Meet the Team

Phil Jones - Chief Executive

Born into photography, Phil’s father ran a successful studio in North Wales for over 40 years. Phil studied photography on the Wirral and after working for a while in the photographic retail sector, joined in the family business in 1984. Upon his father’s retirement Phil ran his own studio specialising in social photography for 12 years. During the 1990’s Phil was a Regional Chairman of the Master Photographers Association and served on numerous committees’.

In August 1999 Phil took over the running of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers upon the retirement of Derek Avery FSWPP, and in January 2000 Phil took over the running of the British Professional Photographers Assoc. As the CEO and the brains behind the association, Phil has taken the initial success of the business and built it into the largest independent photographic trade association within Europe.

Out of work Phil has a passion for Liverpool Football Club, Formula 1 racing, and when time permits travelling by steam train.

Juliet Jones - Managing Director

Married to Phil in January 2001. As the MD Juliet has overall responsibility for all the administration of the company. A driving force behind the annual photographic convention, Juliet has developed and expanded both the trade and seminar facets until it was the largest of its kind within Europe, earning the in-house title of “Convention Queen”.

As the matriarch of the Jones family, Juliet enjoys gathering her family around her holding regular lunches and barbeques. Juliet regularly takes her younger children and grandchildren on days out. On the odd occasion Juliet finds spare time, she enjoys travelling and trips to the spa.

Colin Jones - Company Director

Youngest Son of Phil Jones, Colin joined the then “SWPP & BPPA” in 2004 to help Phil develop the online aspects of business. After major contributions such as the forum development and marketing initiatives, in 2010 Colin was made a company director As the editor to handbook, showguide, and news editor to the magazine Colin is a major influence on the company direction. An active participant on the forum and shares responsibility for the website development.

Out of work Colin is the local hero, volunteering for the RNLI. Colin is on both the ILB & ALB crew as well as Deputy Lifeboat Press officer for Rhyl Lifeboat Station.

Contact Colin regarding articles for the magazine and queries over the forum
 

Mike McNamee - Professional Imagemaker Editor

Editor for the in-house magazine, Professional Imagemaker. Mike taught photography and digital imaging at Priestley College, Warrington; formerly he was the editor of Digital Photographer and Creative Imaging. He has written a number of books on photography and also lectures for the Epson Print Academy on exhibition printing.

Mike enjoys hiking and sports.

Contact Mike at mike@mousepushers.com regarding articles for inclusion.

Terrie Jones - P.A to the Company

Out of work, Terrie enjoys spending her time with her family and friends, also a keen hobbyist Terrie often uses her baking skills to raise funds for the Rhyl Lifeboat Station.

Terrie can be contacted regarding existing and potential seminars.

Holly Rainford - P.A to the Managing Director

Currently on maternity leave, Holly has progressed through the job roles to her current position of PA to the Managing Director. Holly spends her free time with her 2 small daughters.

All at the Societies are looking forward to her return to work in February 2012.

Lynne Jones - Office Manager

Although a Jones, not one of ‘THE Jones’. Having a background in administration and customer service, Lynne joined the team in 2006 as an admin assistant and has progressed to Office Manager. Responsible for the daily running of the office, membership administration, bookings and complaints.

Outside of work, Lynne enjoys camping, walking and reading.

Contact Lynne with general and membership queries, seminar bookings and complaints.

Ben Jones - IT Department

Having spent many years as a chef, Ben chose a change of career and joined the family company supporting his brother Phil. Responsible for the online news articles, forum, social networking and reaching potential members.

Out of work, Ben enjoys football, socialising and spending every free moment at the family caravan.

Contact Ben for any queries regarding news articles and the forum

Paul Taylor - Societies Ambassador

Former full-time professional photographer and studio owner. Paul also has experience with working with album manufactures and photographic equipment distributors.

As a Societies Ambassador, Paul is our guy on the road generating awareness at tradeshows and our regular representative at our many seminars.

Paul is an avid supporter and teacher of outdoor pursuits and is passionate about kayaking.

Kendra McKeown - Administrative staff

Kendra joined the team as an apprentice straight from school having studied business and communication studies. Having now completed her apprentice term,

Kendra is responsible for general administration. As a typical teenager, Kendra enjoys socialising with her friends and siblings.

Contact Kendra with general queries.

Ste Bond - Administrative staff

Brother to Terrie, Ste started on a temporary basis during our Convention period, now a permanent employee responsible for the administration of the monthly competition.

 In his own time, Ste enjoys settling into his new home and caring for his young family.

Contact Ste with queries regarding the online competition.

Sam Scott-Smith - Advertising Consultant

Previously Advertising Director for Archant, Sam is responsible for all commercial aspects of The Societies.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys keeping fit and spending time with her 3 children.

Contact Sam at sam@adpointmedia.co.uk for any queries regarding advertising, corporate sponsorship, and availability of convention stands.

Podge Kelly - Societies' Representative

Podge has been involved in photography for over 30 years. Podge represent The Societies in Ireland and also lectures and teaches on behalf of Fuji Film (Ireland).