David

David brings a wealth of knowledge to our client campaigns, with strategic marketing planning and digital knowledge that enhances and accelerates our client campaigns over and above their competitors.

With a strong marketing background and passion for driving clients’ businesses forward, David is actively involved in all major client campaigns and promotions.

Why I Do It

We believe that we can far exceed clients’ expectations on all levels, and do it quicker, and more cost effectively than many of our competitors, which is why many of our clients have never gone anywhere else. Our ethos is a no nonsense approach, and complete honesty. This is a reflection of both my personality, and the way in which I think business should be done.



Sarah

Sarah heads up our creative department and has developed our creative offering since our launch in 2007. During that time she has had wide exposure to all areas of the business, such as digital, web, operations and client support, so is a solid and reliable all rounder, involved in many aspects of the agency.

She has developed her skills over the years to become an extremely creative and artistic designer with a passion for marketing, user journey and consumer behaviour and now leads our creative team in developing campaigns, brand strategy and creative projects.

Why I Do It

I love seeing how creative works within a full campaign and how it compliments other technology and marketing channels to create really successful results. Design underpins a lot of what we do for our clients and I find it really interesting how design can play a highly influential role in brand positioning, consumer confidence, buying and purchase decisions when melded with a solid marketing strategy.

Graphic design has always been my passion, but working in a full service agency has enabled me to have that wider overview of how all aspects of a campaign can come together to achieve really amazing results.



Nicola

Nicola graduated from Huddersfield University in 2010. Soon after, she applied for a position at Cornerstone and has become a welcome member of the team, taking on the role of Graphic Designer.

Nicola has plenty of talent in illustration and creative design, ensuring our clients receive a creative marketing piece that meets their requirements whilst driving awareness and demand.

Why I Do It

Cornerstone gave me the fantastic opportunity of joining the team shortly after graduating. It’s an enthusiastic, fun and exciting environment to work in. The main reason I chose to join Cornerstone was their attitude & approach towards their clients. They have a great company ethos & always ensure they have their clients’ and staff’s best interests at heart.



Dave

Dave has over 10 years design agency experience and has been working in the industry since completing his degree at Salford University, where he gained a 2:1 in Graphic Design.

With a true passion for typography and all things graphic design, Dave helps to add another strong element of creativity and style to our client campaigns, helping to develop and build on their market presence and difference.

Why I Do It

For as long as I can remember I have enjoyed designing. From a child, building unique creations with Lego; through education and into my professional career, I always take great pride in what I create and my passion for the industry hopefully shines through. Joining Cornerstone was a breath of fresh air for me as it gave me the opportunity to do what I love within a positive environment with a variation of work that makes every day different and exciting!



Jess

Jess joined Cornerstone as an account executive in January 2017 following freelance roles within marketing and PR fields.

Exploring her passion for all thing digital, Jess embarked on several training courses and became Cornerstone’s dedicated digital marketer within 12 months of joining the Cornerstone team. Jess gets involved in all digital work at Cornerstone including SEO, PPC, Social Media Management, Email Campaigns, UX, and Digital Strategy and Planning.

Why I Do It

Cornerstone is an incredibly fast paced and exciting working environment where no two days are the same. The level of autonomy and experience I have gained in my role (in such a short space of time!) is something I owe to the growth and success level of Cornerstone as a company. Digital marketing allows me to use both the creative and analytical sides of my brain every day which I love. With our digital service offering growing rapidly at Cornerstone, I can’t wait to see what’s next!



Alison

Nothing taxes our Ali. (First terrible finance pun out of the way. Prepare for more)

It’s been adding up for Ali since 2001, working as a tax assistant for her dad’s business after leaving college before moving into accounts.

She then spent 11 years totting up her financial skills in the accounts department of a privately owned nursing home – gaining her AAT qualification in 2011 – before becoming a much-loved member of the Cornerstone team in 2018.

Alongside overseeing client and management financial accounts she’s also in charge of payroll – so we like to keep in her good books.

But she’s not just the queen of cashflow – Ali always has a big smile and an even bigger heart.

Kind, caring, bubbly and complete chatterbox ‘sum’ her right up.

Why I Do It

I love the idea of everything being perfectly balanced, so accounts seemed a good fit for me. Cornerstone has developed rapidly over the last few years so bringing the accounts functions in house was the next logical step and I am thrilled to have joined the team at this exciting time.



Sarah

My role is to create strong, positive relationships with our clients and ensure they have the best possible experience and best possible results. I’m the reliable and pro-active, go-to person for your business or project.

I am a strategic thinker who will focus on the bigger picture so you can get on with running your business. Backed up with the experience, organisational skills and know-how to deliver what you need, on time and on budget!

My passion for marketing started in business studies at GCSE and A-Level, taking a particular interest in the theory behind marketing and what makes people ‘tick’. Afterwards, I began an apprenticeship at a full-service agency, developing the knowledge and skills to deliver successful, fully-integrated marketing services and also went on to become CIM qualified.

Why I Do It

I love getting under the skin of a business or project so that I can fully understand the challenge and develop solutions that make a difference. There is no “one size fits all” in this game. The variety of projects and people I meet along the way make for genuinely interesting and engaging work. There is nothing more satisfying than a job well done. Account management also satisfies my need to be constantly learning and constantly on the go. This industry never sits still.



Kirsten

Kirsten has worked in graphic design for a number of years, with experience of print and digital projects.

This includes national business and professional magazines covering retail, hospitality, tourism and the hospice sectors along with print adverts and leaflets, email and website banner adverts, and other website elements.

Why I Do It

I’ve always liked graphic design, art and creative things. As a child I was always drawing and colouring.



Sam

Sam always knew he was on the correct career path. All the signs were right. Ba dum, tss. Bad jokes aside, Sam has extensive print and signage experience, working on large scale projects across the UK. Aside from his epic signage skills, his talents include manufacturing techniques such as wide-format printing, screen printing, engraving and acid-etching.

Day to day he oversees client print projects across all sectors, production and installation. He’s elevated to new heights thanks to his CSCS construction industry safety certification and license to operate ‘cherry picker’ platforms.

Why I Do It

Client satisfaction is top of the list for me. Print production is a skilled job and as individuals, and as a team, our ultimate aim is to have a happy customer.

I enjoy seeing a job progressing through the business from design to manufacture.



Stephen

Steve arrived at Cornerstone with almost two decades of industry experience under his belt – and a rather cheeky sense of humour. He’s worked everywhere from London to Israel and studied art and design at Manchester College before heading to Manchester Met to study illustration and animation.

He’s a colourful character who brings an air of exuberance to the print room. He has an eye for detail, particularly handy when it comes to print and signage, and is a master installer who insists on the finest finish.

Why I Do It

I love the variety of my job – no two days are the same and we work across a diverse range of sectors and industries, meeting some great clients.
The Cornerstone team are a friendly, sociable bunch, there’s always a buzz – and we do enjoy letting our hair down every now and again!



Gillian

Gill has been a journalist for way longer than she cares – or dares to remember. Formerly a news reporter, feature writer and beauty columnist working for newspapers across Greater Manchester, the switch flicked, the light came on and she headed straight for PR.

Gill works across a number of sectors including health, pharma, leisure and manufacturing, bringing a wealth of media insight and knowledge to help clients achieve PR wins in the most creative of ways. Her nifty wordsmither-y gets called upon for a whole manner of projects including PR campaigns, blogs, website content, social media, email marketing, opinion pieces and advertorials.

Why I Do It

Good question. I love telling other people’s stories and nurturing an idea from start to finish.
PR has had a bad rep over the years, needs a good PR person probably. But pushing the likes of Ab Fab’s Edina and Patsy aside – and I’ve worked with many fashion and beauty PRs who were absolutely nothing like them, I love the ethical approach at Cornerstone which is totally appreciated by clients and makes my job a pleasure to do.
Still partial to a glass of Veuve Clicquot and a party if anyone’s offering.



Madeline

Meet Digital Marketing Executive Madeline, Cornerstone’s FIRST-ever Degree Apprentice!

Madeline (she insisted we use her Sunday name, the rest of the time she’s Maddy!) is making a well-considered choice to earn AND learn, as she’s currently working towards a Level 6 Digital Marketing Degree Qualification after achieving a Distinction in her Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship with us (we knew she’d smash it).

Her passions are social media and email marketing, and she works across all clients and sectors, creating content and implementing new strategies.

WHY I DO IT

I’ve been obsessed with social media ever since I created my first ever Instagram account in September 2014 (ah, I remember it like it was yesterday).

I love being able to learn whilst I earn in a supportive, hard-working environment – and working with the best people and clients in a job I love.

My apprenticeship has catalysed my passion for digital marketing, and I’ve come along leaps and bounds since starting it. I’m now eager to learn, grow and progress even more throughout my degree!



Rhiannon

After completing a degree in Sport Marketing at Coventry University, Rhiannon worked in media relations and events at British Taekwondo for three-and-a-half years. From running social media channels, attending press days and running events, Rhiannon earned her black belt in multi-tasking and working to deadlines. She gets a real kick out of working as a team and enjoys embracing new marketing challenges and opportunities.

WHY I DO IT

Marketing intrigues me. Cornerstone is a full-service integrated agency which allows me to work on a wide variety of projects. No two days are the same which offers a great opportunity to continually learn and evolve. I also love the feeling of helping so many organisations! Our wide range of leisure clients also plays to my strengths and sporting background.



Nigel

Nigel has been a journalist since the days of typewriters (not even electric typewriters)!

He has edited several weekly newspapers across Greater Manchester, been the editor-in-chief of several more and edited a daily newspaper in Northern Ireland. He came home to work on the former Greater Manchester regional TV station Channel M.

Having dropped the ‘L’ on becoming a member of the Cornerstone family, Nige now works across several sectors including health, manufacturing and finance, using his treasure trove of experience and insight to help our clients achieve the best possible PR results. He can turn his hand to writing anything (except poetry, apparently, but if it’s required, he’ll give it a bash).

WHY I DO IT

Simple, I love writing and being creative. Enough said.



Hannah

Hannah won’t mind us saying she has a patchwork past, almost literally! She’s gone from textiles to fashion (she’s ace at sewing) to a range of crafts and more.

She’s worked as a team leader for a craft kit company, done sewing jobs and ran her own dressmaking business for a few years.

She’s also worked for a children’s party company doing face painting and wardrobe management for their ‘Princess and Superhero’ events.

Her last role was as an administrator for City & Guilds, which called for her to be highly organised and work to high standards – perfect preparation for her role here at Cornerstone!

WHY I DO IT

I decided to migrate to web after seeing this beam of bright light while learning how to code in 2021 as something to do in my free time and I loved it.

I did some research about the types of jobs you could get, and it instantly appealed to me. The types of tasks, the creative side to it, the problem solving, the types of working patterns and the constant new learning of working in the technology industry. Now I can stitch all my skills into one role!

While I’m pretty new to all of this, I’m loving how creative web developing can be. The fact that all these bits of code, letters and symbols can turn into beautiful, visual websites that users can interact with. I’m also enjoying the ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking when something isn’t working properly or needs tweaking.