Our Team
A passionate group of marketers and event pros dedicated to growing the South West’s marketing community.
Dave founded Building Brands in 2020 to give marketers across the South West a place to connect, learn and be inspired. Under his leadership, it’s grown into a thriving community built on collaboration and lasting relationships.
Chris has been with Building Brands since the very first event. As host, he makes sure everyone feels welcome, while also leading on business development and sponsorships. Energetic and larger-than-life, you’ll usually hear him before you see him.
Jon is a seasoned consultant who’s built and sold successful businesses, including the respected agency Noisy Little Monkey. He leads Building Brands’ strategy and operations, always pushing for inclusivity and open to fresh ideas.
Steve is passionate about the awesome marketing (and human) impact of blending behavioural science, psychology and curiosity into practically everything. In between all that, he's also encouraging others to embrace the real joy of collecting, owning, buying and gifting DCUK characters.
Ali Newton-Temperley is COO of Unusual Group, where she helps marketing agency founders build more robust businesses. A long-time Building Brands supporter, Ali is author of Agency Exits, sharing real founder stories and practical paths to successful exits.
Amy is the brand designer behind Ace & Ping. Based in Devon, Amy works with global, purpose driven businesses on brand, website and social media design. She helps clients stand out through cohesive visual identity across digital and physical touchpoints.
Based in Exeter, Hanna helps brands find their voice and show up confidently online. Known for her bold, creative approach and straight-talking style, she’s passionate about storytelling, community and empowering businesses to do marketing their way.
Tabitha brings calm insight and creative flair to Building Brands. With a background in comms and content, she translates ideas into action and champions people-first marketing, helping businesses show up with clarity and purpose.
Our Brand Pillars
With a fun and fresh approach to marketing, we do things differently and we’re not what you’d expect.
Seriously
Playful
We go the extra mile to build an inclusive and With a fun and fresh approach to marketing, we do things differently and we’re not what you’d expect.
Relentlessly
Supportive
We go the extra mile to build an inclusive and welcoming community with a focus on helping and uplifting each other.
Practically
Inspiring
We engage our community with an intentionally diverse programme of events with a great balance of thought-provoking content and practical tips for success.
Speaker Pitch Form
Are you interested in speaking at Building Brands? Then we'd love to hear from you. Please just complete the form below to pitch your idea for a talk at one of our conference events. Tell us about your proposed topic, and why you think it would resonate so much with our audience. Don't worry if you don't have tons of speaking experience, we can have a chat and see where things go. Thank you!
Code of Conduct
Here is the code of conduct that I need added, please:
Our Code of Conduct for members
We want to ensure that Building Brands is as welcoming, supportive, and inspiring as possible. To keep it that way, we have introduced the following guidelines to help everyone enjoy and make the most of their time here. All we ask is that you treat the community - and each other - with kindness and respect. This applies both online and at in-person events. Here’s how we can all contribute:
Be respectful
Let’s treat everyone with the respect they deserve, whether they’re brand new or have been here for years. No harsh words, no name-calling, and definitely no harassment. We’re here to support each other and create a positive vibe, not tear each other down. As my Mum always said, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Support each other
We’re here to lift each other up, share what we know, and encourage one another. When someone asks for advice, please give it openly and kindly.
Keep it professional-ish
We’re a community of professionals, so let’s keep things meaningful and on-topic. Feel free to share your wins and cool projects, but remember, it’s about connection and engagement, not cold sales. Let’s celebrate each other, not overwhelm the space with self-promotion. And lets have fun and enjoy ourselves.
The No-Dick-Head rule
We won’t tolerate discrimination, hate speech, or any other kind of crap that makes people feel unwelcome or unsafe. We’re a diverse group, and that’s what makes this community and our events, special! Embrace our differences, and treat everyone with respect and kindess. If you can’t do that, then this isn’t the right place for you.
Zero tolerance for harassment
We have a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of harassment, online or in person. If anything doesn’t feel right. then please reach out, and we’ll handle it. Everyone should feel safe and comfortable as part of Building Brands, whether you’re sitting at your computer or you’re at one of our events.
Follow the golden rule
If you wouldn’t like something done or said to you, don’t do it to someone else. Simple as that. Be the kind of community member you’d love to meet.
If things go off track, here’s what to expect
- Gentle reminder: For minor slip-ups, we’ll have `a chat, and give you a chance to adjust. We all have off days.
- Permanent removal: If you seriously cross the line or ignore multiple warnings, we’ll remove you from the group or the event. We will absolutely not allow anyone to make others feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
We’re all here to create a supportive, inclusive, and engaging community where everyone feels valued. If you’re on board with that, then we’re thrilled to have you with us!
FAQs
Got a question? You’ll find answers to the most common queries about our events, community, and membership here.
Membership is based on bi-weekly newsletters which house everything from marketing news and jobs across the region, thought pieces and marketing job listings. You can also access a range of white papers, marketing blogs, mental health support resources and training via our website.
Yes! All of our venues are accessible by public transport. Building Brands partners with Great Western Railway (GWR) for discounted train fares to events in Bristol, Exeter, and Plymouth, including from London Paddington. Click here for the GWR Conference Discount Website
We ensure that all of our conferences are held at experienced and equipped venues, with parking on-site or nearby. Please be sure to pay for tickets - we would hate for you to get a ticket!
Yes - refunds are offered, provided you give notice before the stated cut-off date. We try our best to accomodate everyone and be as flexible as possible.
Yes - if tickets sell out, a waiting list is set up. Cancellations closer to the event can release tickets back to waiting‑list members first.
We hold 3 main conferences a year in Exeter, Plymouth and Bristol. We also host smaller events throughout the year such as Heads of Agency dinners, co-working meetups and more.
Currently, our membership is an email subscription only and is free to join! Simply sign up here and let us do the rest.