Full details about Rob
Rob Burns
Managing Director
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Rob Burns
Managing Director
Rob founded 9xb back in the day and has worked tirelessly over the past 10 years to build the business into one of the UK's leading digital agencies. A digital marketing specialist he has advised on strategy and delivered campaigns for a wide range of high profile clients including Hi-Tec Sports plc, Marks & Spencer, Cityvisitor, PepsiCo, Minky Homecare and Round Table.
When not working, he has 3 young children, plays golf, travels, runs, reads, goes to gigs, plays poker and is an active member of Round Table, who run a number of high profiles charity events. In 2012 Rob will be Chairman of Harrogate Round Table, which is the biggest Round Table in the UK.
linkedin.com/in/robburns9xb
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Full details about Rob
Rob Reeve
Chairman
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Rob Reeve
Chairman
In terms of both age and experience Rob is the senior member of the 9xb team.
Rob brings with him a great number of years’ experience in business as well as maturity and sophistication (his description) to a young, energetic, talented and technically brilliant (their description) team of people.
Rob’s day to day responsibilities are primarily in controlling the financial affairs of the company whilst working closely with his business partner and co-founding shareholder, Rob Burns, in helping to guide the strategic direction and growth of the business.
Although he works in a digital agency he has yet to join any of the social network sites but he is giving it some thought.
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Full details about Chris
Chris Kell
Sales Director
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Chris Kell
Sales Director
Chris has worked in client management for the past 17 years and joined 9xb in the early days, when a few staff rattled around an office that resembled a rabbit warren, quietly building excellent websites and a strong reputation. With a background managing multi-million pound Telecom contracts, and having worked on web projects for the likes of Virgin and Tesco, Chris understands the need for outstanding customer service through a knowledgeable, well organised account management team that deliver on client objectives.
Outside of work Chris likes to keep fit – he was recently referred to as a Beanpole (by a client) – he regularly plays football and goes running.
twitter.com/#!/Kellerman100
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Full details about Ben
Ben Aylott
Technical Director
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Ben Aylott
Technical Director
Ben is one of the longest standing members of the 9xb team, having been with the company for 10 years.
In this time, Ben has progressed his way through a development role to studio management and then on to where he is now.
During this period he has worked with a large proportion of the company’s key clients, including Hi-Tec, Rolawn, Marks & Spencer and Virgin.
Away from work, Ben is about to enter into fatherhood for the first time. He fears this will be an even greater challenge than his role at 9xb.
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Full details about Alexander
Alexander King
Projects Director
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Alexander King
Projects Director
As Projects Director, Alex is responsible for keeping work flowing in and out of the studio, and making sure his fantastic team of Project Managers are working to the best of their abilities.
With many years of experience in delivering complex web projects to time and to budget, Al's knowledge of technology and standards ensures that his team don't miss a trick and his belief in high standards is almost legendary.
Outside of work he’s trained Wing Chun Kung Fu for 12 years, and plays guitar in rock band Berlin Black.
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Full details about Matt
Matt Barnes
Digital Marketing Exec
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Matt Barnes
Digital Marketing Exec
As the youngest member of the team, Matt joined 9xb as a Creative Link Builder. He is a great asset to the team having gained valued experience previously working as a Systems Testing Analyst at PMC.
Matt is polite and helpful, working well with others and creating excellent relations with webmasters.
In his spare time, as a bodybuilding fanatic, Matt spends most of his time in the local gym; with aspirations to one day compete amongst other professionals. He’s also a rock music enthusiast and attends a number of festivals throughout the year.
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Full details about Jonathan
Jonathan Beeley
Web and Applications Developer
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Jonathan Beeley
Web and Applications Developer
Jon joined 9xb back in 2007 and plays a fundamental part in both the development and on-going management of a number of projects for key 9xb clients. With a degree in Digital Media from Leeds University, he specialises in web development technologies and has worked on projects for brands including Cadburys, Xscape, Yorkshire Linen Co. and Rolawn.
A popular member of the studio, both for his all round technical expertise and charismatic personality, he is often the centre of attention. Although his personal life is subject of much speculation, Jon does admit to playing golf and football and being a keen amateur photographer. Presumably not at the same time.
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Full details about Chris
Chris Bell
Mobile and Applications Developer
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Chris Bell
Mobile and Applications Developer
Before joining 9xb, Chris was quite the academic. He gained a first class honours degree in BSC Network Computing & Web Media Technology and won an award for a final year project at his 2010 Graduate Exhibition.
Whilst studying he built up his own freelance client base and spent a year on placement at a Cardiff based digital agency.
Since joining 9xb he has become an integral part of the web and applications development team, and worked on brands such as Marks & Spencer, QHotels, Ping Europe & Harrogate Spa Water.
Outside of work, Chris is a lover of most sports and is a fully qualified scuba diver
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Full details about Simon
Simon Blake
Account Director
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Simon Blake
Account Director
Simon has worked in the digital sector for 15 years and with major clients such as Safestore, Ping, Total, UNISON, Balfour Beatty, Cadburys & Yorkshire Forward. Simon’s experience is a great asset to the Account Management team and having completed the Chartered Institute of Marketing post-graduate diploma and the Professional Diploma in Strategic Sales, is perfectly placed to understand client’s needs and turn them into winning solutions. A family man with 2 young children (who keep him well entertained), who when set free enjoys a good blast on the mountain bike, a game of football or in summer a relaxing game of golf!
twitter.com/sblake75
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Full details about Claire
Claire Burns
Special Projects Executive
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Claire Burns
Special Projects Executive
Following a number of years working for in the motor industry, Claire took time out to become a Mum. The hardest job of all - on call 24 hours a day, unpaid, no holidays etc. etc. On returning to work she opted for a complete change and joined 9xb.com. Her role as Special Projects encompasses a wide and varied range of duties to help ensure the company continues to run smoothly.
Outside of work Claire loves the gym, running, reading and gardening. She has spent a large part of the past 6 months creating the Harrogate ladies 'social' club - which combines two of her favourite things: wine and talking.
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Full details about Mike
Mike van Rooyen
Senior Projects Developer
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Mike van Rooyen
Senior Projects Developer
With 10 years experience in web development and after working with major brands such as Coca-Cola, Hi-Tec and The Post Office there isn’t much that Mike hasn’t seen or done. Comfortable working with front-end technologies, alongside a passion for web standards and accessibility Mike uses his knowledge from working in a PCI Level One environment to create robust and secure applications both for clients and 9xb’s own framework.
Away from the office Mike loves nothing more than being active with snowboarding, running, football and mountain biking filling his weekends and holidays. It’s not all fun and games though as he’s a season ticket holder at Sincil Bank, the home of Lincoln City, and regularly sees the Imps submit to another crushing defeat.
Full details about Andrew
Andrew Cook
Project Manager
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Andrew Cook
Project Manager
Andy comes to 9xb from another successful digital agency where he worked with clients including Ryman and Le Creuset. Whilst studying for a degree in computer forensics at Leeds Met University Andy worked in IT for over 4 years across the legal, financial services and retail sectors.
Away from the office, Andy is a keen supporter of Hull KR where he sits on the clubs steering group and an avid fan of the mighty Leeds United. When he’s not on the terraces Andy is kept occupied with his local troop as a Scout Leader.
And with any remaining free time, the chances are he can be found at the village pub. Cheers!
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Full details about Jay
Jay Heaviside
Senior Digital Designer
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Jay Heaviside
Senior Digital Designer
Jay has over 15 years design agency experience and has worked on many big brands over the years including First Direct, Toyota, MFI, Leeds Building Society, Ideal-Standard, Armitage Shanks and Crafts Council. An award winning designer, his expertise spans brand identity, advertising, direct mail and of course digital design.
Always a winner with our clients, his style expertly combines visually striking concepts, with clean, usable layouts that work across multiple channels. As Senior Designer at 9xb, he spends his time on key accounts such as Magnum Boots, Total, Hirefox, Round Table and the DADI award nominated Hi-Tec Sports websites.
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Full details about Martin
Martin Hughes
Senior Systems Developer
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Martin Hughes
Senior Systems Developer
When given a subject, Martin won't stop until he knows everything he can about it. It should come as no surprise then he is steeped in every aspect of web development. His expertise covers fundamental framework development, ecommerce and web security. It’s uncommon to find a creative side in programming geeks, but believe it or not this geek knows his way around Photoshop.
As a keen poker player, Martin takes his problem solving skills to the tables. The art of reading the situation and reacting swiftly and confidently comes naturally. Unless, of course, the stakes rise to crazy heights (like £10 or something), then he’ll instantly resort to turtling and fold faster than Superman on laundry day.
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Full details about Andrew
Andrew Jackson
Digital Marketing Exec
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Andrew Jackson
Digital Marketing Exec
Andrew’s role at 9xb allows him to combine his passion for creative writing with a keen interest in online marketing.
With almost a decade’s experience in the public sector, Andrew combined his last 4 years work at the Department for Work and Pensions with a return to education. Having graduated from Leeds University in June 2006 with a 2:1 class English degree, a move to William Hill’s International Sports Division as a Text Editor soon followed.
Away from work and aside from writing, Andrew can be found playing (dodgy knee permitting) and watching football, jogging and spending plenty of time with his new wife and young son.
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Full details about Lisa
Lisa Bain
Company Accountant
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Recent Projects & Interesting Links
Lisa Bain
Company Accountant
With eighteen years’ experience working as a Financial Accountant within the Motor Trade and Manufacturing industries Lisa really knows her stuff. Following a career break to have a family - and become a registered childminder - Lisa returned to work in January 2013 as 9xb's Company Accountant. Her main duties are managing the day to day financial requirements of the company including credit control, producing financial accounts and dealing with payroll requirements.
When not working (or busy running around after the children) Lisa enjoys travelling to sunnier climes, entertaining friends and family and loves weekends away ‘Glamping’. Her favourite past times are socialising, eating great food, drinking good wine and shopping!
Full details about Ben
Ben Kay
Web and Applications Developer
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Ben Kay
Web and Applications Developer
A keen motorsport enthusiast, Ben transfers his passion for the track to drive his success in Web development. Graduating from the University of Hull with a First Class Honours degree in Internet Computing, and completing a Masters in the same subject, he has in-depth experience from later becoming Principal Developer to create a publishing platform for the HE sector. Ben also holds a Diploma in Management from CMI, and is a Zend Certified Engineer in PHP. Working with clients including Phunky Foods and Weavabel, Ben’s knowledge is invaluable to 9xb.
Outside of work Ben is an avid follower of motorsport and a track day enthusiast, taking to circuits including Silverstone, Donington Park and Spa-Francorchamps in a very loud Caterham Superlight R300.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/bensk
Full details about Joe
Joe Lyon
Senior Project Manager
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Joe Lyon
Senior Project Manager
In 2009, Joe graduated from Newcastle University with a 2:1 in Marketing and Management and has been with 9xb ever since.
Passionate about all things digital, Joe is always on the look-out for the latest innovations to improve the quality; relevance and conversion of the websites 9xb develop.
When he’s not waxing lyrical about the world of Digital, Joe’s showing off his skills (or lack of) at Harrogate Hockey Club. To balance supposed ‘softness’ of Hockey playing, Joe likes to rack up the man points doing DIY.
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Full details about Alexena
Alexena Mutch
Web and Applications Developer
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Alexena Mutch
Web and Applications Developer
Alexena joined 9xb after running her own digital agency. With a background in IT consultancy and development expanding over 20 years, Alexena brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise, specialising in developing fully functional and highly interactive websites using the latest of technologies.
In her own time, Alexena extends her creative flair to arts and crafts, European and Asian cooking and listening to her much loved Gypsy Jazz, Spanish Guitar and the Blues. Alexena also enjoys rambling around the Yorkshire Dales and The Lake District and is a keen badminton and squash player!
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Full details about John
John Nightingale
Digital Designer
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John Nightingale
Digital Designer
With 17 years of digital industry experience, Johnny has worked in various Yorkshire agencies, as a freelance designer and within retail E-commerce environments.
His work includes an award-winning site for the Department for Education, and for major brands including Adidas, Kellogg’s, Warburtons, and Habitat. He was also commended for his work on former government ‘UK Investment’ sites.
Apart from web design, Johnny is a keen musician and is kept busy drumming in his garage rock band. Any extra spare time is spent with his young family or appreciating the fine art of ‘real-ale’. Interestingly, whilst travelling in Thailand he trained as a ‘Mahout’ elephant master.
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Full details about James
James Weller
Account Exec
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James Weller
Account Exec
James has gained broad experience in a variety of industries including music, retail and client service. But it’s the online sector where his heart lies.
He joined 9xb after spending 3 years setting up and running an e-commerce operation for a photographic business. James has expertise in online user experience, branding and managing on and offline marketing campaigns.
One of his key strengths is the ability to understand a client’s needs and apply creative thinking to deliver results. When James isn’t at the office, he’s probably out at the local cinema watching the latest box office hit or an Old classic (Ghostbusters II).
Full details about Mark
Mark Pickering
Digital Marketing Consultant
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Mark Pickering
Digital Marketing Consultant
Mark comes from a traditional marketing background but has specialised in digital marketing for the last 6 years. Having spent several years ‘client side’ Mark brings a unique perspective across a variety of sectors including travel, fashion and financial services.
With years of ‘hands on’ experience in all digital marketing disciplines Mark has a wide range of skills including SEO, social media, conversion optimisation, email marketing and copywriting.
Away from his desk Mark can usually be found spending time with his family, playing at being the next Phil Spencer or just kicking back and watching the footy.
twitter.com/markwpickering
Full details about Swetha
Swetha Poosarla
Web and Applications Developer
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Recent Projects & Interesting Links
Swetha Poosarla
Web and Applications Developer
Swetha graduated from York university in 2012 with a first class honours degree in Information Technology. Her major project during this time was Qchat - a Scientific web chat application that enables Quantum physicists to exchange complex mathematical equations without using traditional email.
The application included an Equation editor to build equations ranging from Algebra, Quantum and Matrices - basically stuff that me and you will never understand. So she really knows her stuff!
Swetha's role at 9xb is varied and focusses on updating a wide range of existing clients websites. Outside of work Swetha interests include cooking and long walks.
Full details about Nicky
Nicky Rowbottom
PPC Consultant
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Nicky Rowbottom
PPC Consultant
Nicky worked as an online marketing manager for a photo-hosting company before joining Google's AdWords team. She then took that invaluable Google experience and training and worked as a PPC specialist within digital agencies. She has run campaigns for all sorts of business types and sizes and loves the variety that PPC can bring. She is very happy to bring her love of PPC to 9xb.
Nicky sings in a band and is also a member of the prestigious Leeds Festival Chorus. In her spare time she's an F1 fan and is a live-event photographer for gigs and music festivals.
Full details about Martin
Martin Power
Digital Marketing Consultant
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Martin Power
Digital Marketing Consultant
A passion for computers and design led Martin to study an Art Foundation course. He quickly realised that his ability to use a computer greatly outweighed his skills with a paintbrush. Completing the course he then made the wise choice to play to his strengths and undertook a Multimedia Technology BSc degree, laying the foundations for his demanding role within an online sports retailer's web team. Following a stint in sales, he soon realised how much he missed working in digital and graces 9xb with his ample talents!
Martin is an F1 fanatic and motorsport enthusiast. He also enjoys playing the guitar and the odd pint at Monteys Rock Bar in Harrogate.
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Full details about Brendan
Brendan Quigley
Senior Database Architect
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Brendan Quigley
Senior Database Architect
Brendan enjoys all aspects of development but is never happier than when confronted with a huge data problem to get stuck into. After spending nearly four years at top-ranking holiday search engine icelolly.com, he’s acquired expertise (and enjoyment!) in dealing with high-volume data-intensive applications. While specialising in MySQL, he’s constantly on the lookout for new and interesting database techniques and systems.
During downtime, Brendan likes to listen to audiobooks (John Grisham at the moment!) and go for family walks in the country. And when possible, he pops back to the west coast of Ireland for some fresh Atlantic air and a few pints.
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Full details about Mazen
Mazen Shaheed
Senior Web and Applications Developer
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Mazen Shaheed
Senior Web and Applications Developer
Not only is Maz really good at table foosball, he’s an all round digital expert. Kicking off with an MSc in Multimedia Technologies for E-Commerce he went on to master just about all major web technologies including CSS, XHTML, Smarty, JavaScript, Ajax, Functional and Object Oriented PHP, Zend Framework, XML and MySql database.
Often found heading up project teams for major E-Commerce and CMS web application builds in the 9xb studio, he’s at his best when up to his elbows in code.
Outside of work, Maz enjoys travelling, playing football and swimming, plus he is a dab hand at playing cards. Trex anyone?
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Full details about Michael
Michael Smith
Digital Marketing Exec
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Michael Smith
Digital Marketing Exec
Michael joined 9xb in December 2010 after graduating in the summer from the University of Liverpool with a 2:1 in communication and media studies.
In-between graduating and starting at 9xb, he spent time interning with his MP and with his local newspaper. His favourite part of link building is the research process – although it’s also good to see results!
Outside of work he enjoys golf in the summer, light ales in the winter and strong tea all year round.
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Full details about Joanne
Joanne Taylor
UI and Applications Developer
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Joanne Taylor
UI and Applications Developer
Since joining 9xb all those years ago, Jo has been heavily involved in a number of big brand development projects, with her primary role focusing on front end framework development and flash development. After gaining a first class honours degree in Web and Multimedia, she came to 9xb where she specialises in ecommerce sites, such as Paper Themes, Made4Fighters and Maxwell & Williams. Jo also ran the 9xb Support desk, which involved problem solving, monitoring and supporting dozens of live sites.
In addition to these very important programming responsibilities, Joanne also has the dubious honour of being in charge of the 9xb social committee.
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Full details about Robert
Robert Taylor
Web and Applications Developer
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Robert Taylor
Web and Applications Developer
A key member of the 9xb studio team, Rob started his career typesetting scientific journals. Finding he couldn’t stop thinking about IT, he went back to university and studied software development. This led to programming roles at Sandvik plc and Sanderson plc followed by a move to a major online holiday website - which provided valuable experience of dealing with a very high traffic site.
Outside of work Rob enjoys running and recommends the Harrogate 10k, the Otley and Eccup 10 milers and a really tough but scenic road half marathon at Bradford. He also enjoys golf and used to live in St Andrews where he says the courses are great when it’s not blowing a gale, which isn't very often!
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Full details about John
John Young
Account Manager
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John Young
Account Manager
John is a Yorkshire boy born and bred. He joined 9xb following 4 years account management at one of the North's top brand design agencies and 2 years at a full service communications agency.
He has proudly worked on many large client accounts including npower, Bupa, Royal Mail, M&S AND Morrisons. Before all this, John worked in the US for 3 years after completing his degree in Events Management.
When he isn’t running, coaching running or thinking about nutrition (for running), John can be mostly found lounging out on the sofa watching an Ealing comedy or a Bond film.
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Full details about Rich
Rich Kenny
Project Manager
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Rich Kenny
Project Manager
Rich Graduated from UEA in 2009 with a 2:1 in International Development specialising in Economics. His previous experience has included Communication, Infrastructure and Technical Assistance projects in Westminster, Tajikistan and Nigeria for Adam Smith International.
A former professional athlete he now spends most his free time both training and competing in Wrestling and Brazilian Ju-jitsu or as a drug tester for UK Anti Doping.
Full details about Sarah
Sarah MacLeod
Digital Marketing Exec
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Sarah MacLeod
Digital Marketing Exec
Initially studying psychology, Sarah soon realised that IT was where the future lay and so began work in the e-commerce industry blending web design, development and copywriting into her job role before realising writing was where her passions lay. A self-proclaimed ‘creative’, Sarah has an eye for detail which is transferred into imaginative writing and outside the box thinking.
Away from work, she can be found coaching at her local martial arts club and watching (and quoting) films. Being the baby of the group, her weekends often consist of visiting friends at universities far and wide to have a dabble in the student life, before coming home to the countryside and her beloved DVD collection.