MEET OUR TEAM
A team of industry experts ready to take you from first move to grandmaster.
Lucy
Managing Director
About Lucy
Before I worked at BlackRook Academy, I worked as a journalist and TV producer for the BBC and ITV. Was managing editor of express and star groups entertainment website. Was a director of a media company - working all over the world managing a global news channel. I also launched a clothing company. My favourite things in the world are, My children, sunshine and God.
Jenn
Head of Operations
About Jenn
Before I worked at BlackRook Academy, I worked as Head of Technical Development for an IT company, so I can pretend to help with any tech issues! My favourite things in the world are my daughter and my dog Reggie!
Emily
Head of Quality & Curriculum & Industry Trainer
About Emily
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I work as an exhibiting artist and researcher on lots of different media and art-based projects… and in between all of that, I lowkey love a doom scroll! My favourite things in the world are animals (I have two greyhounds, an axolotl, prickly stick insects & a family of giant African land snails), Lord of the Rings trilogy marathons, big bowls of pasta, fan fiction, heavy metal, playing Dungeons & Dragons with my mates & binge watching X-Files.
Richard
Employer Partnership Manager
About Richard
Before I worked at BlackRook Academy, I worked with Formula 1 teams! My favourite things in the world are dogs and most importantly my dog Bramble!
Sakib
Employer Partnership Manager
About Sakib
Before I worked at BlackRook Academy, I built a diverse background across sales, media and leadership. With a degree in mathematics, I worked in sales operations at Suntory, held few different sales and leadership roles, as well as tutoring for maths GCSEs and Alevels. Alongside this, I worked as a freelance video editor and social media manager. My favourite things in the world are Anime & manga, Japanese pop culture & food, volleyball, football, longboarding, and my cat Eren (named after the anime Attack on Titan).
Ayanna
Social Media Manager & Industry Trainer
About Ayanna
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I work as a creative marketing freelancer and in-house as a digital marketer for a range of different businesses. This allows me to support learners from many different perspectives giving them a valuable insight into what it’s like to be a marketer no matter what path they take. My favourite things in the world are music, dancing, food, Canva and shaking my tailfeather!
Joe A
Industry Trainer – Video Editing & Production
About Joe A
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I work as a freelance video editor and producer. I have a Master’s degree in Feature Film Development! My favourite things in the world are film and food! I love going to the cinema!
Joe W
Industry Trainer – Video & Photo
About Joe W
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I work with a wide variety of clients, creating video and photography content. My favourite things in the world are my cameras, my dog & my family... not necessarily in that order.
Penny
Industry Trainer – Digital Marketing
About Penny
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I run my own digital marketing agency where I help small businesses and charities raise their online profile, engage the right audience and deliver digital marketing that builds trust, feels manageable and supports their wider online presence. My favourite things in the world are my family, my Labrador, being outside, eating chocolate and enjoying life.
Nicky
Industry Trainer – Media Production
About Nicky
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I work in production for live news or business shows for a selection of national and international broadcasters.
My favourite things in the world are my dog Harley, Yoga, sunsets and Cadbury's chocolate. Oh, and travelling!
Hardeep
Industry Trainer – Education & Video
About Hardeep
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I will usually be delivering workshops in schools or behind the computer screens editing video content!
My favourite things in the world are kung fu movies! Oh yeah I better mention the wife and kids too!
Beth
Industry Trainer – Education & Digital
About Beth
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I am based in education. I have been a Computing and Digital Lead, building and developing internal content and developing good practice in my setting. My favourite things in the world are making music and watching terrible shark films!
Simone
Industry Trainer – Education & Social Media
About Simone
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I work as a Primary School teacher & Head of Reading. I am also a freelance social media manager, content creator and photographer. My favourite things in the world are content, photography and food. Food is life!
Anna-Mhari
Industry Trainer – Photo & Video
About Anna-Mhari
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I run my own media production company, Abeyance Media. As a freelance photographer & videographer, I shoot everything from commissioned creative projects to live events! I’ve delivered work for the BBC, Punch Records, TEDx, CBSO, and Wolverhampton Art Gallery. My favourite things in the world are community, collaboration and networking. The creative industries thrive when we stop gatekeeping, share space & lift each other up.
Laura
Industry Trainer – Video & Digital
About Laura
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I run Daisy Shoots Productions, a freelance videography and editing service that specialises in digital marketing content and podcasting. I also take time to recharge, explore new hobbies and spend quality time with my friends and family. My favourite things in the world are my dog, my partner, netball and coffee.
Carmela
Industry Trainer – Social Media Marketing
About Carmela
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I am the Social Marketing Manager at Zealous (an entries management platform built for the creative ecosystem) where my days bounce between social media, newsletters, editorial, and growth marketing. Alongside this, I freelance on projects ranging from social media management, personal branding, and creative strategy; and on weekends I teach freestyle dance. My favourite things in the world are really good food (I've inherited an Italian appetite), being near water, practicing yoga, an energising sunny day, being in the company of my favourite people, and the specific combined physical/spiritual/mental rush of feeling inspired.
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Hannah
Industry Trainer – Digital Marketing
About Hannah
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I work as a Freelance Marketing Manager, helping SMEs, business owners, and in-house marketing teams turn ideas into marketing that gets them seen, remembered, and trusted. My favourite things in the world are food, horses, music, exercise.
Atticus
Industry Trainer – Digital & Ecommerce
About Atticus
When I’m not working at BlackRook Academy, I run an e-commerce website and help founders grow their business online. My favourite things in the world are my daughters, coffee and a good workout.
Why BlackRook?
- Industry-led trainers
- Real-world, practical delivery
- Strong employer connections
- Funded and commercial options
- Proven results
- Human, supportive approach
We don’t teach theory – we build confidence, capability and careers.
Not sure where to start?
Whether you’re an individual or a business, we’ll help you find the right route.