01
Northumbria Police
Even though I say it myself, this is one of the best media driven ideas, ever. If you haven't guessed, these are bus sides. Long and skinny like knives, right!
I did these about 20 years ago, and they're just as relevant now. Fab photography by Kevin Radcliffe.
They never ran, by the way, which is a great shame.
02
Global Image
Back in the day we used to do a lot of creative work just to win awards. These were a case in point.
They won loads of glassy, shiny things. To virtually guarantee an award, we'd just come up with a great idea, then get Alex Telfer to photograph it!
03
Cash for Kids
Cash for Kids is one of the UKs biggest, most important charities.
At Christmas it goes up another gear, providing gifts for children
who might otherwise receive nothing. I have always been proud of creating this brand for their annual Mission Christmas campaign.
04
Metropolitan Restaurant
There used to be a great restaurant on Grey Street in Newcastle that I used to frequent on a regular basis.
The food was exceptional, and beautifully presented.
These ads were a real reflection of the restaurant's quality,
and a very brave client, to not simply rely on food shots for once.
05
Firetrap
I remember at the time of running this rubbish campaign, that the official 'Keep Britain Tidy' people weren't very happy. Once again I apologise, however, it did pick up some very nice creative awards,
which made me pretty happy I have to say!
06
Village Optician
I always loved the way the Village Optician 'V' when encircled really does have a strong similarity to the human Iris.
07
The Black Swan
My old agency, Hedley McEwan were asked to design posters and tickets for a publicity association 'Spanish Night' at the Black Swan Arts Centre in Newcastle about 15 years ago.
I couldn't find the work, but I remember the main image which
I've recreated here. Who doesn't love a bit of Dali?
08
SpringGuru
This aptly named shoe has 30 plus micro - springs in the sole. Biometric tests showed that they actually returned energy to wearer. They never really took off, perhaps that's because they set off alarms at airport security?
09
MetroCentre
To celebrate the 25th, silver anniversary of MetroCentre,
I designed a number of sculptures which were installed at various locations in centre. They represented MetroCentre's customers. They were, of course, silver and 25% larger than life!
10
Story Decorating
This rebrand went really well. With a cleaner, more contemporary look and feel as requested. However, for me it was the positioning that did the business.
When I explained to people what Story Decorating were all about, I'd always say, "They decorate airports, hospitals and universities, not houses." Hence the very succinct and apt...'Decorating places with bigger spaces.' Says it all really!
11
Sharman Wines
This was a project close to my heart. Firstly, Sharman, Mike Sharman is a good friend of mine. Secondly, I do love a glass of wine or three. This was created many years ago now, but it still looks fresh, crisp and a little bit cheeky.
12
North West Recycling
I did a lot of work for this brand. Mostly digital and print.
However, when you get the chance to go big, you've got to
nail it. This truck rear says it all to me.
13
Newcastle United
A few years ago, to celebrate Newcastle United’s 125-year anniversary, I was briefed to design a bespoke whisky for the occasion. Here are the proposed designs I put forward.
14
Elddis Caravans
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This was a brilliant client, and I won my first-ever major creative award for Elddis at the Roses. Sadly, I can't find the campaign. However, this campaign by one of my teams, Mark Martin and Chris Rickaby, is the campaign I wish I’d done;
we all have at least one, and this is it for me.
It was actually included in the D&AD annual the year it ran. This is just one of six ads - Illustrators Allan Cooke and Vincent Van Gogh!
15
Fresh
Here are a few stills from a TV ad. We came up with the ‘Fresh’ brand when I was Creative Director of Robson Brown.
Smoking rates in the North East were at 1 in 3 people.
As of 2026, it's 1 in 10; I'm very proud of that.
After a few years of the smoking ban in public places, the ban was to be extended to the workplace. The image of Floral tributes at the side of the road where someone had died
came to mind. What if we placed floral tributes in the workplace? Still's photographer Alex Telfer became film director and music by Brian Eno brought the idea to life.