Browse profiles Post a project
Malt welcom

Welcome to Will's freelance profile!

Malt gives you access to the best freelancers for your projects. Contact Will to discuss your project or search for other freelancer profiles on Malt.

Will Stone

Strategic communications and public relations

Can work in or around Manchester, West Lancashire District, Cheshire West and Chester, Leeds, Liverpool

  • 53.471419
  • -2.244834
  • Suggested rate €500 / day
  • Experience 7+ years
Propose a project The project will begin once you accept Will's quote.

This freelancer has confirmed full-time availability in the past 7 days.

Propose a project The project will begin once you accept Will's quote.

Location and workplace preferences

Location
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Can work onsite in your office in
  • around Manchester and 50km
  • Around West Lancashire District and 100km
  • Around Cheshire West and Chester and 100km
  • Around Leeds and 100km
  • Around Liverpool and 100km

Preferences

Project length
  • Between 1-3 months
  • Between 3-6 months
  • ≥ 6 months
Business sector
Would prefer:
  • Agriculture
  • Raw materials industry
  • Architecture & Urban Planning
  • Culture
  • Civic & Social Organizations
+13 other
Would prefer to avoid:
  • Banking & Insurance
  • Biotech
  • Chemical
  • Consulting & Audits
  • Fashion & Cosmetics
+3 other
Company size
  • 11 - 49 people
  • 50 - 249 people
  • 250 - 999 people
  • 1000 - 4999 people
  • ≥ 5000 people

Verifications

Freelancer code of conduct signed
Read the Malt code of conduct

Verified email

Languages

  • English

    Native or bilingual

Categories

Skills (16)

Will in a few words

Creative, collaborative strategic communication professional with 25 years of working in storytelling for businesses across content, copywriting, journalism, communications, events and marketing. I have worked for internationally listed companies and scale-up organisations, providing brand communications expertise. A writer for CEOs, specialists and technical leaders, I have produced a wide range of films in locations such as Iceland, North America, Europe and the UK.

I am adept at creating long-term communications plans for organisations for campaigns, products or services. Industry-wise, I have worked in academia, technology such as supercomputing and VR, forestry, construction and architecture and the third sector, alongside B2B companies.

A trusted advisor and critical friend, I have written and worked with former Ambassadors, the Secretary of State for Wales and senior leaders. I have advised on complex employee projects, including downsizing, closures and pension scheme changes. I have also been the managing editor for a global magazine. Having run crisis communications for significant incidents, nothing particularly phases me.

Whether it be brand building, writing values or handling the media, I'm versatile enough and experienced enough to handle all types of projects and programmes.

Experience

Duo Consulting

Associate Director, Public Relations & Strategic Communications

Altrincham, UK

July 2022 - Today (8 months)

Duo Consulting works alongside businesses that are making a positive impact – from pioneering new technology, products and services to enabling the best educational experiences and workplace cultures. With its senior consultative approach, Duo develops and activates strategies that help its clients. Duo's clients span innovative and growing UK companies as well as international firms landing and expanding in the UK and in Europe. The consultancy immerses itself in our client's businesses, forging close and trusted working relationships with executive leadership, marketing and comms teams.

TechSkills.org

Head Of Marketing

September 2021 - April 2022 (7 months)

TechSkills is a not-for-profit, employer-led organisation, responsible for Tech Industry Gold, the industry accreditation for education and training relevant to digital and tech careers. We are recognised as a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) for the accreditation of degrees. Leading the creation and execution of the marketing strategy for TechSkills through high performing marketing, communications and engagement. The role involves development of an aligned and integrated marketing strategy for the business.

Atmos International

Marketing and Communications Manager

Manchester, UK

February 2019 - August 2021 (2 years and 6 months)

Atmos International is a privately-owned software and technology company, working principally in the oil and gas industry and providing leak detection solutions to pipeline owners and operators. Turnover is approximately £20m with over 200 staff employed globally. Key Responsibilities: Effective brand communications across the business, including employee engagement Confidently managing all content, including presentation materials, websites copy, social media, blogs and collateral Engaging across multi-media platforms with trade and industry press, including detailed media training Managing CSR initiatives within the business Key Achievements: The successful writing of the Queen's Award for Enterprise: Technology entry Effectively delivering new values for the whole company (UK, USA, China & Costa Rica), alongside a new employee engagement platform for the whole company (TINYpulse) Devising 5-week Positive Mindset course for 180 employees across 8 time zones, additionally coaching sales engineers for efficient delivery of webinars and live presentations Confidently securing business and trade press coverage in global titles Producing two key case study films in Iceland and North America Creating a bespoke CSR strategy to support the business aims of achieving 3* Best Company status Advising CEO on media engagement and communications, while developing a clear content strategy and calendar across all digital channels

Kirklees Council

Interim Marketing & Communications Consultant  - As a freelancer

Huddersfield, UK

July 2018 - January 2019 (6 months)

With over 1,000 employees, housing stock of nearly 23,000 homes, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH) plays a significant role to its stakeholders across the Kirklees Borough in West Yorkshire. I am currently providing strategic communications and marketing consultancy to the organisation including: Stakeholder Communications Employee Communications Brand Communications & Communications Strategy This involves working in a complex political environment as part of an arms length management organisation and operating on a confidential basis.

Self-Employed

Communications Consultant  - As a freelancer

Manchester, UK

January 2014 - August 2018 (4 years and 7 months)

Delivering communications consultancy to a variety of businesses ranging from global entities to start ups (public sector, education, manufacturing, technology, B2C, B2B). I also contracted to several businesses to provide brand communications support. This included the re-positioning of a commercial business broker, marketing strategy, PR and content strategy for a technology business, and delivery of Capital Market Days for investors and analysts on behalf of a €10bn global commodities business.

Fastmarkets RISI

Managing Editor, International Forest Products Transport Association Journal  - As a freelancer

Houston, TX 77091, USA

June 2014 - May 2015 (11 months)

Supporting the International Forest Products Transport Association in delivering a great quarterly journal. Working with the Executive Editor Graeme Rodden to ensure high impact and relevant stories are covered and shared with IFPTA members. Day-to-day management of the journal, feature writing, supporting RISI colleagues and HQ with global news. http://www.ifpta.org/ifpta-journal

UPM - The Biofore Company

Head of Communications

Ireland

January 2006 - December 2013 (7 years and 11 months)

Support brand awareness internally and externally. Develop and deliver marketing communications initiatives. Create brand extension and interaction.

The University of Manchester

Marketing and Communications Manager

Manchester, UK

June 2001 - December 2005 (4 years and 6 months)

Support the delivery of the 2015 agenda, working closely with divisional management and faculty teams. Launch of key publications, campaigns and events.

Philosophie Ltd

Managing Director  - As a freelancer

January 2000 - January 2005 (5 years)

Delivered innovative events and activity for major brands including Absolut Vodka. Supported major brand events for Stella Artois' After Dark series, Heineken 5% brand change and Dockers. Ran event promotional business for major music labels and artists.

University of Central Lancashire

Assistant Marketing Manager

February 2000 - June 2001 (1 year and 4 months)

Support the development of the marketing function of a 30,000 member organisation. Delivered sponsorship income targets. Rationalised print publications and launched new branding. Support of internal and external services to members.

The SPA Group Ltd

PR & Marketing Account Manager

Lymm, UK

September 1999 - March 2000 (6 months)

Supporting MD and PR director in servicing of client accounts. Campaign management for new client products as well as event management. Copywriting and press release services.

Education

  • BA (Hons), Journalism with History

    University of Central Lancashire

    1999

    BA (Hons), Journalism with History

  • Excellence in Strategy Leadership (UPM), Business Administration and Management, General

    IMD Business School

    2009

    Excellence in Strategy Leadership (UPM), Business Administration and Management, General

  • Mini MBA in Marketing, Marketing/Marketing Management, General

    Marketing Week Mini MBA with Mark Ritson

    2020

    Mini MBA in Marketing, Marketing/Marketing Management, General