Ben Smith – From Disney on Ice to Sales Leader

Neil Clough

Co-Founder & Managing Director

Having worked in sales environments for over 15 years, Neil’s passion and natural talent for selling has seen him progress through the ranks and achieve great success in his career. Neil quickly became a highly experienced individual within recruiting and developing sales talent, which led him to be an Apprentice Finalist in 2013.

This experience saw him achieve top salesperson status throughout, as well as breaking the record for the most high-ticket sales ever on a task! Neil is a huge fan of anything football related, but his sporting activities are not confined to just that. He is a regular gym-goer and has taken part in several endurance events, most recently the Gaelforce 64k challenge!

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Nicole Plinston

Co-Founder & Director

With over 20 years’ experience working in sales environments, Nicole has worked across many sectors for some of the best known global brands such as Virgin Media and Apple. She started her career selling car insurance, and quickly realised she had a natural flair for selling, and turned her skills to a career in recruitment.

During this time, Nicole’s passion for training and development grew, and she decided to study for her CIPD. Training has since been at the core of her expertise, and now she works developing the careers of salespeople and managers, both internally and externally. In her spare time, Nicole is an avid football fan, holding a season ticket at the mighty Crystal Palace! She also claims to enjoy running (but for the record, she really does hate it).

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Kyle Gallagher

Sales Director

Kyle Gallagher joined This Is Prime in 2014 as the company’s first ever hire. In his time at This Is Prime, Kyle has progressed impressively and now serves as a Sales Director and team leader. He oversees the Regions Desk and broader Sales Team, bringing invaluable experience and leadership.

Outside of work, Kyle is an avid traveller who loves exploring new places and cultures. His thirst for adventure has taken him all over the world. Kyle is also a huge football fan, keeping up with all the latest matches and news.

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Chris Thompson

Head of Delivery

Chris Thompson heads up This Is Prime’s Manchester office, leading a talented team to help place graduates into sales roles across the city. Chris brings terrific energy and skill to his work, qualities that were first noticed by Neil Clough when Chris was working as a bartender in Manchester City Centre. Recognizing Chris’ potential, Neil brought him on board.

After graduating from university with a Marketing Management degree, Chris has thrived at This Is Prime. He loves working closely with Manchester’s many talented graduates and matching them with fulfilling careers.

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Steve Lowndes

Head of Sales Training

Steve Lowndes is a sales expert who brings tremendous experience and knowledge to This Is Prime. As an avid sports fan with interests in cricket, rugby, football, and cycling, Steve understands the dedication and teamwork required to succeed. He applies these same principles to sales, training and mentoring This Is Prime’s sales teams to reach new heights.

Steve recently published his book “Transformational Selling: How To Adapt Your Sales Style In The New World,” sharing his innovative philosophies on sales. The book provides actionable advice on adapting sales approaches to different personalities and situations.

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Victoria Wright

Office Manager

As a vital team member at This Is Prime, Victoria Wright is the glue that holds everything together. She ensures day-to-day operations run smoothly so the rest of the staff can focus on business growth and client relationships.

While Victoria works tirelessly behind the scenes, she also values downtime with loved ones. She enjoys impromptu getaways with family and friends, balancing her professional dedication with quality time exploring new places.

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James Salamon

Sales Team Lead

James, aka “Salzy”, is a testament to our training and progression here at This Is Prime. Following on from his placement year with us, James has continued to stay on after graduation and is already carving out an excellent career. When he isn’t working, James pulls up the laces and is straight onto the football pitch, having played for the Manchester Met football team in the past.

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Charlotte Morris

Sales Team Lead

As Sales Team Lead at This Is Prime, Charlotte oversees key client relationships in Manchester. Known for being an energetic “chatterbox,” Charlotte loves connecting with clients and colleagues alike. She has an uncanny ability to establish a rapport that leads to successful partnerships.

Around the This Is Prime office, Charlotte helps to boost team morale and motivation because she understands that work is only fulfilling in a positive, supportive environment.

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Akiel Johnson

Sales Recruiter

Akiel was a former Placement Student here at Prime, where he showcased his exceptional skills and dedication, earning recognition as a top performer. Beyond his professional pursuits, Akiel is a sports enthusiast with an unwavering passion for Manchester United FC. Driven by his ambition and a genuine desire to make a difference, Akiel aspires to become a highly successful and impactful recruiter.

Learn more about Akiel on LinkedIn

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Ollie Dunt

Sales Recruiter

Graduating from Nottingham Trent University in Graphic Design, Ollie is a regular gym-goer with a keen interest in powerlifting and is also a big fan of Chelsea FC. Whenever he has any spare time he is listening to 80s music, so don’t start a conversation with him about The Smiths as it will never end. Ollie aims to be very successful inside Prime, with the goal of earning 6-figures in 5 years’ time.

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Becky Maddox

Sales Recruiter

Becky joined Prime after graduating with a 2:1 in Criminology from the University of Liverpool. If anyone is going to win a dance competition at Prime, we definitely know who’s going to win! Becky has been dancing for years and specifically in heels and street dance! She loves watching a crime docuseries when she gets home, and her current goal is to afford a new car. “Eric” (Becky’s current car) has seen better days.

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Rob Nixon

Sales Recruiter

Rob is a graduate of Ashton University! Where he studied Politics with International Relations. He is a massive Arsenal fan and tries to get down to the Emirates Stadium any chance he can. Rob currently plays Football on Saturday and Sunday for his local club in London and hopes to continue playing as much as possible! An interesting fact about Rob… He’s colour-blind!

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Lucas Jourdan

Senior Sales Development Representative

Lucas graduated from the University of Sussex in Economics and saw Recruitment as the next step in his career! He enjoys playing Football, Rugby and socialising with his friends across London. An interesting fact about Lucas, he upset his childhood hero Arsene Wenger when he met him for the first time! His current personal goal is to be the best version of himself possible.

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Calum Kirkby

Senior Sales Resourcer - Mid Senior Division

Calum has a Masters in Governance, Politics and Public Policy from the University of Sheffield! He loves Football and has a season ticket to Manchester United! Calum used to live in China for four years before University and hopes to go back very soon. His one personal goal is to be on the property market within the next three years!

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Yeshe Briar

Sales Resourcer - Mid-Senior Division

Yeshe graduated from the University of Derby in Sports Management but is originally from Cornwall. A Long way from home! He loves Football and Chelsea FC, and hopes to secure a season ticket soon so he can attend as many away games as he can while he works in Manchester. Oh! Did we mention he makes the best Chicken Curry!

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Paige Bradbury

Sales Recruiter

Paige graduated with a first-class degree in Biology from Keele University! She’s very outgoing and loves to attend festivals and events, with her goal to attend Glastonbury at least ten times. Typically, when you ask someone their favourite food, their response is Chinese, Italian or a Curry. Not Paige! She’ll take a good pub grub with a glass of red any day. Interesting fact about Paige, she’s done two ski seasons in Italy and has achieved a Level 1 Ski Instructor Course.

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Jade Burnand

Sales Resourcer

Jade is a recent graduate of the University of Exeter, where she studied French and Spanish and picked up some beginner’s Italian. As a student from the south of England, Jade had never ventured farther north than Birmingham before relocating to Manchester after finishing her degree! After backpacking through Central and South America last year, her interest in international travel was cemented and she hopes to travel even more in the next 5 years.

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Babar Hussain

Sales Resourcer

Babar Hussain graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. An avid sports enthusiast, Babar is a regular at the gym and enjoys playing a variety of sports, especially excelling at chess. Babar dreams of one day owning a McLaren. He was born in Pakistan and lived there until the age of four before moving UK. When he’s not playing sports or studying science, you can find Babar spending time with friends and family.

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Matthew Campbell

Sales Development Representative

Matt Campbell recently graduated from the University of Nottingham, studying Industrial Economics. But he has now headed up to the north to start his career! Matt enjoys keeping fit at the gym and playing football. Being new to Manchester, he is keen to explore Manchester. His goal is to build significant financial success. An interesting fact about Matt is he used to work in Punting within Cambridge, selling boat tours to tourists!

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David Lennon

Senior Digital Marketing Executive

Graduating from the University of Central Lancashire with a 1st class degree in Marketing Management, David works to create impactful content that will help Prime connect with new and existing candidates and clients, as well as helping us grow our brand into new markets. He is a massive fan of anything sporty, playing rugby, handball, cricket, and dodgeball to name just a few. He is currently training to return to American Football as a Wide Receiver.

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