Our Values
Curiosity

Our collective of communications talent is fired by an intense curiosity, drawing from all manner of worlds, to create the most desirable communications pathways for client growth.


Craft

We craft every idea, strategy, recommendation and action with unparalleled care and rigour.


Common Sense

With our practical, no-nonsense approach we help make things easier for our clients in the business and communications choices they have to make.
A Collective of Experts

The Comms Collective revolves around an inner core who have deep knowledge of their craft in defining pathways to growth.

With the support of an outer circle of 100 experts over the last 20 years, we have helped clients on multiple projects outside of the three core service areas, including virtual reality, gaming, sport, music blockchain and CRM.
​​​​​​​
This depth and breadth of experience is accessible when you need it for as long as you need it.

Mike Cookson | Founder, Partner

Curiosity
Hiking & Climbing: The Andes & Himalayas.
Music: House, techno and hip-hop DJ.
Photography: Portraits & street commissions.

Craft
Led some of the best campaigns of Nike’s history.
Founded a youth marketing consultancy at 26.
Helped build hugely successful club night.

Common Sense
Be happy, you’re not here long.
Share your knowledge before it becomes obsolete.
Create dream jobs for others, then you’ll have your dream job.
Paul Bay | Founder, Partner

Curiosity
Law: Completed a part-time law degree.
Music: Promoter/advisor to young jazz artists.
Architectural theory: Links to marketing theory.

Craft
Installed Integrated Communications since 2000.
Coached founders, c-suite and teams globally.
A trusted confidente for industry associates.

Common Sense
Try to listen to others before you speak.
Ask for feedback. It’s how we get better.
Be ok with never being good at something.
Jenny HowardCustomer & Strategy

Curiosity
Renovating period properties.
Collecting contemporary British Art.
Travels to India.

Craft
Brand and creative strategy.
Integrated communication strategy.
Audience data, research and insight.

Common Sense
Treat other people how you’d like to be treated.
Actively seek out different perspectives.
Try not to take it all too seriously.
Nathalie DouchezOrganisation & Strategy

Curiosity
Photography: my passion since 18.
Avid Zwifter: still riding for the Tron Bike.
Health: addicted to nutrition & health podcasts.

Craft
Built in-house digital production structure for Nike.
Facilitator between tech and creative.
 Virtual cycling project to get more women into cycling.

Common Sense
Experiment constantly, life is a game.
Adaptation is key. Be water.
A goal without a plan is just a wish.
Jon BainsOrganisation & Strategy

Curiosity
Tech: The future can’t happen fast enough.
Games: Navigating the future of gaming.
Music: New commercial models for artists.

Craft
Three decades of awarded digital strategies.
A decade of brand transformation.
Co-founder of collaborative trust networks.

Common Sense
Communication occurs between equals.
If you can’t avoid liars and bullies – beware.
Be excellent to everyone.
Nick ValeCommunications & Strategy

Curiosity
 Bicycles: Building 'fixies' & restoring classic track racers.
Music: Deep House and Dub Techno artist.
Cars: Drive a 1969 Bristol 411.

Craft
Worked with Al Gore to get the Paris Climate Agreement signed.
Co-founded WPP's Maxus, building it to 3,500 people.
Judge of the Young Lions at Cannes.

Common Sense
Use communication to put a smile on someone’s face.
All problems are old, good answers are new.
Find ways to release amazing ideas from your subconscious.
Ruth SutherlandCommunications & Strategy

Curiosity
Environment: Sustainability entrepreneur.
Sports: Marathon finisher; kick boxer.
Trends: Plugged into pop culture.

Craft
Comfortable in agency, corporate & founder hats.
Managed Diageo’s biggest brand partnership with HBO.
Mentor to young women in the industry.

Common Sense
It’s never too late to start something new.
Impossible is just an opinion.
Work hard and be nice to people.
Pedro PlanasPerformance & Strategy

Curiosity
Gadgets: Can’t leave one without testing.
Sea: Surfer, Kite Surfer, Sailor and Sunbather.
Astrology: founded a business.

Craft
Dressed Christopher Columbus in a FC Barcelona shirt.
Turned e-commerce business around to be the fastest growing in EMEA.
Led 3 Effie award winning campaigns.

Common Sense
Treat others like you would like to be treated.
There is always better, just do your best.
Do not assume, truth is relative..
Our Brandmark

​​​​​​​The Square
 Brackets

An addition of information or editorial comment. Brings greater understanding. Just like us.

The
Ellipsis

An omission of unnecessary information. Brings clarity and simplicity. As do we.

The Comms Collective are grateful to the following photographers for use of their work.
Lille Langebro, Aldo Delara (Unsplash), Tom Meldrum (Unsplash), Drew Dizzy Graham (Unsplash)
Defining Pathways To Growth
London / Amsterdam
since 2019
©2024 The Comms Collective
Back to Top