform?" — I start with "what does your operating model look like when the cost of content approaches zero?"
AI should augment capability, not replace thinking.
Over-reliance on AI makes teams weaker. I help organisations build genuine capability — knowing when to automate, when to augment, and when to protect the human contribution.
The goal is to make myself redundant.
I build frameworks your team can run independently. No retainer dependency, no vague promises — clear deliverables and knowledge transfer.
Honesty beats optimism.
I'll tell you where AI can genuinely help and where it can't. No pitch decks full of possibilities that never materialise.
Where I've been
A condensed history. The full version involves a lot more coffee and considerably more spreadsheets.
2025 – Present
Associate Consultant — OxfordSM
Integrating AI into content architectures for blue-chip brands including Unilever, Mondelez, and Lego. Building AI-driven frameworks for marketing mix modelling and L&D programmes. Overhauling operational models from time-based to value-based commercial structures.
2024 – Present
Board Chair & NED — Tungsten Media
Chairman and strategic advisor to this AI, VP & robotics-driven content production studio. 250% revenue increase, 450% increase in average deal value, 65% improvement in lead conversion. Built hybrid production pipeline across virtual production, CGI, video, and AI content generation.
2024 – Present
Founder — Visual Content Consultancy
Helping SMEs, enterprise brands, agencies, and production companies discover and implement AI-driven transformation. Advisory roles with VC and angel investment teams as fractional technology, operational, and marketing officer.
2020 – 2024
Creative & Strategy Director — Powerhouse
Senior leadership team. Transitioned the business from traditional production company to digitally-focused strategic content agency. Increased inbound revenue by 30% YoY. Pioneered virtual production integration (70% of output). Built innovation pipeline with successful R&D tax credit submissions. Grew creative team from 6 to 20+ members.
2013 – 2020
Head of Creative & Technical Multimedia — Stickyeyes (IPG Mediabrands)
Created and headed up the creative multimedia department from scratch. Grew departmental revenue from £0 to £6M over 4 years, positioning the agency for acquisition into the IPG network. Built the team from 0 to 26 people. Developed proprietary video SEO and computer vision tools.
2011 – 2013
3D, VFX & Digital Director — The Works Ltd
Broadcast video and motion graphics for FIFA World Cup 2014, UEFA Euro 2012, and multiple international sporting federations. Became Digital Director responsible for all client-facing digital and multimedia evangelism.
Board & advisory roles
2024 – Present
Advisory Board — Leeds Trinity University
Supporting course and module augmentation with AI. Creating collaboration research briefs between AI, computer science, and creative arts. R&D validation, PhD mentoring, and entrepreneurial accelerators.
2024 – 2025
Trustee — Zest & Leeds Cookery School
Board member and trustee for this food waste reduction charity. Supporting marketing, commercial strategy, and financial governance.
2023
Council Governor — Academy of Live Technology
Overseeing innovation cycles at Production Park. Determining future direction for AI and virtual production in live technology education.
Speaking
I speak at conferences, festivals, and corporate events on AI, content strategy, and creative innovation. I prefer interactive sessions over lectures — practical takeaways people can use immediately.
2026
2025
2024
2023
Topics I speak on
AI Integration for SMEs & Agencies
Practical AI adoption without the enterprise budget. Real examples, honest limitations, actual ROI.
Visual Content & AI Production
AI-augmented content pipelines — from computer vision to creative branching to omnichannel customisation.
Virtual Production for Marketing
LED volumes and Unreal Engine for marketing campaigns. Sustainability, scalability, creative opportunity.
AI Policy & Governance
Ethics, client communication, operational integration, and risk management for agencies and SMEs.
Sustainable Content Strategies
Content strategies that deliver on sustainability ambitions — operational change, not greenwashing.
Enterprise L&D with AI
Capability building when AI remembers everything. The Automate/Augment/Protect framework.
Keynotes, masterclasses, workshops, panels, and fireside chats. Based in West Yorkshire, happy to travel.
Book me to speakCredentials
Education
- BSc (Hons) Creative & Industrial Product Design
University of Coventry, 1999–2002 - MEMIED
Member of The Institute of Engineering Designers
Current roles
- Founder — VCC
- Board Chair & NED — Tungsten Media
- Associate Consultant — OxfordSM
- Advisory Board — Leeds Trinity University
Podcast & media
- Creative Tech Chats / CreativeSpark.ai — Virtual productions
- Creatives WithAI Podcast (Futurehand Media) — AI in creative production
Let's have a conversation.
Whether it's AI strategy, a speaking engagement, or just a useful conversation — I'm always happy to talk.