Faces
Mark Stringer
Creative Director
After leaving school, Mark's long-held passion for drawing led him to study design,
with his efforts and dedication culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree from Salford University.
In the years following graduation, he worked on designs for big names such as Playstation, River Island,
Littlewoods and Liverpool FC, before going on to set up his own successful design partnership in 2003.
Later, in 2007, having gained some valuable understanding of client needs, he decided to go it alone
and set up Ahoy. With exceptional creative skills and years of digital expertise under his belt, Mark
built a business that's gone on to help many entrepreneurs and marketing managers take ideas and dreams
and turn them into breakthrough brands.
Gareth Chidgey
Digital Director
Previously a programmer, Gareth combined his technical knowledge with notable people skills
to become a digitally-focused project manager. His strengths lie in conceptualising ideas to meet client requirements
and achieve the best technological solutions to a variety of briefs. He enjoys the fact that every project is
different and likes coming into work knowing that no two days are ever the same.
Matthew Hill
Creative Director
Matthew came to Ahoy after several years experience at a Nottingham-based agency, where he designed
for big names such as Showcase Cinemas, Mainline Trains and BMI. Where design skills are concerned, he considers himself
a bit of an all rounder but would agree that he has a particular flair for projects that use photography, these being
the style that he is most passionate about.
Katie Stringer
Finance Manager
Katie came to Ahoy following a 6-year career in the Travel & Tourism sector. Her impressive interpersonal
skills and extensive experience with number-juggling have seen her manage the company’s HR and finance requirements
with professionalism and ease.
Terence Burridge
Lead Developer
Originally a graduate from UMIST in Manchester, Terence subsequently joined an agency down south
where he worked as lead developer for a mix of clients in the insurance sector including AXA. Since joining Ahoy
he's developed a passion for eCommerce and is particularly proficient in the development of sites on the .Net platform.
His other strengths include his technical knowledge of back office systems and building for search engines.
Mark Bentley
Copywriter
Mark joined Ahoy at the end of 2011 following a 3-year stint as a proofreader and the 8 years prior
to that writing travel guides in sunny Thailand. Besides writing, he's passionate about healthy eating, exercise,
and all things wellness-related.
Jason Flynn
Graphic Designer
Jason came to Ahoy with considerable experience having designed both in a freelance capacity
and as an agency team member. He's passionate about design that's as innovative as it is effective and cites typography
and logo design as favourite disciplines. His greatest strengths are in branding where he's as comfortable in the
formation of concepts as he is in their development and execution.
Dan Herd
Developer
Dan's a versatile developer having worked on everything from simple brochure websites through
to bespoke eCommerce systems. His strengths lie in knowing how best to utilise the latest technology to make websites
more engaging. He enjoys working on sites that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are technically capable and likes
nothing more than the feeling of satisfaction he gets when a site is finally launched.
Steve Keatley
Lead OSS Developer
Steve's multi-disciplined software background and experience has enabled him to deliver web based
systems and services for a broad range of clients across Europe. For the past 13 years he has been
involved in the design and build of numerous web based projects, including bespoke CMS, E-commerce
and Video websites. Steve says "I'm very happy to be at ahoy creative... it's an innovative, friendly,
funny place somewhere over the border from Merseyside".
Join Us
Here at ahoy we're always looking for fresh and new talent for our ever expanding team.
If you have what you think it takes in the fast paced world of design, why not send us your CV and we'll be
sure to be in touch.
Get in touch
Mark Stringer | Managing Director
Gareth Chidgey | Digital Director
Matthew Hill | Creative Director
Katie Stringer | Finance Manager
Jason Flynn | Graphic Designer
Mark Bentley | Copywriter
Terence Burridge | Lead Developer
Steve Keatley | Lead OSS Developer