Team

Paul Skipp

Director

Paul’s media experience dates back more than 30 years to the days of hot metal and includes spells as a tabloid hack and national newspaper sub editor.

In 1998 he moved to the ‘dark side’, starting his successful PR business. He has worked with clients in an array of sectors, raising  their profile through coverage on TV, radio, in  print and online.

Being a budding Donald Trump, in his spare time he likes to watch property shows on TV and aspires to appear on Escape to the Country. As dad to three very active kids he is now fully qualified to begin a career as a taxi driver. He also tries to keep as fit as a man of his advanced years can.

If I was stuck on a desert island I would take:
“A 50-inch 3D TV with full Sky subscription and the Bear Grylls survival DVD.”

Jilly Cosgrove

Director

Jilly founded Barques back in 1989, and is rightly proud of where the agency is today. She has over 19 years experience working in the marketing industry, so what there is to know in this sector, she knows. Organised to the point of obsession, Jilly keeps the agency running tickety boo.

Outside of work Jilly loves to play golf and enjoys the odd glass of wine, but of course being a consummate professional she never over does it…

If I was stuck on a desert island I would take:
“A bottle of champagne. Well, it beats sea water!”

Laura Butler

Account Manager

Since graduating from Wolverhampton University with a Journalism and Editorial Design degree, Laura has worked at a communications agency, writing and editing publications for clients such as Empire Cinemas, New Look and NFU Mutual.

Having been given the nickname of ‘Monica’ from Friends by her pals, Laura cracks the whip when it comes to being organised (watch out Paul!) and loves nothing more than ticking the last thing off on her to do list.

Outside of work, Laura is a self-confessed Zumba addict and never misses the chance to wiggle the hips and shimmy in the latin-inspired dance routines.

If I was stuck on a desert island I would take:
“An iPod full of Zumba tunes so I could dance on the beach all morning then relax in the sun all afternoon!”

Kathryn Small

Business Development

Kathryn joins us as business development manager after more than seven years at law firm Eversheds.

As a project manager in the Real Estate Commercial Development department, Kathryn has worked closely with a number of retail and property companies, including Hammerson, Land Securities and Nikal, on a variety of mixed use, retail and residential schemes such as Cabot Circus, Bristol; The Bullring and The Mailbox, Birmingham; Highcross, Leicester; and Freedom Quay, Hull.

Outside of work Kathryn enjoys a good holiday, the odd run, a spot of live music and a bit of cooking – accompanied by the occasional glass of wine.

If I was stuck on a desert island I would take: “the cast of The Wire – I don’t think they’d be much use in helping me escape but Dominic West and Idris Elba in particular would keep me entertained!”

Dave Elliott

Head of Digital

Dave was in the first generation of kids to grow up with computers (who remembers the ZX80?) After completing a degree in ‘Electronic Media’, he got a job designing CD Roms and videos. Then, in the mid 90s, this new interweb thingy really started to become popular, so he began applying his wealth of experience in ‘on screen’ design to the internet too.

Previously, he’s worked for various top digital companies around the North West and the Midlands, for clients such as Adobe, Hyundai, Financial Times and Barrs Soft Drinks.

If I was stuck on a desert island I would take:
“A solar powered laptop with a 3G connection.”

Adam Stewart

Web Designer

Adam, originally from Nottingham, joined us fresh faced and straight out of University here in Birmingham.  Graduating with a First Class Honours in Media and Communication, where he specialised in web and digital media allowing him to work with clients from all different areas such as radio, education, and even athletics with Birmingham based Birchfield Harriers.

In his free time the weekend is his playground and he likes nothing more than to stick on some questionable music whilst getting ready to go out, or stay home and watch even more questionable films, such as a little known high school trilogy involving Zac Efron… The less said the better!

If I was stuck on a desert island I would take:
“My android powered phone (with an island friendly power source).  I’d be lost without my routine twitter and facebook checks!”