Meet the Office Team

Our Business Development team includes:

PETER KEITH - Business Development Manager 

Peter worked for many years in publishing as a Sales Director and Publisher. He started working for financial publishers such as The Financial Times and Euromoney and worked in the Middle East, North America and central Europe. He moved on to new media where he was involved in setting up a series of leisure and sports websites.

Peter likes a challenge. Whether it be putting together a project which is just right for you, riding his bicycle up a Pyrenean mountain, or walking on top of a Scottish moor – doing something new and exciting is what gets him up and going.

MARK RIGBY - Business Development Executive

Mark worked in New Zealand as an engineer for many years before moving into an account management role within the financial services industry. It was whilst within this industry that he discovered his passion for self development and training; realising what a difference it can make within an organisation.

Mark loves a challenge, adventure and being out of his comfort zone, whether it be putting together new projects at work or flying his helicopter and participating in adventure sports.  It is for this reason he moved to the UK to start a new and challenging role whilst gaining experience from being on the other side of the world.

JERMAINE EDWARDS - Business Development Executive

Jermaine has worked with the London borough of Waltham Forest consulting and mentoring people on savings management and the benefits of education. Two years ago he decided to progress his professional and personal development and add value to companies as a business development executive. We are delighted he has now joined Speak First, helping our clients to develop relevant and impactful training programmes.                    

Jermaine enjoys sports and activities that challenge his body and mind and took part in the London Oxfam Marathon. He loves to travel and has experienced many different cultures. He believes that growth is inspired by becoming vulnerable to different experiences and learning from them.

Our Client Services team includes:

MONICA CHILD – Client Relationship Manager

With experience in retail administration and customer service, Monica is all about helping our clients and the rest of the Speak First team with the details. She assists Kylie with all aspects of course administration and manages bookings for Open Courses. When not in the office, Monica can usually be found on Parliament Hill with a kite, a book, or a bottle of vino but you shouldn't be surprised if you find her at the cinema from time to time.

CHRIS CAVENDISH – Client Services Manager

Chris has worked in a variety of industries, focusing mainly on Customer Service. He has worked for several companies, helping them to implement new procedures that have created a higher standard of customer service. He enjoys coming up with new and unique ideas, then seeing them used throughout the company. At Speak First Chris liaises with clients, trainers and the office team to ensure all training runs smoothly and gives clients the best possible experience.

When not at work Chris can be found in cinemas and restaurants with friends, or watching major sporting events.

Our Marketing and Communications team includes:

LAURA JAMES – Marketing and Communications Manager

Laura previously worked for Cancer Research UK on several areas of Marketing and Fundraising – from online marketing and events to looking after charity shops! After travelling and working in Australia for a year, she has now joined Speak First as Marketing and Communications Manager and hopes to show everyone just how much Speak First has to offer.

Laura likes to make the most of London, but also loves escaping to other parts of the UK and the world for holidays. She spends as much time as possible with friends – going to the theatre or cinema, or just meeting up for a good meal or a bottle of wine.