Meet the team

David Auton Company Director

David established Team Valley Printers in 2006, paving the way for the creation of the Team Valley Group.

With a degree in Business Management and Organisation, a background in retail management, and significant experience in managing business plans and cash flow forecasting on public sector projects, David’s role has been central to the group’s success.

Culture and welfare are high on David’s agenda. David is instrumental in Team Valley Group’s people management, developing and overseeing the people culture, and taking responsibility for employee well-being.

A former president of the Rotary Club, David is passionate about supporting the local community. David has set up community fundraising groups raising money for defibrillation projects in the North East, supported a childhood cancer charity, and delivered enterprise sessions in schools. David’s commitment to charitable support has been recognised by the Rotary Club and with the presentation of the coveted Paul Harris Award.

Andrew Auton Company Director

Andrew’s multi-skilled background in business and engineering brings a depth of real-world knowledge to anyone looking to take their business to the next level.

Inspired by Team Valley Group’s success and underpinned by a degree in Business Management and Organisation, Andrew focuses on adding substantial value to the businesses he works alongside. Andrew actively supports businesses at all stages of their lifespan with growth strategies and identifying suitable on and offline development opportunities.

Creating the right people culture throughout the group is pivotal to the success of the business. Andrew is a champion of cultivating an open, creative environment all our teams can thrive in, enabling them to deliver an outstanding customer experience.

Vikki McIsaac FCIM Marketing Director

A Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and qualified by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), Vikki joined Team Valley Group as Marketing Director in 2020.

Vikki has a demonstrable background in establishing professional services brands, primarily within legal services, and creating marketing strategies to help achieve organisational objectives.

Driven by advising businesses on both the power of internal and external communication, Vikki works with businesses to form PR strategies and advises on the benefits of using social media to help boost brand awareness and generate new business.

In recent years, Vikki has been part of an employability initiative delivering CV advice and online awareness sessions to students in secondary schools across the North East.

Howard Malone Studio Manager

Howard joined the Group in 2022 as Studio Manager to coordinate client accounts and projects within the Marketing department and manage the team on a day-to-day basis.

With an HND in Business and Finance and a BA Hons in Media Practice, Howard has enjoyed a long and illustrious career in editorial and communications, spanning almost thirty years. He has previously held roles in editorial, design and production at the likes of Tui, the John Lewis Partnership and Future Publishing.

With keen strengths in team management, leadership and organisation, Howard works hard to continuously improve the Marketing department’s productivity and strives to fine-tune processes and workflows in order to facilitate consistent, high-quality work for all of our clients.

Dave Smith Print Manager

Having worked externally with the group since 2006, Dave joined Team Valley Group in 2011, bringing over 35 years of printing experience to the team.

Repeat business within the group is, in part, testimony to Dave’s approach to customer service. With an extensive knowledge of products, materials, and production, Dave quickly determines a customer’s needs preparing fully-costed solutions ensuring transparency from the start. An approach which keeps our customers returning.

Helen Balmer Web Manager

Helen joined Team Valley Group in 2009 as a web designer. With a foundation degree in Multimedia from the University of Sunderland and a degree in Graphic Design from the University of Teesside, Helen brought strong technical capabilities to the team.

As web manager, Helen oversees the web team’s daily activities, organises workflows, manages deadlines, and communicates with our customers on projects in the pipeline to ensure we are delivering against expectations.

Helen has recently worked on the web design and front-end development of websites for some of the North East’s most well-known brands, including the newly renovated iconic Spanish City supported by funds from the National Lottery, Shepherd Offshore, and the award-winning North Yorkshire hotel and restaurant, the Crab and Lobster.

Steven Ions Technical Manager

Steven joined Team Valley Group as Lead Web Developer in 2014.

With a foundation degree in Information Technology and a degree and a post-graduate diploma in Web Computing from Northumbria University, Steven’s unparalleled expertise brings a heavy-weight technical competence to the web team.

Steven takes a solutions-led approach to software development, working closely with businesses to understand their requirements and deliver bespoke automated systems designed to speed up processes and reduce costs.

With a focus on user experience and demonstrating a keen eye for the latest trends, Steven delivers tailored e-commerce solutions to businesses needing customised online retail platforms.

Steven has delivered the new website for the well-known and highly-respected North East Times publication and worked on the careers website for global shipping company, Maersk.

David Thompson Group Sales

David joined Team Valley Group in 2019, bringing over 20 years of sales experience to the team.

Overseeing Team Valley Publications, David is adept at building lasting relationships and understanding businesses to deliver bespoke advertising solutions that work for them.

Working closely with businesses across the North East, David has been responsible for driving the success of the groups’ leading publications, The Advertiser and Business Networx magazine, is a keen supporter of business networking and is also a founding member of the North East Network.

Rhys Hodgson Graphic Designer

Rhys joined the Group as a graphic designer in 2008, having obtained a Graphic Design degree from Newcastle College in partnership with Leeds Metropolitan University.

A talented designer, Rhys is adept at working with our client base to fully understand their business and direction before embarking on the design concept for start-up businesses, rebrands, and brand refreshes.

In addition to concept design, Rhys also undertakes the design work for signage, vehicle graphics, posters, logos, business stationery and carries out pre-press checks on supplied artwork. In recent months, Rhys has been an integral part of the team responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, designing and producing merchandise to allow businesses to reopen and operate safely within government guidelines.

Rhys’s creative skills have been central to undertaking and delivering projects for ITV, Gosforth Academy, UNISON, and the Whickham Rotary Club, as well as local football clubs, bars and restaurants, and our Advertiser magazines.

Oliver Hurcombe Graphic Designer

Oliver joined Team Valley Group in 2020 with impressive experience in graphic design.

Having previously obtained a degree in Graphic Design from Newcastle College in 2014, Oliver went on to work as a Creative Designer at North East-based business magazine, BQ before taking up a position with the UK’s largest independent travel retailer, Hays Travel.

Specialising in creative design, Oliver is adept at creating adverts and editorial and is well-versed in following brand guidelines and working to tight deadlines. During his time with BQ, Oliver worked on adverts and editorial for well-known global brands Aston Martin and Microsoft.

Oliver’s expertise in design work for printed publications is used by the Team Valleys Group’s own publications, Business Networx Magazine and The Advertiser,

Gavin Roberts Lead Developer

Software developer Gavin joined Team Valley Group in 2017, bringing a different dimension to the web team with solutions-led development knowledge and expertise.

With his highly-skilled, technical ability, Gavin builds and delivers non-standard e-commerce websites for businesses looking for customised web-based retail solutions.

With unrivalled software solution know-how, Gavin undertakes detailed and complex development work building bespoke automated systems designed to speed up processes, reduce costs, and increase visibility and control.

During his career, Gavin has worked with British Airways on the delivery of personalised adverts, worked in the energy sector designing software for use in smart meters and the testing of Legionella, and designed the software for an app to be used by the NHS, offering a remote testing solution for patients with ongoing health concerns.

Adam Henshall Web Developer

Adam joined Team Valley Group as a web developer in 2020.

Having graduated in 2015 from Northumbria University with a degree in Web Design and Development, and with previous experience as a web developer in his last role, Adam brings further development knowledge to the expanding web team.

Adam specialises in front-end web development, working closely alongside the web manager to understand customer requirements and focusing on style, usability, and functionality.

During his career, Adam has designed an award-winning website for an insurance company and sites for businesses operating in the engineering, retail, and private healthcare sectors.

Shelley Brownlee Graphic Designer

Shelley joined Team Valley Group as a Graphic Designer in 2014. With a foundation diploma in Art and Design and a degree in Graphic Design from Northumbria University, Shelley’s passion for bespoke design brings a further creative ability to the team.

With an energetic approach to design and a keenness to work closely with businesses to bring a project to fruition, Shelley is adept at producing high-quality concept logos and branding reflective of the specifications of the customer.

A detailed and talented designer, Shelley has recently undertaken work for North East Equity Release, the Burtree Development in Darlington (Hellens Group), Gateshead-based caterer Olivia’s Kitchen, HR Consultancy and Training company Helen McDougall, and manufacturing ordering company, Fab Hunter.

Ian Sidaway (Sid) Web Designer

Sid joined Team Valley Group in 2019 as a web designer. With an HND in Multimedia Design and Practice and a degree in Creative Design and Practice from Newcastle College in partnership with Leeds Metropolitan University, Sid brings an in-depth working knowledge of systems and processes to the team.

In addition to front-end web design, Sid focuses on the user experience, assessing customers’ needs and requirements to build systems and processes that deliver against specification and placing emphasis on functionality and not just design.

Hannah Telford Senior Marketing Executive

Hannah joined Team Valley Group in 2021 after completing a successful internship at a North East based web design company.

Hannah has an MA in Marketing from the University of Sunderland and has developed strong knowledge of branding, consumer research, digital marketing and social media analytics.

With a passion for copywriting and bringing brands to life through the written word, Hannah crafts creative social media, web and blog content for a variety of industries and businesses. She also works closely with the web team and manages the digital marketing for all companies within the Team Valley Group. 

Ellis Bell Marketing Executive

Ellis joined Team Valley Group in 2022 immediately after the completion of her MSc in Consumer Analytics and Marketing Strategy from the University of Leeds.

Through her studies, Ellis developed a strong and nuanced understanding of digital marketing, consumer and predictive analytics and data visualisation. She brings all of this and more to her work as Marketing Executive within the Group.

With her positive attitude and results-driven approach, Ellis excels in all client relations-based aspects of her work. She is committed to working attentively with Team Valley Group clients in order to understand their requirements and generate fresh and exciting ideas for their marketing strategies. Ellis is currently leading our expansion into Paid Social Media advertising.

Dan Jackson Marketing Executive

Dan joined the Group as Marketing Executive in 2022 after completing an MSc in Digital Marketing.

In addition to his recently secured MSc, Dan holds a BA Hons in Journalism and his primary skill set lies in concise and persuasive writing. Along with his professional qualifications, previous employment with the Wirral Chamber of Commerce has allowed Dan to deepen his experience in writing and marketing for businesses.

Armed with a keen eye for the written word, Dan excels at crafting engaging and informative content for Team Valley Marketing clients. His results-led approach aims to boost brand visibility and provide depth and quality to businesses’ online presence.

Chloe Winfield Marketing Executive

Chloe joined Team Valley Group as a Marketing Executive in April 2023. 

Completing a BA at Newcastle University in Journalism, Media and Culture helped to catapult Chloe into her first role in a Creative Agency as a Content Strategist. Here she worked with a range of clients across a vast variety of sectors and gained experience in content writing, copywriting, keyword research, strategising and reports; amply preparing her for the work that she is now responsible for at the Group. 

As a talented writer, Chloe is equipped with a natural strength for producing high-quality content in both short-form and long-form mediums on a diversity of topics, with an innate ability to succinctly adapt her writing to a client’s tone of voice and audience. 

What’s more, with her knack for fostering effective and supportive professional relationships, she is quickly proving to be a real asset to the team and a joy to work alongside. 

Kaitlyn Auton Marketing Intern

Kaitlyn joined Team Valley Group as a Marketing Intern in January 2023 and is currently undertaking a Business and Marketing BSc at Northumbria University. 

As part of her internship with the Group, Kaitlyn is tasked with the responsibility of managing all of the marketing activity for North East Network, a regional networking organisation co-founded by Team Valley Group. With an educational background in business spanning six years, Kaitlyn is well equipped for the challenges of the role and is excited by the ways in which her work enables her to further develop and strengthen her knowledge and skill set whilst working towards future career goals.

Stu Thompson Signs and Large Format

Having built up a successful North East-based signage business, Stu joined Team Valley Group in 2018, bringing a new dimension with his expertise and experience.

Stu’s internal and external signage skills, vehicle wraps and livery, and glass manifestation provide businesses with a complete branding solution. Stu works closely with our design team to deliver everything from flat, shop front signs to 3D illuminated signage and branded roller blinds to bespoke wallpaper.

Due to the nature of work undertaken, Stu is PASMA certified to relevant BS/EN standards for safe use of scaffolding and has been awarded additional certification for working at heights.

Matthew Neve Signs and Large Format

Matthew joined Team Valley Group in 2012 and during his first year in the company, he completed an apprenticeship in specialist IT software. He is now responsible for all aspects of printing and also assists with on-site sign fitting and application of vehicle graphics.

Matthew has extensive knowledge of all forms of printing including short run digital, large format and also sign manufacturing.

Matthew enjoys the versatility of working in Team Valley Group’s in-house print studio and relishes the new challenges that come through the door every day.

Cameron Reid Digital Print Specialist

Cameron forms an essential part of the Team Valley Group team as a Digital Print Specialist and has been with us for a whopping ten years, having joined the Group back in 2013 after working in the retail industry for over a decade.

As a Digital Printer, it’s Cameron’s responsibility to handle all of our print jobs here at the Group, liaising with clients and taking care of the printing process.

A hard worker with a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of the printing process, Cameron is a true asset to the Team Valley Printers team and the Group overall.

Justin Shotton Large Format Digital Printer

Justin joined Team Valley Group in 2020 in order to complete his Digital Printing Apprenticeship.

With his positive attitude and commitment to producing high-quality work, Justin was recognised as an asset to the team and offered a permanent position with the Group as a Digital Printer following the completion of his apprenticeship.

Equipped with an Art & Design Diploma from Newcastle College and a Certificate of Higher Education in Graphic Design from Northumbria University, Justin brings strong design know-how to his work, along with comprehensive technical skills. With a background in the customer service industry, Justin also possesses high levels of customer care experience.

Louise Leonard Accounts

Louise joined Team Valley Group in November 2013 as our Administration and Accounts whizz. 

After completing her education in Australia, Louise gained experience in administration at a bustling hospital emergency department before moving back to the UK and eventually joining the Group. 

Having been with us for almost a decade, Louise plays a critical role in supporting the inner workings of the Group in a variety of ways, and although she may joke that she is a “jack of all trades and master of none”, we know that this could not be further from the truth! 

From managing the admin and accounts for Team Valley Web and Team Valley Marketing to finessing the layouts for The Advertiser and Business Networx, not to mention the support she provides to Company Director Andrew as his PA, Louise does it all and then some. 

With a passion for community fundraising (as well as lists and spreadsheets!) Louise is also a previous recipient of the Paul Harris Award from the Whickham Rotary Club.