INBG - Key People
Bill Colbourne - CEO
Bill is a founder and CEO of The Intelligent New Business Group, comprising three companies: Rainmaker, Blossom and Pearlfinders - each of which has transformed its respective industry. He has a degree in History and Latin from Leicester University and a former career as a published songwriter. In his spare time he paints in oils and enjoys running too.
Denese Colbourne - Group Commercial Director
Denese is a founder and the Commercial & Financial Director of INBG. She has a successful track record for conceiving and launching corporate innovations in the new business services space. Since 1996 she has advised the principals of over 500 different marketing agencies on best practice new business programmes. She studied Egyptology at University of London, is a serious cook and likes to relax with a good glass of Gigondas. She and Bill have two daughters, Eva and Maya.
Gareth Dixon - Founder INBG
Gareth was a new business developer at Saatchi & Saatchi, responsible for winning multi-million pound accounts, before teaming up with Bill and Denese to co-found INBG. He has helped a large number of marketing agencies to find their most effective voice, especially when reaching out to fresh prospects. He likes sailing and is the proud father of Kezia, Ted and Rory.
Anthony Cooper - Managing Director Pearlfinders
Formerly at Hoovers and Dun & Bradstreet, Anthony has an exemplary record in selling and marketing business information products. A keen sportsman, he brings experience and style to the company's 6 a-side football team while also boasting 2 completed marathons to date.
Charlotte Fletcher - New Business Director
In addition to being New Business Director of Rainmaker, Oxford grad Charlie Fletcher, has also planned and directed new business activity for a string of high profile agency accounts in the UK and Europe. Multi-lingual, she lived and worked in Germany prior to joining the team. She and Felix have a son, Oscar and daughter Hettie.
James Porteous-Butler - Senior Account Director
James is an experienced account director at Rainmaker. Prior to this he excelled in various sales roles across the property, automotive and business information sectors. Since joining Rainmaker he has been central to the success of clients across all marketing disciplines - providing opportunites that have converted to wins with the likes of BT, Virgin, Electronic Arts and HSBC. His interests include film, music, cricket and he sees himself as a dab hand in the kitchen.
Jennifer Cross - Account Director
Prior to joining Rainmaker, Jennifer was head of European business development for the global youth media company VICE. In addition to growing new business, she was instrumental in setting up VICE's creative agency, Virtue Worldwide, and online TV network, VBS.tv in Europe. During this time she worked on the strategy and implementation of both on and off-line campaigns for the likes of Nokia, Volvo, Microsoft and Lee Jeans, amongst others. Before VICE Jennifer was co-founder and publisher of BCN WEEK - Spain's first tri-lingual cultural weekly publication and website. Prior to this she was Sales Director for Universum (formerly Jungle Media Group) in New York. She is interested in history and evolutionary biology, and grew up on Cape Cod (MA) so loves the ocean.
Mike Thorne - Product Director Pearlfinders
Mike has played an essential role within the Pearlfinders research and analyst team since 2006. In his current position he is responsible for the creation, editorial and delivery of Pearlfinders' portfolio of products and services. He also spearheads new product development. Mike studied Business and Law at Warwick University and is a handy tennis player.
Andrew Newton - Director of Planning
Before Rainmaker, Andrew taught English in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan and then spent 6 years working in both sales and marketing positions within the media industry, most recently at JCDecaux. During his time there, Andrew played a key role in the company's creative output, helping devise campaigns alongside agencies such as the Ogilvy Group and global clients including Microsoft. Although passionate about music and literature, his principal concern outside of work is the continuing decline of Lincoln City football club.
First Meetings - nuts & bolts
If you're an old hand at attending new business meetings this advice isn't for you. If you're new to this area or have struggled to convert as much as you'd like face-to-face, then click below for some simple tips to help you.
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