Work
I started my career working as a reporter in local newspapers, then moved into sub-editing before becoming a digital editor. After leaving newspapers I have worked for a number of companies, with my career taking an increasingly technical direction.
My CV can be downloaded here. References can be supplied on request.
Digital Design & Content Officer
Southampton City Council - temporary contract
June 2017 - May 2018
- Built new pages, for intranet and internet, using Tridion CMS and code.
- Built, tested and launched new forms.
- Created regular and bespoke analytical reports for senior management.
- Created technical SEO report to boost commercial content.
- Met with stakeholders across the council to discuss content and form requirements.
- Handled customer queries.
Webmaster
The Mayfield Group - temporary contract
January 2017 - March 2017
- Trebled site speed by condensing CSS/Java Script and optimising images.
- Optimised site for mobile.
- Built new Wordpress site.
- Took website from fourth page of Google to first page for key search terms.
- Rewrote content to improve SEO and UX.
Web Content Manager
Achilles - temporary contract
May 2016 - October 2016
- Managing digital projects, including successful launch of new home page.
- Making content and SEO improvements to website, including designing new audit page.
- Liaising with developers in India and marketing teams across the globe.
- Answering technical queries about the website, CMS and hosting.
- Editing images and creating banners in Photoshop.
Web Editor
Property Week
October 2014 - March 2016
- Project managing new developments, including design and build of new navigation, to improve customer journeys and aid commercial goals.
- Answering technical queries about website, CMS, PPC, hosting and marketing emails.
- Record traffic for the website, including a 15.3% increase in search engine traffic and a 27.4% in social media referrals.
- Creating traffic/conversion reports using Adobe Analytics and Google Analytics.
- Email marketing, including design and launch of new responsive newsletters.
- Overseeing social media and video strategy.
- Liaising with contractors and developers.
- Drawing up and managing web budget.
Web Content Editor
Rentokil Initial
January 2013 - October 2013
- Project managing launches of several sites and re-launching many others within tight deadlines.
- Editing and proofing content for over 180 websites, web shops and mobile platforms.
- Liaising with global marketing teams and other stakeholders.
- Writing content based on keyword research for marketing campaigns.
- Running projects and delegating work to junior members of staff.
- Making sure content meets brand guidelines and legal requirements.
- Testing new developments, including A/B testing.
- Writing training manual and internal newsletter.
- Editing images and creating banners in Photoshop.
Web Content Editor
Brent Council - Temporary
October 2012 - December 2012
- Writing and editing compelling customer-friendly content for a new council website.
- Using Umbraco CMS to create content, navigation and meta data.
- Liaising with council officers about the content and structure of the new site.
Freelance Sub-Editor
Northcliffe Media/Trident Midland Newspapers
November 2011 - October 2012
- Writing and editing compelling customer-friendly content for a new council website.
- Using Umbraco CMS to create content, navigation and meta data.
- Liaising with council officers about the content and structure of the new site.
Digital Editor
Herts & Essex Newspapers
July 2007 - November 2011
- Launched four websites based on newspaper brands.
- Established a massive change of editorial culture which saw sites updated throughout the day and even outside normal working hours rather than just once a week.
- Oversaw an increase in web traffic from 25,000 to 175,000 unique visitors a month.
- Oversaw social media policy, helping to attract thousands of new followers.
- Worked with editors, senior management, advertising and developers to develop an effective online content strategy.
October 2005 – June 2007: Deputy Editor for Hoddesdon and Broxbourne Mercury/Cheshunt and Waltham Mercury | January 2004 – October 2005: Duty Editor for Press Association Teletext news service | May 1999 – December 2003: Deputy Chief Sub-Editor for Hartlepool Mail | 1997 – 1999: Travel/teaching English in Slovakia and Japan | 1995 - 1997: Reporter for Birmingham Post & Mail | 1993 - 1995: Trainee Reporter for Midland Weekly Newspapers