DrumRoll Founders
Damian Stancombe
Drum major
DrumRoll // Liverpool
Honoured to lead this wonderful ensemble of rock ‘n’ DrumRollers.
My dyslexia has never stifled my passion for communication – in fact I’d say it’s fuelled it. So when I talk about refreshingly straightforward communication for everyone – I think, how could you not want to be behind that?
I’ve lead sales and marketing teams from asset management to consultancy and created award winning brands across my career. But I’d describe myself as a creative, and perhaps that’s just another name for dreamer – not all who wonder are lost . . .
When I’m not working…
My family come first – furry and those not quite so hirsute. Then my love is Bowie, my passion LFC and my drink of choice is red too.
Steph Gold
Associate and Lead DrumRoll consultant
DrumRoll // Glasgow
From guiding the team through creating communication strategies for a whole range of top-tier clients, showcasing our services in a new business pitch, to helping our awesome team reach their own professional goals – I’m the go-to expert for many things! I love that every day is different and offers me a new challenge so I can go home happy and with a huge sense of achievement.
When I’m not working…
Outside work, my family are my world. I’m always busy and love a project to get stuck into – the latest projects include chasing my Australian Labradoodle in our dog agility classes and trying to slow down my newly retired racehorse . . . the theme being there’s more to life than doing everything at breakneck speed – a lesson we could probably all learn from!
Architects / consultants
Rachel Harold
Employee engagement architect
DrumRoll // Amersham
I love helping our clients explain the complicated to their members. While I can’t promise to make pensions your new favourite subject, I can write communications that get to the point in a friendly, helpful way! I’m also a bit of an organisational whizz, so I look after a lot of the admin side of things for the team too.
When I’m not working…
When I’m not at work I love to get outside. Walking is a new found hobby of mine and if I’m not exploring the beautiful Chiltern hills near my home, you’ll most likely find me by the sea. I’m happiest with a BIG cup of tea in my hand, adding a few rows to my latest knitting project and trying to hit a ball straight on the golf course!
Allan McCabe
Employee engagement architect
DrumRoll // Glasgow
It’s always handy to know an architect – someone who can create something. And that’s just what I love to do.
Whether it’s dreaming up great content for our social media channels, crafting communication plans, or deciphering those tricky pension rules and regulations, I’m passionate about creating straight-forward, engaging messages. Before delving into the world of financial services, my background was in broadcast and digital journalism, which means I like to ask questions and really get to know how people feel. And that comes in useful when I’m putting together our client surveys.
When I’m not working…
I like to be on my feet – either in the terraces supporting my beloved Binos (that’s Stirling Albion to any non-Scottish football fans) or fulfilling my sense of wanderlust by exploring new places and hillwalking in the scenic Scottish wilderness. Live is better in my book – gigs, stand-up, football, they’re all better experienced first-hand. Maybe that’ll explain why I’ve got a drawer full of ticket stubs and I haven’t got a Netflix account!
Sophie Ford
Communication and engagement consultant
DrumRoll // Cheltenham
My job boils down to really getting to know what a client wants to achieve, so communication definitely starts at home for me (and who doesn’t love a good chinwag over a cuppa?!). It’s finding the best approach to communicate in a meaningful way with the people that matter, who need to make sense of it all when it arrives in their inbox or lands on their doormat. I love a challenge and coming up with an engagement strategy is a bit like building a communication puzzle – what pieces do we have and how are we going to best fit them all together? I’m also partial to turning my hand to some creative copywriting and working with our designers to pull it all together so it resonates beautifully.
When I’m not working…
When I’m not running around after my daughters (tennis lessons, musical theatre and all that other good, wholesome stuff!) there’s a little bit of time left to go for a run, for the pure fun of it! I’ve well and truly got the running bug and love nothing more than a long run on the local trails of Worcestershire (it’s all about being outside and having a social catch-up with my running buddies). I completed my first marathon during lockdown – definitely one of life’s greatest achievements for me. It’s amazing what you’ll do to escape the kids and get some ‘me time’!
Sam Coates
Communication and engagement consultant
DrumRoll // Amersham
I’m passionate about communicating. I love using behavioural insights, coupled with a sound strategy and words, to connect and inspire change. I’ve been described as inquisitive and tenacious, I leave no stone unturned. I enjoy the challenge of designing innovative ways to solve client issues and love learning new things. I find it really energising to be at the forefront of unchartered territory or implementing something new.
I cut my teeth in marketing and events, moving on to employee wellbeing and employee engagement before finding my passion in creating and strategically leading communications and engagement projects for leading clients. My experience working in both client and agency environments means I have a good understanding of how clients work and why.
When I’m not working…
Whilst I work hard, I always find time for play too. I love the great outdoors, getting out in the fresh air and breathing it all in. I re-balance myself with regular meditation and I keep fit with yoga and BodyPump. My favourite tipple is a Gin Martini – shaken not stirred. I’m not keen on sweets, sweet things or cakes (I know I’m blessed) but I’m a fiend for dark chocolate, 90% and up if you really want to get my attention! And I’m an identical twin – and yes, we do look alike – and yes – people do get the two of us confused. But this is definitely me!
Lorrie Charles
Employee Engagement Consultant
DrumRoll // Leeds
I love talking to our clients, to really get to the bottom of what’s important to them and help solve their communication challenges.
I aim to use my 25 years+ experience to create meaningful communications that make sense to people and drive positive behaviour change. It’s a great feeling knowing a project I’ve worked on has helped people to make the right choices, and could in turn make a positive difference to their futures.
When I’m not working…
When I’m not ferrying the kids around, I love meeting up with friends, watching Netflix with the hubby and using my creative flair for home improvements. I also love footy – whether that’s watching our son from the side-lines or my childhood team, West Bromwich Albion.
Copywriters
Max Curtis
Copywriter
DrumRoll // Amersham
I write lots of words every day, communicating with real people to engage them with the important business of looking after themselves in retirement. Financial information can be complex stuff, often liberally scattered with baffling lingo . . . so it’s lucky I thrive on cutting through the jargon! Transforming the convoluted into something clear, useful and simple is what I’m good at and what I love. I’m handy with a red pen too . . .
When I’m not working…
I’m a creative at heart, so when I’m not thinking up new ways to say uncrystallised funds pension lump sum, you’ll find me happily knitting stripy socks or stitching something fabulous to adorn my home. I have a keen appreciation of fine baked goods and can whip up the darkest, stickiest gingerbread you’ll ever taste. Along with a deep love of sci-fi novels and meandering through an art gallery I aspire to own a hairless cat.
Oh, and uncrystallised funds pension lump sum? It’s just being able to take some or all of your pension savings as a cash sum.
Sam Hailey
Employee engagement architect
DrumRoll // Liverpool
I thrive off transforming complicated communications into something that speaks to the audience and keeps them interested. Adding my creative flair to a project and producing something more engaging is what makes me tick. Some ideas can be farfetched, to put it mildly, but I like the idea of being different from the ordinary and creating something thought-provoking.
When I’m not working…
I’m not really one for sitting still, so when I’m not in the gym, walking my dogs or cleaning up after them I’m busy finding something else to do. I would say I’m a gamer, but in truth, I really only play a couple of games – FIFA and Crash Bandicoot – so I’m not sure actual gamers would let me use the term . . . I enjoy watching football although, being an Arsenal fan, you might say ‘enjoy’ is probably a stretch! I kite surf when the British weather allows – not so often at the moment – I suppose there’s always next summer.
Creatives
Alex Evans
Co-founder and Chief of Operations
Studio BLUP // London
My role is to keep things ticking and growing.
BLUP was started around eight years ago, but no-one knows when exactly. We were a stereotypical bedroom start up, (same house, separate rooms) and now reside in London’s pumping heart, Soho.
I met my business partner Dines while we were both studying design and although I still love the creative side, my passion is now squarely in managing the business day to day. Every year I find myself enjoying spreadsheets and white boards a little bit more . . .
When I’m not working…
Outside of work my interests are pretty normal – I love sport – mainly tennis, football and golf. I’m a big fan of Christopher Nolen and Leo DiCaprio – struggle to think of a bad film he’s been in. In my lifetime I plan to go to all the tennis grand slams, Golf Masters and a football world cup final. Also a big fan of architecture and one day hope to build a house from scratch.
David Dorai-Raj
Design lead
DrumRoll // Amersham
Day to day, my job as a designer involves coming up with creative ideas for online or print platforms and communicating them in an effective, appealing way. For me it’s important to strike the right chord right from the first glance, so I focus on using colour theory, design theory, typographical hierarchies and understanding user expectations.
When I’m not working…
My daughter and new dog keep me busy. I also love visiting new countries, meeting people and sampling different cuisines and customs. I can’t wait to plan my next adventure – South America is top of the list. Watching the occasional game of football or rugby also keeps me happy – when my daughter, the dog and time allow it!
Sam Eastwood
Graphic designer
DrumRoll // Amersham
My role as one of the designers in the team is pretty important because, well, we make everything look ace!
Coming up with fresh designs for layouts to make communications more engaging is what makes me tick. I love researching the latest design trends and almost anything inspires me – even a colour scheme on a phone app. I enjoy the challenge of designing for our clients in the financial industry as there’s so much more opportunity to create something truly different and outstanding. I believe in the simplicity of design because it can have a huge impact on peoples understanding when it’s done well.
When I’m not working…
Outside work you’ll find me exploring the wonderful Oxfordshire countryside with my wife, binge-watching Netflix with a glass of red wine in hand (gin at the weekend!). I’m also a lifelong Man United fan.
DINES®
Co-founder and Creative Director
Studio BLUP // London
I bring my own distinctive style and vision as Creative Director – constantly looking to transform the way brands connect with the new culture. Creativity is currency – you can use it to get ahead in life and build your own certainty.
My insatiable desire for cutting-edge creative and constantly evolving BLUPs approach provides brands with a much-coveted window into the new culture. Taking our creative to the next level with emerging tech, audience insight and behavioural science is always my main driver.
When I’m not working…
While BLUP is at the heart of everything, you’ll also find me thriving in my other roles as mentor, philanthropist, entrepreneur, international speaker, lifestyle influencer and passionate youth advocate.
Music, clothes, and trainers all feature heavily in my life outside work . . . .
James Brackett
Graphic designer
DrumRoll // Amersham
When it comes to design I go all out – putting my creative skills to good use for real people. In a nutshell I work with an amazing team exploring different brands, discovering what our clients are all about and creating memorable, eye-catching communications.
When I’m not working…
In my spare time I’m half dad, half geek. Me, my wife and my dog Ted take care of the family – we make sure they’re getting plenty of exercise and while I love doing the cooking, Ted is great at tidying up after the kids at meal times. I particularly enjoy baking ambitious cakes for my kids’ birthdays – so far these include a three foot high Paw Patrol creation and a Lego Spiderman New York cityscape complete with Avengers tower.
Otherwise I’m pretty eclectic in my interests, and though I relish geek culture (Star Wars, computer games and comics), I also enjoy a wide range of other interests from football to karaoke.
Rodger Patterson
Digital designer
DrumRoll // Glasgow
First and foremost I’m a creative with a true passion for design and creating the very best online experience. Using data as my guide, I always aim to produce engaging, imaginative, considered solutions for our clients. I’m keen to find new, innovative ways to take our work to the next level so I keep up to date with the latest trends in design.
When I’m not working…
In my ‘spare’ time, my two young kids keep me very busy physically and mentally. When I’m not running about after them, I try to keep fit with a bit of Joe Wicks, catch the odd basketball game and enjoy the outdoors as much as I can (Scottish weather permitting!).
