Meet the SoGlos team

Background

Michelle co-founded SoPublishing in 2007, returning to her home county of Gloucestershire after living in London and the Middle East. She has worked as a journalist on titles including The Guardian, The Evening Standard and Time Out Dubai during her 20-year media career, and gained a postgraduate diploma from City University’s prestigious Journalism School.

Role

Michelle heads up the Editorial Hub team, steers the editorial direction of SoGlos, oversees marketing strategy and drives the company’s ambitious growth plans. She is also currently studying for an MBA.

SoGlos career highlight

Creating the original concept for SoGlos on the back of a napkin at the top of the Burj Al Arab – it was the first small step in an exciting entrepreneurial journey.

On the weekend

As well as ferrying her three small kids to football matches and swimming lessons, Michelle has almost finished renovating a dilapidated Regency money pit in Cheltenham. She enthusiastically (and uselessly) grows veg, loves trying out new restaurants and mixes many an Aperol Spritz.

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

Pittville Park.

Loves

Wes Anderson films, interior design magazines, oat milk lattes and sushi.

Hates

Mice and noisy eaters.

Ultimate bucketlist

To visit 40 countries during her 40s...

Yes, really!

Michelle was once chased by a wild lion in South Africa.

Background

James grew up in the Forest of Dean and Gloucester, moving to study in London and Cardiff before embarking on a media career in London and Dubai. He returned to Gloucestershire in 2006 to co-found SoGlos.

Role

James oversees all business operations, focusing on SoGlos’s ongoing mission to reinvent regional media, creating sustainable growth and helping to increase its market position as Gloucestershire’s leading media brand.

SoGlos highlight

A closet nerd, James particularly loves working on tech development projects with our web agency 16i. He’s most proud of helping to develop our bespoke business platform, SoCMS – the best back-office system in regional media!

Outside of work

James can’t shut up about CrossFit, trying to beat his parkrun PB with some of the team, tackling never-ending DIY and days out with his kids.

First job

Working for his dad on a market stall at Gloucester Cattle Market. He’ll never forget those early starts flogging Super Nintendo games.

Loves

Fitness challenges, the great outdoors, Sunday roasts and epic films.

Hates

Being disorganised.

Favourite quote

We all have two lives. The second begins when we realise we only have one.

Fun fact

James’s current fitness challenge is to be able to do a handstand walk.

Cocktail of choice

Old fashioned – cool and classic.

Background

Kerinda was born in Lancashire but went to school in Gloucestershire. She studied for her degree at the University for Creative Arts in Farnham, Surrey, and has since been involved in media in Gloucestershire for 20 years – including 10 years in radio.

Role

Using her extensive experience in advertising and marketing to advise both B2B and B2C clients on how they can reach new and engaged audiences across Gloucestershire.

SoGlos career highlight

Being offered the position with SoGlos after a tumultuous 2020.

On the weekend

Spending time with her husband Stuart and their teenage daughter Scarlet, getting out and walking in the beautiful countryside with their dog Dusty. Or with her head in an interiors magazine, finding inspiration for what to paint next…

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

Nothing can beat the view from the top of May Hill.

Loves

Prosecco, Pinterest, lazy Sunday mornings, crisp autumn walks, and getting into a cold bed.

Hates

Having her hair cut. And hot beds.

Ultimate bucketlist

Kerinda would love to explore the hidden gems of Europe – and take the path least trodden.

Yes, really!

Kerinda has trypophobia. She says to Google it but don’t show her the pictures, unless you want her to be sick!

Background

Sophie grew up in the Cotswolds and joined SoGlos in 2016 after an eight-year career in the property industry, coming directly from her role as senior sales negotiator at one of Gloucestershire’s most successful estate agencies.

Role

Sophie is a senior member of the Advertising Hub team, where she creates exciting campaigns, helping clients across the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire maximise their business potential.

SoGlos career highlight

Sophie says the variety she experiences every day in her role is her real highlight. Helping all different kinds of businesses grow means each day holds something totally different.

On the weekend

She spends her weekends with her husband Owen and little boy Wilf. They enjoy walks in the countryside, eating out, gardening and cooking together.

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

It's hard to choose just one… Stroud Farmers' Market, The Forest of Dean, Toni’s Kitchen, Pittville Park and of course, home!

Loves

Sundays, seafood… well, all food, country walks, candles and Christmas.

Hates

Rudeness.

Ultimate bucketlist

To go back to the game reserve she visited in South Africa on her honeymoon in 2017.

Yes, really!

Sophie has met the queen.

Background

Amy was born in Cheltenham and has worked in publishing for over eight years. Having gained extensive advertising experience working for local and national magazines, Amy then naturally discovered a passion for the digital marketing landscape.

Role

Amy uses her vast digital experience to advise clients on how to build marketing campaigns that help them achieve their business goals.

SoGlos career highlight

Amy says, convincing James and Michelle to give her a job as a Business Development Manager during the middle of the pandemic!

On the weekend

Amy loves exploring the Cotswold countryside and often spends her weekends hiking with her partner Andy and dog Watson. This is normally followed by a nice Sunday lunch (Amy is currently working her way through the SoGlos hot list '20 dog-friendly Cotswold pubs'!)

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

Woodchester Park.

Loves

Running, exploring, eating out and gin.

Hates

Flying cockroaches.

Ultimate bucketlist

To climb Kilimanjaro.

Yes, really!

Amy’s first home purchase was a (badly) converted Mitsubishi L3000, which she and her partner lived in for several months whilst travelling around Australia.

Background

Having grown up in the South East, attended University in Birmingham, lived and worked in Nottingham and obtained her MA from Cornwall, Chloe now lives happily ever after in Cheltenham. She joined SoGlos as Deputy Editor after a decade working as a commercial radio copywriter.

Role

Chloe co-ordinates the editorial hub while producing everything from hot lists to breaking news stories, as well as awesome content marketing for clients.

SoGlos career highlight

Scaling climbing walls and sampling smoking cocktails while working on client video projects.

On the weekend

When she’s not writing short stories or poetry, Chloe is usually out with her family wandering through Gloucestershire’s magical woodlands, soaking up some culture or being a big kid at Pittville Park.

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

Indoors: Gloucester Cathedral. Outdoors: Puzzlewood.

Loves

Gothic fiction, autumn, poetry, singing, aerial hoop, cooking, the sea.

Hates

Being too hot, blue cheese, big crowds.

Ultimate bucketlist

Publishing a book, performing live on stage in a lead role, travelling to see the amazing Aurora Borealis in Iceland or fire falls at Yosemite National Park.

Yes, really!

Chloe sang and performed as a Gloucester Cathedral choirboy in the Nottingham Playhouse production of Coram Boy in 2019.

Background

Born and raised in Worcestershire, Annabel studied at the University of Birmingham and graduated with a master’s degree in English Literature. Before life at SoGlos, she worked as online editor for a construction trade publication – with a short stint as a dog walker in between.

Role

From hot lists and event listings to expert insights, Annabel delivers content marketing services for a portfolio of Gloucestershire-based clients – as well as covering breaking news and producing editorial features. She also manages our busy display advertising calendar.

SoGlos career highlight

Going behind the scenes at Cheltenham’s new Alchemist venue ahead of its opening, producing an exciting editorial video to showcase the launch.

On the weekend

Annabel loves exploring, with hikes always on the agenda. She’s also learning to play piano, and spends a lot of time eating an obscene amount of delicious food.

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

Hetty’s Kitchen cake hatch in Gloucester.

Loves

Gin, marmite and her dog, Dexter.

Hates

Mushrooms and maths.

Ultimate bucketlist

To trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Yes, really!

Annabel decided to go veggie at age four and has never looked back. Going vegan is proving a little harder though.

Background

Emma grew up in Bredon near Tewkesbury before moving to Wales to study psychology and newspaper journalism at Cardiff University. Since then, she’s lived in Bristol where she sub-edited a range of southwest titles including the Bristol Post and Gloucestershire Echo. On moving to Cheltenham five years ago, Emma joined a PR agency where she publicised the work of clients including Facebook, Wedgwood and the Royal Horticultural Society.

Role

Bringing clients’ success stories to life with compelling content marketing including sizzling hot lists and engaging advertorial features, Emma also covers the latest breaking county news.

SoGlos career highlight

Joining such a vibrant and ambitious team that’s overflowing with passion for the county. Every day is inspiring and exciting with so much breaking news and brilliant businesses to shout about.

On the weekend

Emma’s love for fine dining takes her across the Cotswolds to explore new openings with great gusto. If she’s not eating out, she’s catching up with friends or cosied up at home reading. Her book addiction means the bedside reading pile is always growing.

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

So hard to pick just one... For water – Tewkesbury, Lower Slaughter, Stroudwater canal and Frampton-on-Severn. For trees - Sezincote, Bourton House Garden, Westonbirt and Batsford Arboretum. For shopping – Daylesford Farm Shop is pure escapism luxury!

Loves

Being beside the sea – just wonderful. Flowers – growing spring bulbs and dahlias, as well as buying big bunches to brighten up the house. A crisp glass of Champagne on a sunny afternoon.

Hates

Unkindness. Emma’s a big believer in building people up and hates seeing anyone knocked down.

Ultimate bucketlist

It’s all about travel. Emma’s fella wants to visit the biggest and best cricket grounds around the world and while the fields of dreams aren’t her own, she’d love to explore the amazing countries they’re based in.

Yes, really!

Emma has abseiled down Cheltenham’s Eagle Tower and occasionally gets mistaken for Carol Vorderman!

Background

Coming soon.

Role

Coming soon.

SoGlos career highlight

Coming soon.

On the weekend

Coming soon.

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

Coming soon.

Loves

Coming soon.

Hates

Coming soon.

Ultimate bucketlist

Coming soon.

Yes, really!

Coming soon.

Background

Zoe was born in Devon but studied for her BA in journalism in Cheltenham at the University of Gloucestershire, graduating in the summer of 2020. Before SoGlos, she worked as a multimedia journalist in the recruitment industry.

Role

Zoe has hit the ground running since joining the team, writing a wide variety of lifestyle- and business-focused content and editorial under the guidance of our experience team, as well as contributing to SoGlos's social media channels to further grow each channels' audience.

SoGlos career highlight

Zoe says being offered a position at her dream company after a complicated year!

On the weekend

She spends her weekends trying out new vegan recipes, going on scenic walks, playing horror games and drinking rum.

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

Indoors, the Frog and Fiddle in Cheltenham. Outdoors, Cleeve Hill.

Loves

Tennis, freshly baked bread, pool, Studio Ghibli and Christmas.

Hates

Baked beans and rude people.

Ultimate bucketlist

To visit Japan to see the temples and cherry blossom trees.

Yes, really!

Zoe used to be in a band and has won song writing competitions in her hometown.

Background

Coming soon.

Role

Coming soon.

SoGlos career highlight

Coming soon.

On the weekend

Coming soon.

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

Coming soon.

Loves

Coming soon.

Hates

Coming soon.

Ultimate bucketlist

Coming soon.

Yes, really!

Coming soon.

Background

Coming soon.

Role

Coming soon.

SoGlos career highlight

Coming soon.

On the weekend

Coming soon.

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

Coming soon.

Loves

Coming soon.

Hates

Coming soon.

Ultimate bucketlist

Coming soon.

Yes, really!

Coming soon.

Background

Coming soon.

Role

Coming soon.

SoGlos career highlight

Coming soon.

On the weekend

Coming soon.

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

Coming soon.

Loves

Coming soon.

Hates

Coming soon.

Ultimate bucketlist

Coming soon.

Yes, really!

Coming soon.

Background

James has worked as an in-house designer for a number of tour operators, including leading the design team at luxury travel specialists Abercrombie & Kent.

Role

James makes things look pretty. Not afraid of a bit of white space, he enjoys getting client's messages across through clean, clear and compelling design.

SoGlos career highlight

Developing the SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards SGGLA brand, including a host of online and offline assets, which reached in excess of five million people in 2020.

On the weekend

Weekends are mainly family time with his sons Felix and Fox, and wife Sarah. Given the chance he'll find places to throw himself down on his mountain bike. Given a babysitter, he'll go to dinner with Sarah or listen to metal music at Two Pigs.

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

Forest of Dean downhill tracks.

Loves

Mountains, rare steak, mouldy cheese.

Hates

Trash TV, waiting, football.

Ultimate bucketlist

Tour Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia on a motorbike.

Yes, really!

James shares a birthday with Jimi Hendrix (day and month, not year).

Background

Tracey grew up in North Yorkshire but headed for Gloucestershire University at the age of 18 and has remained in Cheltenham ever since. After completing her degree, a 22-year career in the travel industry beckoned where she was lucky enough to travel the world. She is now looking forward to a slight change in direction and getting involved with all things SoGlos.

Role

Tracey is SoGlos’s office manager assisting James with the day-to-day running of the office, including a range of administrative and finance duties, bridging the gap between the Advertising Hub and Editorial hub, and supporting the organisation of both the lifestyle and business awards.

SoGlos career highlight

Being offered the position and becoming part of such an exciting and growing company after a rather testing 2020!

On the weekend

She spends time with her husband enjoying walks in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, watching Gloucester RFC at Kingsholm, socialising with friends and sampling good food and wine at Cheltenham’s many eateries.

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

A refreshing walk on either Cleeve or Leckhampton Hill to enjoy the fab views.

Loves

Going on holiday to exotic climes and to explore new places and cultures.

Hates

Waiting for a simple glass of wine when everyone before has ordered cocktails, bad manners and people who are always late.

Ultimate bucketlist

To win the lottery and travel the world in style for a year.

Yes, really!

Tracey was in the stadium when the England Rugby team won the World Cup in Sydney in 2003.

Background

Nicole moved from Cheshire to Gloucestershire when she was 18, starting off as an office junior for the local newspaper and working her way up to amass 25 years’ publishing sector experience – specialising in B2B.

Role

Leading SoGlos's flagship awards and helping to develop plans for some exciting new Gloucestershire events.

SoGlos career highlight

Joining the team at a particularly exciting time, growing SoGlos’s new business section. And loving working for an independent company.

On the weekend

Spending time with her partner Michael and daughter Amelie, and socialising with friends. Nicole loves entertaining - especially if it means using her Ooni pizza oven!

Favourite place in Gloucestershire

Eating out it has to be L’Artisan, but she also loves The Istanbul Kitchen. Not to mention camping at Far Peak Campsite and relaxing at The Greenway Hotel Spa.

Loves

G&Ts and socialising.

Hates

Rude people and spicy food.

Ultimate bucketlist

To visit the Great Barrier Reef.

Yes, really!

Nicole has braved a tandem skydive with the Red Devils in Cirencester from 10,000 ft.