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Meet your careers team
During your time at BIMM University, our dedicated Creative Futures team will be on hand to help you access the skills, knowledge and networks you need to build a career in the Creative Industries.
They’ll help with everything, from streamlining your CV to strategising your business plan and guiding your initial steps into the industry. They’ll even facilitate work experience and industry placements, an ongoing program that has resulted in numerous full-time jobs and success story highlights. Within each Creative Futures team, you will find dedicated advisors who can talk to you about your career aspirations and how you can make them a reality. In addition to the careers support you will receive, all BIMM University courses are carefully structured to help you gradually develop the skills you need to succeed in the Creative Industries. This is demonstrated by the fact that 87% of BIMM University alumni are employed, self-employment or engaged in further study after graduating.
All Schools
Mel Thornton
Mel Thornton is the Associate Dean for Creative Futures, the careers and employability service for BIMM University. The Creative Futures team connect students and graduates to industry opportunities across Music, Screen & Film, Performing Arts and Creative Technology, helping students to develop the skills, knowledge and networks they need through work experience and collaborative projects.
Mel has worked in higher education as a careers specialist for over 15 years and also brings to the role broad industry experience having worked as a publicist at major music labels before setting up her own PR company.
Mark Bowers
Mark is Head of Music Careers for BIMM University, leading a top team of creative career managers in each BIMM and negotiating industry partnerships with some of the worlds biggest record companies, publishers, agents, promoters and trade organisations to ensure that every possible opportunity is available for BIMM students.
Mark’s role is fuelled by his absolute love for creative development and new music. He has over 18 years’ experience in the industry, ranging from running his own management company to being a national promoter at Metropolis Music. Most recently, Mark also became the head of the new management and PR arm of Crosstown Concerts. He has been privileged enough to work with some of the world’s very best acts from Oasis to Emeli Sandé.
Best festival:
Exit Festival.
First job in the music industry:
Working at The Fleece venue in Bristol.
Brighton
Nicky Williams
Nicky is the Careers Manager at BIMM Brighton and is dedicated to helping students get ready for work by helping prepare business-based CVs and cover Letters. Nicky also arranges internships, volunteering opportunities and work experience.
Nicky’s professional highlights include being a panellist for The Great Escape’s Education Conference and DIY Magazine’s Education Tour event. She currently sits as a Board member for Create Music Hub, supporting the aims of Music Education for young people in East Sussex.
Performance experience includes compering and hosting to an audience of up to 10,000 people at the Brighton Centre and backing vocals for a sold-out show at the Royal Albert Hall with Canadian metal act The Devin Townsend Project. She started in the world of music journalism, writing reviews for Rocksound online, working at Total Rock Radio and had a brief stint at Kerrang! magazine. She also fronted all-girl metal band Vier.
Favourite Album: Can I have 3? Faith No More – Album of the Year, Radiohead – OK Computer and Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
Best Gig: Bruce Springsteen at Wembley Stadium
Maisie McFarlane
Maisie is the Careers Advisor at BIMM Brighton and is enthusiastic about providing support and opportunities to students through CV building and feedback. She also regularly seeks and advertises entry-level job opportunities in the creative industries.
Maisie is a recent graduate of BIMM Manchester with a background in both music business and performance. She is a multi-instrumentalist with experience performing on vocals, piano, ukulele, guitar and various percussion in bands, orchestras, choirs and as a solo act. As a vocalist, Maisie has performed at a variety of shows around Manchester, including a sold out performance with actor Kyra Scott.
Maisie also has experience in event planning and management, and both digital and physical marketing. During her time in Manchester, Maisie organised and ran multiple gigs in venues around the city, as well as executing marketing campaigns for the promotion of the events.
London
Michelle Humphreys
Michelle’s Artist Development role encompasses a wide variety of projects and tasks, ultimately providing up and coming artists and musicians with real-life industry experience. This includes creating opportunities for new talent to develop their performance skills and enhance their online presence through to the organisation of video shoots, studio sessions, single/album recordings, acoustic sessions, gigs, networking and A&R events.
Michelle also works closely with major labels, management companies and booking agents to organise auditions and showcases specific to any new talent they are looking for.
Best festival:
The Great Escape and Glastonbury (I’m the world’s worst camper, but I make the exception for Glasto once in a while!).
Charity recently supported:
I put on a BIMM charity gig for Australian Red Cross in aid of the Bush Fires. I also ran the London Marathon for Blind Veteran’s UK.
Jade Kelly
Manchester
Andrew Garfoot
Andrew Garfoot is the Careers Manager for BIMM Manchester, and also Lead Lecturer for the Working in the Creative Industries module. He has over ten years of experience in supported employment and education, and is currently part of the AGCAS Creative Industries Task Group, providing advice, resources and research to careers professionals across U.K Higher Education. His specialisms include creative career paths, postgraduate study, employment with a disability, professional online interactions, speculative applications and interview preparation.
Music is a huge part of Andrew’s life, and being able to provide careers guidance in this area gives him the opportunity to combine his professional and personal interests. He has been in bands and worked with singer/songwriters since he was a teenager and plays guitar, dobro and lap steel.
First Gig:
Alice Cooper on the Brutal Planet Tour, 2000
Favourite album:
I Am the Moon – Tedeschi Trucks Band
Holly Jones
Holly has worked within the music industry for the past five years in several different roles. Most recently she held the position of Project Manager at Sound City where she played the role of co-managing the Sound City Conference and other initiatives such as Sound City Launch Training, Mentoring, Music Careers Days and mental health awareness in the music industry. Holly has been able to combine her love for music with education and training, supporting young people to progress to careers within the industry.
In addition to her work at BIMM, Holly also runs Sounds Northern, a new company designed to bridge the gap between music professionals and artists in the North. She is also completing a research project funded by Arts Council England exploring female leadership in music.
Birmingham
Neil Ward
Neil is the Careers Manager for Music at BIMM Institute Birmingham.
With a decade of work in Tour Management, Neil has become an accountable leader across the live music and events industry. In managing international touring for independent artists through to major label household names, he understands the many ways to break an artist and how forge a career in an evolving Music Industry.
Bristol
Jo Hadler
Jo is the Careers Manager at BIMM Music Institute Bristol. She provides ongoing career support to students throughout their studies – from CV & cover letter tutorials to personal and professional development.
Jo focuses on the effective use of reflective practices in order to increase student confidence, understanding of self and ultimately employability, so students are then able to secure work within the creative industries.
Best gig: Nao on her 2019 Saturn Tour!
First Gig: My parents took me to see Status Quo when I was about 10 years old.
Katie Ward
Katie serves as the Careers Advisor at BIMM Bristol, where her primary responsibility involves offering support and guidance to students on crafting effective CVs and covering letters. In addition to this, she is dedicated to providing students with opportunities in the creative industry sectors, along with volunteer placements at festivals. Katie conducts personalised one-to-one tutorials in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
Having previously pursued a (BA Hons) in Events Management at the university, Katie’s enduring love for events and festival work is evident in her current role, where she passionately supports students in exploring Creative Industry opportunities. Her academic background and field experiences equip her to offer valuable insights to students aspiring to enter the events and festival industry.
Katie’s role is diverse, covering practical advice on CVs and cover letters, as well as facilitating real-world opportunities. Her comprehensive approach to career guidance, emphasises not only the development of strong resumes but also the cultivation of students’ passions and interests within the creative and events sector.
Katie has aided various departments at BIMM Bristol, taking on the role of project manager for BIMM Extra, outsourcing and organising evening extracurricular classes. In this capacity, her endeavours brought together the BIMM community and industry professionals.
Beyond her professional commitments, Katie is an indie folk singer/songwriter inspired by The Lumineers and First Aid Kit.
BIMM University Berlin
ANGELIQUE JACQUET
Angelique’s role encompasses liaising with the wider film and music industries and sourcing the best career opportunities for BIMM University students and graduates.
Her passion for film, music, and education in equal measure have led her to pursue these fields both academically and professionally, with work experience ranging from writing scripts for Netflix and Prime Video to teaching undergraduates the principles of Marxism. With a formal background in Sociology, she brings a diverse and inclusive approach to career guidance.
Understanding first-hand the challenges that students face, she is here to support you with any help you may need in navigating the labyrinth that is finding a job. Reach out to her for guidance on crafting a CV, writing a persuasive cover letter, honing your interview skills, or general conversation about figuring what it is you’d like to do with your skills and talent.
Nora Warmedinger
Prior to joining BIMM Music Institute Berlin, Nora has worked in various areas of the music industry, including streaming & distribution services such as Juke in Berlin and Igrooves in London, promoting live music events and working with an artist booking agency. Additional previous experience includes working in Public Relations within the German film industry, including representing a variety of commercial and independent film distributors at the Berlinale Festival (Germany’s biggest film festival).
Dublin
Ann Marie Shields
As Head of Careers, Industry Liaison & Events, Ann-Marie uses her vast industry connections to source the best work opportunities for BIMM students and graduates.
With a resumé that includes tour manager, music publishing, music supervision, as well as experience working at major labels, Ann-Marie has extensive and in-depth knowledge of the music business, which allows for strong connections to be made between BIMM and the music industry.
First job in the music industry?
Tour managing My Bloody Valentine, first for the West Coast of America (’89) and then a World tour in 1990/1991.
Favourite album:
Bone Machine by Tom Waits.
During your time at BIMM University, our dedicated Creative Futures team will be on hand to help you access the skills, knowledge and networks you need to build a career in the Creative Industries.
They’ll help with everything, from streamlining your CV to strategising your business plan and guiding your initial steps into the industry. They’ll even facilitate work experience and industry placements, an ongoing program that has resulted in numerous full-time jobs and success story highlights. Within each Creative Futures team, you will find dedicated advisors who can talk to you about your career aspirations and how you can make them a reality. In addition to the careers support you will receive, all BIMM University courses are carefully structured to help you gradually develop the skills you need to succeed in the Creative Industries. This is demonstrated by the fact that 87% of BIMM University alumni are employed, self-employment or engaged in further study after graduating.
London
Joe Morris
Joe’s background for the past few years has been Scripted Development and Creative Outreach within HETV. His remit consisted of helping early-stage writing and production talent help develop their Films, TV Pilots, Shorts, Plays to any other form of creative writing you can think of – along with providing workshops to charities, youth centres and other educational establishments. Before this, Joe was on TV Sets working in the AD (Assistant Directors) Team and Locations Team. Joe loves working with people at the beginning of their creative journey and it’s why the role of Careers Manager really excites him. With him, nothing is a silly question and at this stage, it’s important to get as much stuff wrong to then learn and move forward as it is important for us to get things right.
Tom Holmes
Brighton
Margo Roe
Margo is the Careers Manager for MetFilm School Brighton and supports all industry activity from specialist guests to career advice & support.
Margo trained as a dancer and theatre practitioner before stepping into assistant directing, having worked on short films, feature films, commercials and unscripted entertainment for the likes of BFI, BBC, Warp Films, Netflix, Amazon Studios and Sky. Margo is also a screenwriter and director, having received film funding from BBC New Creatives, Channel 4 Random Acts, Arts Council England and the BFI.
As a filmmaker herself, Margo has an active involvement in the UK industry, which paired with years of first-hand production experience, enables her to support our students and kick-start their own careers.
James Honess
James is the Careers Manager for MetFilm School Brighton and supports all industry activity from specialist guests to career advice & support, as well as looking after our SFS Brighton Alumni Community.
His background is producing and production management within the brand content and commercials sector, having worked both in-house for a number of production agencies, as well as freelance, for many years. He’s produced content for brands such as British Airways, Southern Water, Westland and the NHS. James also runs his own production company, collaborating with brand, charity & music clients.
As a film school graduate himself, James has a fantastic understanding of how to get the most out of university, paired with years of industry experience, in order to support our students kick-start their own careers.
Fiona Adams
Fiona is Head of Careers for Creative Futures at MetFilm School, initiating and developing a wide range of career enhancing initiatives for all students. She hosts a number of high-profile masterclasses bringing a range of diverse and inclusive industry guests to BIMM university. Fiona also secures exciting partnerships with a large number of film, TV and digital media companies providing multiple work experience and employment opportunities for students and graduates – giving them the tools and information that puts students in the best possible position for success in the industry.
Fiona’s experience starting out as a producer’s assistant in features, moving onto producing music videos for Creation Records and then to directing and shooting documentary films for the BBC, ITV, C4 and C5 gives her a full overview of the industry and enables her to identify employment trends and opportunities developing in the industry for the benefit of students.
Best Film:
Moonrise Kingdom – one of many Wes Anderson delights
Best Job:
Runner on Deacon Blue music video at the legendary Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom
Sammi Doherty
Sammi is a key point of contact for all MetFilm School students and graduates, supporting them with opportunities, jobs and tailored 1-1 career advice.
She runs the summer Work Experience Programme; building relationships with industry partners, and securing student placements during their second year of study. Sammi also oversees a number of Creative Futures events and core activity.
With a background in event management, Sammi has a wealth of freelance experience across many sectors, which places her perfectly to guide students into the world of work, and ensure they are industry-ready by the time they leave MetFilm School.
Berlin
ANGELIQUE JACQUET
Angelique’s role encompasses liaising with the wider film and music industries and sourcing the best career opportunities for BIMM University students and graduates.
Her passion for film, music, and education in equal measure have led her to pursue these fields both academically and professionally, with work experience ranging from writing scripts for Netflix and Prime Video to teaching undergraduates the principles of Marxism. With a formal background in Sociology, she brings a diverse and inclusive approach to career guidance.
Understanding first-hand the challenges that students face, she is here to support you with any help you may need in navigating the labyrinth that is finding a job. Reach out to her for guidance on crafting a CV, writing a persuasive cover letter, honing your interview skills, or general conversation about figuring what it is you’d like to do with your skills and talent.
Manchester
Judith Suckling
Judith Suckling is Head of Careers and Industry at MetFilm School Manchester. Having worked in various Production Management teams in the TV & Film Industry in Manchester for more than 10 years, she has a wealth of experience and knowledge to call upon.
She has previously worked in a variety of genres and for several different companies throughout her career. These include feature films (Hush, Goal III), drama (Shameless, Paradox, Little Crackers), documentary (Making Bradford British, Coach Trip) and also children’s television (Hacker Time, Sam & Mark’s Big Friday Wind Up, Marrying Mum and Dad).
Judith has just completed her Master’s in Creative Writing. She has also written a YA (young adult) novel and has numerous articles published in a variety of publications.
Birmingham
LUCY CAREY
Lucy is a Screenwriter and Careers Manager. Throughout her career Lucy has worked as a Runner, First AD and Casting Associate. Lucy has worked in High End TV, Feature films, Short films and Animation. She recently completed a Diploma in Screenwriting at The National Film and Television School. Her short films have been shown at festivals and competitions including a nomination for The David Thomas Awards.
Lucy has been with MetFilm School Birmingham since its conception and has been involved in building the schools connections with Filmmaking within the Midlands area.
During your time at BIMM University, our dedicated Creative Futures team will be on hand to help you access the skills, knowledge and networks you need to build a career in the Creative Industries.
They’ll help with everything, from streamlining your CV to strategising your business plan and guiding your initial steps into the industry. They’ll even facilitate work experience and industry placements, an ongoing program that has resulted in numerous full-time jobs and success story highlights. Within each Creative Futures team, you will find dedicated advisors who can talk to you about your career aspirations and how you can make them a reality. In addition to the careers support you will receive, all BIMM University courses are carefully structured to help you gradually develop the skills you need to succeed in the Creative Industries. This is demonstrated by the fact that 87% of BIMM University alumni are employed, self-employment or engaged in further study after graduating.
All schools
LAURA KEELING
We believe that to effectively guide young performers on their journey through training and into the world of professional performing arts, firsthand industry experience is vital.
Laura has walked the walk; from a childhood spent developing skills through auditioning and landing a role at a prestigious arts school; to life in the spotlight as a girl band member and songwriter; all the while exercising her passion for training and educating young performers. This makes her uniquely placed to guide graduating BIMM students on their next stage of their journey; connecting them with industry partners and theatre agents or directly to job contracts.
ICTheatre
KIRSTY YATES
Kirsty trained at Drama Studio, London after studying Drama and Theatre Arts at Birmingham University where she graduated with a first class honours degree.
She worked predominantly in theatre, including a number of West End shows such as The Mousetrap and The Canterbury Tales for The Royal Shakespeare Company. She was directed by Sir Peter Hall in Mrs Warren’s Profession and worked for the Oxford Shakespeare Company for a number of seasons with roles including Rosalind in As You Like It and Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing. Television work includes The Bill and Trial and Retribution. Most recently Kirsty has been working on a series of science fiction audiodramas for Amazon’s Audible, the first episodes of which will be ready to air in early 2024.
Kirsty has worked at ICTheatre, Brighton for the last four years teaching Acting Technique, directing scene studies and leading the Professional Development module for the third years, helping them to prepare for the industry and life after graduation.
ADAM MCCOY
Adam trained as an actor at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, graduating in 2015. Since then he has enjoyed working in TV, Theatre, and voiceover. He has also worked overseas on board cruise ships as a guest vocalist. Prior to his role at ICTheatre he has worked as a casting assistant and freelance acting coach and director in various colleges. Adam is delighted to be inspiring and guiding the ICTheatre students into professional work.
Performers College
Essex
LEANNE EVERITT
Katie’s journey began at London’s prestigious LSMT, setting the stage for an illustrious 17-year career in the industry (so far!)
Over the years, she’s had the honour of collaborating with amazing talents in the industry, including the likes of Sheridan Smith, Glenn Close, and Emma Thompson. Her repertoire boasts an impressive array of TV, film, and theatre credits.
Katie’s credits include Les Misérables (Queens Theatre) and Les Misérables – The All-Star Concert (Sondheim Theatre) – an event screened globally in cinemas. She’s also taken on roles such as Chiffon in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s award-winning rendition of Little Shop of Horrors (subsequently transferred to the Duke of York’s Theatre), Helen in Fat Pig directed by Neil LaBute at The Comedy Theatre, Bridget Baines in A Chorus of Disapproval (UK tour), Sylvia in Stepping Out (UK tour), Big Sue in Taboo (Brixton Clubhouse), Shen Shen and covering Madame Morrible in Wicked (UK tour), Sweeney Todd (ENO), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Royal Festival Hall), Hattie in Kiss Me, Kate (Opera North), Mary in Sunset Boulevard (ENO), Bumblescratch (Adelphi), and Keely in Pete ‘n’ Keely (Tristan Bates Theatre).
Katie most recently can be seen in Paddy Power adverts across the UK and Ireland, Casualty as well as the Hulu & Disney Plus series, The Ashley Madison Affair.
Birmingham
Katie Kerr
Katie’s journey began at London’s prestigious LSMT, setting the stage for an illustrious 17-year career in the industry (so far!)
Over the years, she’s had the honour of collaborating with amazing talents in the industry, including the likes of Sheridan Smith, Glenn Close, and Emma Thompson. Her repertoire boasts an impressive array of TV, film, and theatre credits.
Katie’s credits include Les Misérables (Queens Theatre) and Les Misérables – The All-Star Concert (Sondheim Theatre) – an event screened globally in cinemas. She’s also taken on roles such as Chiffon in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s award-winning rendition of Little Shop of Horrors (subsequently transferred to the Duke of York’s Theatre), Helen in Fat Pig directed by Neil LaBute at The Comedy Theatre, Bridget Baines in A Chorus of Disapproval (UK tour), Sylvia in Stepping Out (UK tour), Big Sue in Taboo (Brixton Clubhouse), Shen Shen and covering Madame Morrible in Wicked (UK tour), Sweeney Todd (ENO), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Royal Festival Hall), Hattie in Kiss Me, Kate (Opera North), Mary in Sunset Boulevard (ENO), Bumblescratch (Adelphi), and Keely in Pete ‘n’ Keely (Tristan Bates Theatre).
Katie most recently can be seen in Paddy Power adverts across the UK and Ireland, Casualty as well as the Hulu & Disney Plus series, The Ashley Madison Affair.
During your time at BIMM University, our dedicated Creative Futures team will be on hand to help you access the skills, knowledge and networks you need to build a career in the Creative Industries.
They’ll help with everything, from streamlining your CV to strategising your business plan and guiding your initial steps into the industry. They’ll even facilitate work experience and industry placements, an ongoing program that has resulted in numerous full-time jobs and success story highlights. Within each Creative Futures team, you will find dedicated advisors who can talk to you about your career aspirations and how you can make them a reality. In addition to the careers support you will receive, all BIMM University courses are carefully structured to help you gradually develop the skills you need to succeed in the Creative Industries. This is demonstrated by the fact that 87% of BIMM University alumni are employed, self-employment or engaged in further study after graduating.
ANT GILES
Anthony manages our BIMM Connect Community and Alumni Services for BIMM Group. As well as the day-to-day operation of BIMM Connect, he works to engage our community of students, alumni and staff/faculty on the site, as well as providing the first point of contact and connection to services for alumni who are looking for further career advice and assistance.
With over 20 years’ experience in Music and Education – as a performer, writer, manager, artist, designer, promoter, event manager, booking agent, teacher, project manager, careers adviser and marketing campaign manager – Anthony is also a BIMM Alumni, one of the first group of Graduates from BIMM Brighton in 2005.
What was your first gig?
Korn, Limp Bizkit, Pitchshifter at Brixton Academy, 1997.
Ever been in a band?
Loads!
Catriona Lundie-Loggie
Catriona heads up the Alumni, Talent and Enterprise team which has been formed to support alumni from all faculties of BIMM University into work and provide opportunities within the creative industries. She has been involved in Music, Media and Arts staffing and recruitment for the past 16 years; working directly with globally recognised artists and entertainment organisations to secure and manage the best talent for their teams. These include music artists and their management teams, live agencies, record labels and publishers, fine artists, theatre venues, heritage organisations, literary and performer’s agencies. Prior to working in talent acquisition Catriona studied Drama and Theatre Arts and still enjoys presenting and writing podcasts and blogs (when she has time!).
In addition to her role at BIMM, Catriona has over the last few years been a key contributor to two BBC documentaries, several international exhibitions at The Recording Academy’s Grammy Museum in LA, Museo de la Moda in Chile and The Design Museum in London and to a book accompanying these exhibitions published by Thames and Hudson in 2021.
Favourite album?
A Donny Hathaway Collection
Favourite film?
Alice in Wonderland (1951 version)
Lee Avant
Lee is a recording and mixing engineer with over 9 years of experience working with high-profile artists in the R&B, Hip Hop, and Pop world. Having broken through as an engineer with FKA twigs and XL Recordings, he opened his own studio to expand his business and focus on mixing.
As well as engineering, Lee is an active tour manager, producer, and artist manager. Currently working with legacy acts, touring bands, and exciting emerging talent around the UK.
Lee is available to help you take your first steps into the industry with career planning and advice informed by his broad experience working in the industry.
Alex Hinton - Smith
Alex has been serious about a career in music from a young age, playing his first headline gig at the age of just 15 and going on tour around the UK at the age of 17. After graduating with a First Class Honours in Music Business at BIMM Brighton, Alex has been working to help other BIMM alumni who want to make music their career.
Highlights from his performing days include touring, writing, and recording with pop punk band Better Than Never, headlining several O2 academies and supporting bands such as As It Is, Don Broco, and Trash Boat.
Later, Alex would specialise in playing in musical theatre pit orchestras, playing for companies in London and the UK under the baton of several Off West End Award winning Musical Directors. Since 2021, Alex has been working with BIMM to improve the alumni experience and helping to foster a collaborative student and alumni community on BIMM Connect.