About ME

With over 20 years of experience in marketing, design, and strategy, I’ve helped brands from local independents to global names grow with campaigns that connect, tell a story, and deliver results. As a CIM Fellow and Group Marketing Manager, I bring clarity, creativity, and proven impact to every project.

My Mission is Clear

I’m James Blachford, FCIM – a marketing consultant and Group Marketing Manager with over 20 years’ experience.

This site is more than a portfolio. It’s where I share the projects I’ve worked on, the campaigns I’ve delivered, and the ideas shaping how I approach marketing today.

My mission? To document the work that matters, explore the strategies that drive real results, and keep pushing what marketing looks like in the human era.

If you’re here to see my work, understand my approach, or explore how marketing is evolving, you’re in the right place.

Because great marketing isn’t about impressions - it’s about connection.

Exploring Headless CMS for Large Insurance Websites
Exploring Headless CMS for a Large-Scale Insurance Website
I was recently involved in a discovery call with a national business insurance company. We were talking...
Example of successful B2B sales funnel in marketing
Over £293K Generated from One B2B Funnel in 3 Months
I recently built a B2B sales funnel that turned into one of the most commercially successful campaigns...
voice search and AI marketing future
The Future of Marketing with AI - A Human Take
AI isn’t a passing phase, it’s here, and it’s transforming how we think about marketing. As someone who’s...
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Taking the Scenic Route to the South Coast Wine Festival
Earlier today I had the pleasure of attending the final networking event before the South Coast Wine...
Digital-Badge_FCIM
Officially a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing
I’m proud to share that I’ve just been approved as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM)...
16 AI Systems Brands Are Using Right Now for Lead Generation
16 AI Systems Brands Are Using Right Now for Lead Generation
I’m currently researching practical AI automation use cases in marketing – the kind that actually work,...
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Weekly Roundup
Week of 31st March – 4th April It’s been a mixed bag this week, with plenty going on across different...
AI lead scrapers - Practical tools to boost your marketing
AI lead scrapers - Practical tools to boost your marketing
If you’re involved in digital marketing, chances are you’ve spent plenty of time hunting...

What Drives Me

CIM Fellow & Experienced Marketing Consultant

I’ve had the chance to work on everything from ecommerce platforms and social campaigns to brand launches and international partnerships. Along the way, I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and how to bridge the gap between strategy and delivery.

I’m motivated by three things:

Experience in Action

Over the years, I’ve been part of projects for a range of well-known global companies, household names, and high-profile organisations. I’ve also worked on creative and signage projects connected to major sporting partnerships.

This isn’t about chasing trends – it’s about doing the work properly, with creativity, consistency, and impact.

My WORK Experience

2024

BCP MEDIA GROUP LTD

Group Marketing Manager | 2024 - present
Leading marketing strategy and delivery for a group of brands including BCP, Aspenprint, Dayfold, Print Dimensions, Manifesto (UK, Spain, Gibraltar), BCP Signs, BCP Education, BCP Promotions and Giant Branded Deckchairs. A broad role that covers everything from campaign direction to hands-on implementation across print, digital and branding.

2009

DORSET MARKETING

Marketing Manager | 2009 - 2024
At Dorset Marketing, I oversaw a wide range of digital projects for businesses across the UK. My role combined strategy and delivery: from managing external contractors and coordinating campaigns to designing custom WordPress websites tailored to client needs. I focused on driving measurable growth by improving online visibility through SEO, content marketing, and data-led digital strategies.

2006

EXHIBIT-UK

Marketing Manager | 2003 - 2006
Specialised in exhibition marketing and lead generation. Created successful multi-touch campaigns, developed a "Six Step Programme" that delivered strong ROI, and took on everything from web management to stepping in for sales. A fast-paced, all-round marketing role that sharpened my leadership and commercial instincts.

2003

NETWORK TELEX

Sales & Marketing Manager | 2003 - 2006
At Network Telex, I was responsible for forging strong partnerships a variety of businesses, ranging from small shipping companies to big financial institutes like the Bank of England, HSBC and Goldman Sachs. Managing accounts across multiple industries, I was central to the company’s global expansion into over 180 countries. The sales team I managed was international with specific people dedicated to Europe, Africa and Middle East from our office. My leadership role also included managing the technical support unit, ensuring smooth execution of sales from order to delivery. 

2000

Dorset Internet

Sales / Marketing / Web Development | 1999 - 2003
Started in sales, moved into web development after discovering a passion for code and design. Learned HTML, PHP and Flash, and built websites for well-known brands including Yellow Buses and Lush. A hands-on role that shaped my understanding of how digital works from the ground up.

1996

Exchange & Mart

Sales / New Media Sales | 1996 - 1999
Dealing with magazine sales to motor traders and home leisure traders, promoted internally to the new division of New Media sales. The clients included Amazon (just selling books) PayPal and other national agencies such as Saachi & Saachi.