“Vanessa provides a highly efficient and effective administrative and communications service to the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust.

Since taking on the role, we have seen our profile rise significantly in the papers, our online presence become more focused and user friendly, and our membership numbers grow.”

“Under my leadership, Barry handled press affairs for Ulster Unionist MPs and peers at Westminster in the period immediately following the election of the Blair Government in 1997, through until 2003.

Coinciding with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, the global media attention afforded to Northern Ireland politics and politicians at that time was unprecedented.

But Barry took on the challenges we faced with dedicated commitment, professionalism and loyalty.”

“Barry has a tremendous work ethic, writes with flair and has an
excellent understanding of the media gained through years of
experience.

He would be an asset to any client.”

“Vanessa worked in the communications team at the Big Lottery Fund from 1999 to 2003, before taking on the role of Head of Region in Yorkshire.

She oversaw the procurement and management of an award winning exhibition stand, organised a series of funding information roadshows around the country and was responsible for sourcing and promoting a wide range of branded marketing materials.

As Head of Region for Big, she acted as a media spokesperson, appearing on TV, radio and writing articles for print, successfully highlighting and promoting the work of the Fund in the region.”

“On January 1st 2014, I launched a fundraising appeal called ‘Help Wee Oliver Walk’ to raise at least £60,000 for surgery in the US and intensive aftercare for my son. Oliver, now 6, has cerebral palsy and was a full time wheelchair user.

Barry was the first person to get in touch and offer his help. Within days he had been in contact with the press and broadcast media and had #helpweeoliverwalk trending on Twitter with hundreds of celebrities pledging their support. And within 8 WEEKS, we had not only hit our target, but had flown past it - raising over £100,000.

Oliver had his surgery in St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Missouri on July 1st this year. He is now out of his wheelchair, walking with a frame, standing unaided for the first time ever and well on his way to taking his first ever independent steps. Without Barry’s help, knowledge and contacts, I can safely say our appeal would never have had the success that it did.”

“Vanessa worked for me from 1996 to 1999, initially as a research assistant, and then as the organiser of two Parliamentary interest groups which I chaired.

She did a fantastic job: she demonstrated a sound knowledge of the workings of government and successfully managed a programme of speaker events, dinners and conferences for both groups.

I continued to liaise with her in her role as Head of Region at the Big Lottery Fund, where she worked on negotiating funding partnerships and organising information events for my constituents, as well as ensuring great publicity for the many grants awarded in the area.

She has continued to be very helpful and I have greatly benefited from her expertise.”

“Barry served as a Trustee of my charitable foundation which I set up to help financially disadvantaged young people play sport by assisting with the costs of equipment, clothing and travel.

His primary responsibility was handling our press and media relations, a task he undertook with great skill, energy and knowledge. ”