It’s a Cornerstone thing

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 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 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 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 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!

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.

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 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 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.

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!

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.

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!

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 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.

Ram – which, we think you’ll agree, is a great name for a web developer – has over eight years’ experience working in web and mobile apps development. He’s an absolute web dev hotshot, specialising in all sorts of coding language including PHP, Laravel, Lumen, Codeigniter, React Js, Vue Js, API Development and Ionic/Cordova. Impressive, eh? It’s worth mentioning here that there’s something a bit special about Laravel developers and their affinity for the technology. With a name like Ram, there’s no ‘maybe’ about it. This guy was definitely born with it!
As well as specialising in advanced data-driven applications Ram also has experience in integrating payment systems, open source CMS like opencart, osclass, developing e-commerce and marketplace portals, On-Demand services portals, ERP, Hybrid mobile application development etc. Phew, we can’t keep up really.

At Cornerstone he’s involved in the development of web-based software, alongside the maintenance and upkeep of existing client’s software.

WHY I DO IT

I don’t know anything other than developing software. (Surely that can’t be a bad thing?)

I love to code and when my developed software makes life easier to its user and solves real life challenges it makes me genuinely happy. It also gives me continuous learning opportunities.

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.

Amy’s interest in all things marketing began at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she studied advertising management and public relations. In fact, she never really left, becoming a marketing intern in 2014 and then working on from there.

Most recently, she’s spent more than three years in the international marketing team doing anything that was thrown at her – social media, events, advertising, web, copywriting, and publications.

WHY I DO IT

I loved the hands-on marketing aspect of my previous job, but this role combines all the best bits of me. I get to work with super-talented people (no one told me to say that) across all our departments and watch as they bring brilliant ideas to life. It’s great!

I love being organised and planning, so coming to Cornerstone felt like the perfect role for me.

From the moment I saw the job ad, something just struck me. It seemed like the most genuine, hardworking, and authentic company. And I was right – the job’s great, but the people are even better 😊

A local lass who hails from Saddleworth, Tia initially studied Primary Education at Edge Hill University (a few weeks in and the daily office chorus of ‘Good-morning-Miss-Walsh’ did appear to be wearing a bit thin!). It was while working part time in telesales during her degree she discovered a ‘thing’ for digital marketing. She completed an online diploma in social media marketing to further her knowledge before undertaking a master’s degree in Marketing Communications and Branding at Edge Hill University. Tia joined Cornerstone fresh from freelancing as a social media marketing manager and is now a core member of our digital team, working across a wide range of clients on everything from social media and PPC to email marketing.

WHY I DO IT

I’m a creative person, both with words and visually, so I enjoy creating content for social media and email campaigns and feel my role fits me rather well.

I enjoy watching a project come together and a big part of a job for me is being able to look at something amazing and know that I contributed to that – that sort of thing happens regularly here at Cornerstone which makes my job really satisfying!

Ria has worked in marketing for more than five years, starting her career straight out of university. She’s previously worked in-house as a marketing coordinator for several different sectors including finance, technology, recruitment and construction.

Ria has only just made the transition to agency, drawing upon her love for planning and her passion for marketing. This is plain to see as she guides Cornerstone clients on their branding and communications journey.

WHY I DO IT

I just love marketing. It’s as simple as that. It’s a fast-paced environment that’s constantly changing so I can always learn. So long as I’m learning I’m happy!

I think being able to help clients who may not necessarily have the insight or the resource at their disposal is a gift. They are entrusting us to help them, who wouldn’t want to do something like that?

I have had my eye on Cornerstone for a while, I love their no frills and honest approach to marketing.  What marketeer couldn’t thrive in an environment like that?

Web Project Manager Nichola has gone from delivering puppies to delivering projects. 

In what she modestly terms as an array of random jobs, she’s arrived at Cornerstone via Australia, where she worked for a dog breeder, hence the puppies. She’s also been an air hostess and worked in admin at a magistrates’ court.  

But she discovered her true passion while working as a project manager in the technology industry. Since then, she’s been a software tester and most recently a PM for a software development company in Oldham – all while finishing a degree in Computing and Psychology with the Open University. Phew! 

WHY I DO IT

I love being involved in a project from its conception to completion and delivering the final product. Working with the web development team means I get to collaborate with people who seem to make the impossible possible and they’re always up for a challenge. 

Our Senior Designer Chris is a fully paid-up member of the ‘how time flies’ brigade, having been in the design industry for the best part of 20 years following his graduation from Nottingham Trent University. 

On his way to Cornerstone, he’s worked at design agencies in Leicester and Manchester, serving many different sectors and clients, which include the NHS, Regis Hairstylists, LaSenza, JCB, Tyco Fire and Safety, the National Space Centre, Phonak, SRL Traffic Systems and a variety councils and universities.  

His role with us is expanding his horizons even more, giving him the opportunity to work across print and digital projects on anything from branding, printed literature, indoor and outdoor signage, to websites and digital marketing campaigns. 

WHY I DO IT

As a kid my job criteria was that I wanted to do colouring in, and never have to wear a suit. So, in a roundabout way I’ve kind of made it!  

I love the idea of starting a project and seeing where the journey takes us, whether it be a simple logo or developing a website, or a brochure. Joining Cornerstone has been a fantastic opportunity for me. The people here, the opportunities, the support and the importance of doing good work with good people has been a joy to be part of. 

Our Technical Lead (Web), Phil has an honours degree in psychology, so we couldn’t resist delving into his journey to Cornerstone. 

It began in sales (good use of the degree there, Phil) and for many years he successfully sold everything from double glazing to telecoms. 

Then, back in 2010, an epiphany occurred, and he switched to web development, drawing on a lifetime’s fascination with technical creativity. That led to several years of freelancing/contracting for award-winning agencies, Cornerstone included. 

Now we’ve convinced him to join the team permanently, he’s leading our web team to greater heights, refining the department’s processes and improving its overall efficiency, thus leveraging the best technical workflows to benefit Cornerstone’s commercial goals. 

WHY I DO IT

I love all things technical. Always have done. I grew up with Lego, then Meccano, built Airfix airplanes and now I develop functional and high-end websites for clients. It pivots technical engineering with imagination.  

I love the idea of creating new things from nothing; developing something that has a real value from scratch. It’s about bringing something to life from an idea. I’m passionate about learning new technologies and for web in particular, there is always the opportunity for personal development, evolution and growth. 

Our junior web developer Joe first embarked on the world of work shadowing a quantity surveyor after dropping out of college, but – in his own words – he found the job ‘very tedious’. 

But quantity surveying’s loss has been web developing’s gain as Joe decided to pursue an apprenticeship in software development, which then led to him going to university full time and working part time at Cornerstone, where he’s developing his skills on various web projects and maintenance. 

WHY I DO IT

I enjoy the satisfaction solving complex problems, and being a developer allows me to do this on a day-to-day basis. 

Developing for the web allows me to visualise these problems and makes solving them a whole lot more satisfying. (Compared to estimating concrete quantities, we can see the attraction!) 

Account Manager Kirsty began her marketing career shortly after graduating with a BA (Hons) in media and journalism.

She reckons marketing provides just the right variety of copywriting, creativity, digital work, strategising and planning to keep her grey matter in tip-top shape without spontaneously combusting.

The majority of Kirsty’s marketing career to date has been in the not-for-profit and leisure sectors. After spending five years as a marketing manager for Active Tameside, she decided to seek a new challenge in the agency world to further develop her skills on a wider range of industries, as well as helping other leisure trusts and socially responsible organisations to succeed.

WHY I DO IT

My role combines the two main things that I am passionate about and enjoy – marketing and leisure – and allows me to help those who help others.

I like the fact that marketing is constantly evolving, as is the leisure industry, because it enables me to continue to learn and develop new ideas (otherwise I’d get bored very quickly).

Transparency and authenticity are important to me – attributes which the whole Cornerstone team possess. We’re a friendly, motivated, hard-working, and supportive bunch of people, who make coming to the office something to look forward to (no sarcasm intended).

Senior account manager Abi is somewhat of an all-rounder in the world of marketing.

She studied International Fashion Marketing at Manchester Met and quickly fell in love with PR during a year-long placement in London, where she worked in two agencies across brands like Colour Wow and B&Q. She continued in PR following graduation and then started to develop skills in creative thinking and social media marketing.

While still working in PR, she also did a master’s degree in creative advertising to help transform herself from what she modestly describes as an amateur graphic designer and half-decent copywriter to a marketing whizz.

Over the past five years she has worked with household names like Cushelle, Plenty, TENA and Schwartz on their shopper marketing strategies, promotional prize campaigns and direct to door couponing.

WHY I DO IT

I am both organisation obsessed and a creative weirdo, so working in creative marketing as a senior account manager called to me – naturally.

On top of that, I enjoy the curious psychology behind marketing as we gather insight and use it to develop perfectly targeted and smart campaigns!  My dream is to use the wonder of marketing to help brands that need it and do great things.

And that is why I came to Cornerstone, to work with our wonderful client base – and with a wonderful team – and that’s exactly what I got.

Business Development Manager Jamie is a Cornerstone trailblazer – we’ve never had one before!

He’s joined us from Oldham Community Leisure (OCL), where he was Sales and Marketing Manager and where he got to know us very well indeed as we were the incumbent agency he dealt with for more than four years.

This is what he says about joining the team (and we didn’t even have to take his car keys hostage): “Knowing how great the company is, the emphasis on quality and the talented people who are here, I’m delighted to have joined Cornerstone.”

He started his working life as a sports coach before graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in Psychology of Sport and Exercise. After uni, he spent two years as a holiday rep in Mallorca – but what happens in Mallorca stays in Mallorca!

Returning to wet and windy blighty, he became a membership consultant and then a sales manager with Virgin Active before sales manager roles at Nuffield Health and The Village.

He then spent four years in the recruitment industry before a return to the leisure sector at OCL.

WHY I DO IT

Having worked with Cornerstone, I understand the quality, care and attention to detail that you receive as a client. My aim is to help businesses improve their marketing and communication capabilities by promoting and sharing the support and dedication I received.

Our Senior Digital Marketer, Cara has worked in marketing for the best part of a decade, mostly in the health, wellness and leisure sector – in which Cornerstone has earned an excellent reputation via many word-of-mouth recommendations.

Cara describes herself as very ‘data-driven’ and someone who loves optimising performance. She also loves delving into behavioural psychology in marketing, namely understanding how – and why – people think and act the way they do.

She’s also very much an all-rounder, with skills ranging from PPC (pay per click), to UX (user experience), to SEO (search engine optimisation) and even copywriting.

Why I do it

I love that my job offers me a great balance of creativity and analysis.

I also love that the marketing industry is ever changing, it challenges me to continue evolving as a marketer, whether it’s new channels or new algorithms. Most of all, I love being able to use strategy to add value to clients and customers, whether that is in ROI or user experience, it’s great to know I’ve made a difference.

And it helps I get a kick out of optimising performance!

Our Office Administrator Casey keeps us all on our toes to ensure Cornerstone runs like clockwork. She joins us from an operational role in the mechanical engineering sector, overseeing teams of engineers working on a wide range of projects.

She is particularly proud of project managing a large HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and plumbing contract at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and at Hawksmoor Liverpool, one of the city’s best loved restaurants.

Why I do it

Marketing intrigues me, especially after studying for a psychology degree. I’m always interested in what makes people act in a certain way and how they can be influenced. Language – written and spoken – is one of the most powerful tools in the world.

Knowing why and what is another reason why I do it. Why am I doing something, what is the end goal, what are you hoping to achieve?

Senior Developer Steve has arrived at Cornerstone, his spiritual home, via a rather circuitous route.

His story goes back to the 1990s and a passion for anything and everything related to design. The early years were devoted to graphic design – brochures, posters, advertisements, and corporate identity materials.

But then he became more interested in web technologies and how to leverage them to amplify sales and services.

After that, he studied UI/UX design, web development, server technologies and whatever new came along, putting his knowledge into ever-widening practice in several agencies until 2012.

From 2013 he operated as a freelance developer, collaborating with other specialists (including Cornerstone!) in order to provide a truly full-scale, results-driven service. Even then we made an awesome team.

Driven by a desire to build more secure websites and help businesses be proactive about online security, academia beckoned him again and Steve combined the day job with studying for a National Cyber Security Centre-certified master’s degree in advanced security and digital forensics at Edinburgh Napier University, from where he graduated with a distinction in 2021.

Earlier this year he published a research paper in the Journal of Digital Forensics, Security and Law, which contributes important research on wearable technologies. And then he joined Cornerstone. He says it’s so he can be part of a larger, multi-talented team. (We reckon he’s fleeing from the paparazzi!)

WHY I DO IT

I’ve been doing it for that long, I honestly can’t remember! Probably something to do with the fact that I love creating things and problem solving. Code is my medium, and I can think of nothing better than listening to some good music whilst building something complex which requires deep work and focus.

Writing code is my meditation and the fact that I can do that whilst helping clients solve their business problems, and build creative websites and applications that people can interact with, honestly brings me pure joy. I just love it and wouldn’t want to do anything else.

Josh has project manager DNA – although he’s never officially had the job title before.

In fact, you could say he’s muscled his way into the role via his previous job at sports nutrition and health supplements brand Maximuscle, where he learnt the rudiments of HTML and web maintenance.

Josh is a process-driven, attention-to-detail kind of guy, so that led to him becoming his then employer’s account manager for Amazon, one of its major sales outlets. Qualities that stand him in good stead for his role here at Cornerstone.

He also takes project management home with him. He manages his own band and runs video projects for young bands who can’t afford to pay for a video to accompany their music. That means most weekends are spent doing story boards, shooting, directing, editing and delivering the finished product.

WHY I DO IT

The opportunity to do this job seemed too good to be true – so, every day I am here it’s easy to push myself that extra step to make the lives of our clients and my team easier.

I am a good people person and want to help my team’s days run as smoothly as possible, allowing opportunities in their planners for development and teaching me how to code!

I am quite a tenacious person, and I won’t let things go or slip through the cracks. I have a great attention to detail which naturally helps with clients knowing that they have someone who will chase everything down and not hand It over until I am happy with it.