Andrew Metcalf - Director

At work:

Moving south from Yorkshire, Andrew worked in marketing and publishing before joining Kent County Council and then founding Maxim with Philip. Having spent 20 years in the South East, Andrew’s knowledge of the region’s political and business scene is extensive, hence his involvement with many of Maxim’s clients’ major development projects. Connecting like-minded people and combining marketing communications with media relations is his motivation.

At home:

Born in Bolton, but taken across the Pennines to Yorkshire, he still supports the Wanderers. When not working he’s likely to be found lazing on the sofa watching the likes of West Wing, Mad Men or Sky Sports. Weekends are spent coaching his son’s rugby team, watching football and entertaining around the dining table with friends and family – enjoying a nice bottle of red, or two. He loves cooking, but his wife Jane rarely lets him due to the mess he creates.

Philip Jones - Director

At work:

After leaving Cambridge University, Philip trained as a journalist before working in the West Bank for an American aid agency and a Palestinian economic think tank. A founding director, Philip has nearly two decades of experience in PR and public affairs. He leads on Maxim’s work in power generation and utilities, as well as directing the work for many of the agency’s professional services clients.

At home:

With four daughters there’s little surprise that Philip’s often to be found outside in the garden chopping logs and cleaning out his chickens. And while he might not be able to tell you who’s likely to win X-Factor, he’s your man if you need a Byzantium history expert for your quiz team!
 

Alison Hardy - Account Director

At work:

Having joined Maxim in 1995, Alison has been a major factor in the agency’s success, and been at the heart of its work with commercial property developers, tourism attractions, private health and consumer clients, including launching Manchester Utd champagne. Having worked as a former journalist on medical publications and the Daily Mail, Alison is a consummate PR professional.

At home:

Her family and friends, and terrier Dotty, are what drives Alison outside of work. With her architect husband she has a passion for renovating property, which culminated in them winning ‘Britain’s Best Barn’. Acknowledged as Maxim’s style guru, Alison’s position as the agency’s über shopper is being challenged by Victoria.

Rachel Knight - Account Director

At work:

With a decade’s experience in PR, Rachel has taken the lead on many of the agency’s business-to-business clients across the region. A keen tweeter, Rachel also advises clients on their adoption of social media. Naturally well-organised, Rachel loves delivering events and coordinating marketing campaigns.

At home:

Best described as ‘eclectic’, Rachel’s hobbies include F1 (in particular Jenson Button!), watching stand-up comedy and her miniature world called ‘Midale’ with its own church, pub, shops and village. She met her husband Tim through Maxim, and enjoys watching films and musicals, is a big Glee fan, and likes a glass/bottle of chilled white wine.
 

Delphine Houlton - Account Director

At work:

With nearly 18 years in journalism and almost the same again in PR, Delphine has significant experience at Maxim, but also at a previous agency working with clients such as BT, Leeds Castle and Shepherd Neame. Today she’s at the heart of Maxim’s work in the arenas of higher education, tourism, retail and charitable trusts. When it comes to her philosophy, Delphine’s passionate about people and passionate about PR.

At home:

Chickens, ducks and family – but not necessarily in that order – are what keeps Delphine happy.  Her musical tastes could be considered eclectic ranging from classical to Leonard Cohen and Andrea Bocelli. Combining her passion for languages, cooking, history and archaeology, Delphine heads to Italy whenever possible. 

Andy Rayfield - Account Manager

At work:

Having been a journalist man and boy, Andy has worked on local newspapers and for the Press Association.  Arriving at Maxim from Kent Business, where he was Snr Editor Special Publications and Editor of Kent Business, Andy is actively involved in supporting Maxim’s business-to-business clients and working alongside Philip on a number of renewable energy and utility clients.

At home:

Everybody has a weakness, and in Andy’s case it’s his support of Arsenal! To overcome his ailment you will often find him seeking sanctuary in the kitchen, concocting dinners for friends and family, or enjoying a beer in his village’s local pub.  Besides his wife, a Snr News Editor, Andy’s other passion is sport of all forms, including F1, rugby and golf.

Victoria Grigg - Senior Account Executive

At work:

Having graduated from the University of Kent with a degree in English and American Literature, there’s little surprise that Victoria is an avid reader and wordsmith. Having spent time with Maxim on work experience during her studies it was clear she had a passion for PR and we were delighted when she contacted us after graduating – appointing her was a ‘no brainer’. Today she’s an important member of the team working on consumer and business-to-business clients, and is Maxim’s ‘database and research queen’.

At home:

Living at home in the family pub at the heart of a medieval Kent village, Victoria enjoys pilates, cycling and even tried her hand at belly-dancing. When not keeping her energy levels high, she makes the most of her free time socialising at the weekend.  And if you are a Robert Pattison look-alike and need PR and marketing support then Victoria would like to hear from you!

Simon Robinson - Senior Account Executive

At work:

After completing a degree in journalism at the University of Westminster, Simon decided to make the most of his academic studies by immediately entering the industry, rising through the ranks on several local newspapers and writing for national newspapers. Arriving at Maxim from Kent on Sunday, where he was Business Editor, Simon is involved in supporting Maxim’s business-to-business clients and supporting on a number of commercial property, science and professional service accounts.

At home:

An obvious glutton for punishment, Simon is a season ticket holder at Gillingham FC. To offset the unrelenting and crushing disappointment that goes hand-in-hand with following Kent’s premier, albeit sole, football league side, Simon often enjoys taking in a new film at the cinema or a pint of real ale in his favourite pub. Other interests include playing and watching a multitude of sports, music festivals and playing the bass guitar and ukulele.

Sue O'Reilly - Office Manager

At work:

Responsible for the smooth running of the Maxim empire, Sue takes charge of all the agency’s administration, as well as the all-important ‘chasing accounts payable’, but that’s done with her inimitable charm.

At home:

Sue’s big passion is animals, animals and animals. And when she’s not involved with her pets she’s an avid traveller to exotic locations around the world, loves going out for dinner with her husband or spending time at the gym.