Richard Ayers – founder and CEO

Richard is a digital pluralist – a hybrid of content and commercial expertise. He was a researcher on the BBC Radio 4 flagship news programme, Today, in 1994 when the editor asked if we should do something with this ‘information superhighway’ and Richard enthusiastically went to work on his first professional site. He is currently embedded part-time at Manchester City FC, Harlequins RFC and Limelight Sports.

As Head of Digital for Manchester City FC, he transformed the club’s digital profile and business opportunity in 2011. He was named “Digital Individual of the Year” in the DADI awards (has not heard the end of it since) and won some other awards with the MCFC team, including the digital Sports Industry Award. He’s also proud to have helped Channel 4 with their digital coverage of Paralympics 2012. Linkedin Profile or @richardayers

Peter Clare – Consulting Partner

Peter comes from a consumer marketing background, having managed brands and delivered successful campaigns for Levis’, Paramount, Sony Playstation and adidas. In 2007 he moved into digital marketing, spearheading website, video and social media strategy at The FA, more recently he was Head of Digital for Bacardi’s portfolio of spirit brands.

Specialising in digital strategy, social media, online video, mobile and web/app development and with career highlights that include launching PlayStation 2 and running the England football team’s website and social media during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Peter is a valuable assest to the Seven League team. LinkedIn Profile.

Neal McCleave – Lead Consultant

Neal began working in the online sphere in 1998. He has considerable experience in the field of website commercialisation, website development, marketing, customer support and business integration, at both an operational and a strategic level.

His working life has included roles in sales, editorial, online development, media strategy, marketing, customer operations, and online sales. He is a former Managing Director of Tiscali’s Media Division, and Senior Director of Media at TalkTalk. His early career was within the field of retail marketing for Dixons Stores Group. Linkedin Profile

Matt West – Lead Consultant

Matt specialises in content and value added digital services. Until recently he was Director of Expansion Markets and Content Partners at Yahoo! EMEA where he introduced Yahoo! into 13 new markets including Russia, Poland and South Africa from preliminary scoping through to delivery, employing local resources and setting up media partnerships.

As Director of Content Partners Matt has been at the forefront of the relationship between content owners and the Yahoo! network in EMEA. With over 10 years content licensing experience across news, movies, music and sport, including English Premier League, Matt is uniquely knowledgeable  about  the challenges involved with licensing and publishing content.

Andy Gardiner – MD

Andy is the man with a steady hand on the tiller of Seven League. He has run start-up and early stage companies for over fifteen years, in the UK but also in countries such as Sweden, Denmark and Portugal. He has an excellent track record in running a tight ship in a fast-developing market.

Specialising in interim management, project management, financing, business development and partner search, Andy is an invaluable member of the Seven League team. Linkedin Profile

Ben Howes – Tech Lead

Ben has over 15 years experience across many areas of online services but with a particular interest in exploring the latest emerging technologies.

Since graduating from Imperial College with an MSc in Computer Science, Ben has worked as a C++, Java and PHP programmer, a solution architect, and product manager on projects for companies such as Reed Elsevier, Grey Worldwide and TalkTalk. Ben’s experience covers technologies as diverse as web development, email, mobile apps, video streaming and cloud hosting platforms. Linkedin Profile

Amy Jones – Researcher

It’s rare to bring on a student straight out of university – unless you just want a gofer –  but Amy’s no ordinary student. We didn’t hire her for her exemplary academic record, culminating in her Philosophy BA from the University of Warwick, but because she has been a prolific writer, blogger, tweeter and runner-of-websites for the last five years.

During her final years at university she edited two websites (TV@The Digital Fix and Kitchen Bitching), ran a popular cooking blog, and devised and delivered social media for all of the above. Combining analytical, editorial and technical ability with an informed generational perspective means she’s a valued member of the team. Linkedin Profile