WHO WE ARE

We’re a diverse team of strategists, designers, writers and digital experts who can turn our hand to most communications challenges.

We build brand identities, campaigns and communications for organisations that are driven by a social or environmental purpose — charities, social enterprises and green businesses amongst them.

What unites us is the belief that brand and communications should be used to accelerate the ideas and ambitions of those doing the work that really matters.

OUR VALUES

Like you, we’re a values-led organisation.

Of course we strive to embody integrity, honesty, dedication and diligence. But we also hold dear three principles that really express who — and how — we are.

They are:
Collectivism, Curiosity and Courage.

We commit to these in the way we work with each other, our clients and collaborators.

THE CORE TEAM

Nick Christoforou
Founding partner

Nick is passionate about giving the ideas and organisations that are making our world a better place the platform they deserve. That’s why he founded Neo more than 16 years ago. He takes an explorative and integrated approach to every project, assembling and facilitating teams with the right expertise to provide the right outcomes. Nick’s also a trustee of a charity that supports communities in Uganda through a range of interconnected programmes — including sustainable agriculture, education and social enterprise.

Kelly Smith
Partner, lead strategist & writer

Kelly has a rich background in journalism and communications and has led a wide range of brand and communications projects. She asks the questions that drill down to what really matters — truths and ideas that inspire profound social and environmental change. Able to grasp the bigger picture while exercising obsessive attention to detail, Kelly’s passionate about using language to challenge, empower and unite people around purpose.

For three years she’s volunteered her time and skills as a trustee for Brighton-based arts charity Root Experience. In 2019, she edited the charity’s book Hidden Stories, a playful graphic novel moving people to think differently about mental health and invisible illness.

Gemma Monk-Hartley
Project coordinator & researcher

Gemma is an experienced project manager with an appetite for big challenges. She combines strategic thinking, attention to detail and clear communication to help facilitate the best outcomes. She’s made happen complex brand and sustainability comms projects for the likes of Unilever, the BBC and M&S, and smaller projects for Teachers TV, Lake Tanganyika Floating Health Clinic and WWF. Gemma’s lifelong love of animals has developed into a passion to protect their health and promote their wellbeing. She provides non-invasive thermographic imaging for dogs and horses, as an innovative way of assisting veterinary diagnosis and preventative care.

Alissa Thaler
Lead designer

Alissa is a multidisciplinary designer with a zest for experimentation. She blends technology and creative techniques to spark interest, engagement and challenge expectations.Having worked with creative teams in Vienna, Berlin and Brighton, she has diverse international experience from across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Alissa brings a playful creative energy that supports innovation and freshness in our design work.

Alex Morrell
Designer

Alex is a motivated, resourceful designer dedicated to making a difference. His designs are progressive, playful and human-centred and he has a strong eye for visual detail.

As a recent Falmouth University design graduate, he’s collaborated with a diverse group of creative professionals and organisations, helping him to grasp the principles of interactional, purposeful and research-focused design. He’s committed to contributing his skills to work that matters and is inspired by great ideas that influence change.

NEO COLLABORATORS

Becky Alford Designer	Lee Suttey Designer	Neil Hardcastle Designer	Nicola Morland Designer	Sam Ellis Designer
Matt Chittock Writer	Liane Baddeley Writer & digital content consultant	Angie Thomas Videographer & animator	Martin Atkin Communications consultant	Fran Swaine Digital consultant
Rachel Collinson Fundraising consultant	Greig Cooke Web developer	Dan Murray Web developer