For 25 years I have worked with architects, project managers and other consultants across the built environment. Since 2013 this has been via my own consultancy AreBe through which I provide strategic marketing support, coaching and new business advice to organisations and individuals.
Before founding AreBe, I was Director of Marketing for project managers Buro Four leading a team and responsible for all aspects of strategy, planning, business development, bids, marketing and communications for over fifteen years.
A deep-seated fascination in people and what makes them tick drove me to study business, inspired me to choose a human centred profession such as marketing and has more recently led me to train as a coach – business and personal. Architecture, consultancy and other services are commissioned by people, so getting to know those people, understanding what they need, how they’re influenced and how they make those decisions is critical (however baffling those decisions may sometimes appear!).
Well… in addition to reminding me of my initials, AreBe is so called to reflect the theme of change which runs through my work. Whether I am supporting an individual in their efforts to win new business, or working with the principals to formulate a marketing, communications or business development strategy, I believe we all achieve more when we know, at least roughly, where we want to be.
I help architectural practices and other consultancies across the built environment with their strategies and activities to win the right work and develop their organisations.
; helping to set out answers to problems such as ‘
’ I then help to get organised and implement solutions.
with a range of talented specialists in communications, graphics, photography, business development and press relations, as required for specific commissions.
I can help clarify aspirations, cast an experienced, external eye over current activity then make recommendations to help you achieve your aims.
Marketing is everything which connects your organisation with those who could commission you, or influence decision making, for the type of work you want to do. Most companies do more marketing than they think; very few get it all right. Your reason for investing in your marketing activities may be to win more work, raise profile or engage with existing or new contacts.
Having clarified aspirations and reviewed your current position we can work together to formulate a suitable strategy. I can then act as part time marketing director to help with implementation.
Business development and bid support
Whether you’re wondering how to generate a steadier pipeline of opportunities, what to do next or how to enter a new market, I can help. Usually all the skills needed to do this are already in-house but everyone’s busy or the skills are well hidden.
I help to bring some focus, market knowledge, structure and support to use those skills better to achieve what you want to achieve. I also provide support on research, the best way to build relationships, who to build relationships with and how to increase your team’s skills, together with support on bid management, processes and writing.
As an experienced manager and trained coach, I can provide 1-2-1 coaching and mentoring for project and marketing staff to develop their confidence and skills and so improve business development and marketing effectiveness.
