THE TEAM

Directors

Alexis Krachai

Managing Director
Alexis has 20 years’ experience in communications and public policy and has headed up Counter Context for more than 10 years.
He has advised some of the world’s largest energy, property and healthcare companies on strategic engagement, corporate PR, stakeholder management and community consultation.
Alexis is also a founding Director of the Sheffield Property Association and also at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.
Harriet Knowles

Director
Harriet is an experienced strategic communications professional with almost ten years’ experience. During her time at Counter Context she has worked across numerous sectors, including city centre regeneration, residential development, waste and energy infrastructure and transport.
In her current role, Harriet designs and implements communications and PR programmes to support projects at all stages of development, but she is a recognised specialist in designing community and political engagement programmes needed to support sensitive and challenging planning applications.
Leigh Bramall

Director
Leigh is an experienced communications professional having worked in both London and Sheffield in private-sector PR roles. Leigh has a deep understanding of local government and related bodies and was Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council up to March 2017 leading on regeneration, planning and transport.
At Counter Context, Leigh leads on public policy and our work to support local government projects. He also advises clients on engagement with local authorities and national government.
Beth Motley

Director

Transport and Regeneration team

Clare Birch

Account Director
Clare is an experienced senior stakeholder engagement and communications professional with expertise in creating and delivering engagement and communication strategies to support the successful delivery of sensitive, complex and transformational projects.
Clare’s particular specialism lies in sustainable transport and energy infrastructure projects. She is also experienced in stakeholder management for regeneration, renewable energy and flood defence schemes.
Clare is an events specialist, is skilled in building relationships with stakeholders and project delivery partners and works with both private and public sector clients, including local authorities.
Ian Thompson

Account Director
Ian joined Counter Context in 2021 as a Senior Account Manager, bringing over 10 years of experience in consultation and engagement.
Based in Manchester, his role involves leading on stakeholder engagement and consultation strategies supporting property, regeneration and transport schemes across the North West.
Having worked on several complex and large-scale development projects, Ian specialises in stakeholder management and communications, consultation analysis and reporting.
Lucy Brown

Senior Account Manager
Lucy joined Counter Context in 2015 after working in a local authority’s planning department. She is now part of Counter Context’s Place division providing consultation support for property and transport projects across both public and private sector clients.
Lucy has managed and supported the delivery of communications and engagement strategies for both city centre regeneration and highway improvement schemes and specialises in producing consultation materials for both print and digital distribution. Lucy is experienced in pre-application feedback analysis and consultation reporting.
Jenny Tully

Senior Account Manager
Jenny is a seasoned marketing and communications specialist with 10 years' experience delivering impactful campaigns for public and private sector clients utilising the full marketing mix.
At Counter Context, she has played a key role in public consultation and stakeholder engagement for multiple transport and regeneration schemes across West Yorkshire. Jenny is passionate about crafting insight-driven, community-focused strategies to engage diverse communities, ensuring seldom-heard groups have a voice in shaping their environment.
Jade Anderson

Account Mananger
Jade is based at our Manchester office, joining Counter Context as an Account Manager in 2022. Her role involves delivering communication and consultation activities for regeneration and transport projects.
Prior to this, Jade has worked in public sector roles which have involved leading on high-profile transport and regeneration initiatives across Greater Manchester. She is also highly experienced with media management from organising PR events to dealing with challenging media enquiries.
Niall O'Callaghan

Account Manager
Niall studied History and Politics at the University of Sheffield where he developed a strong interest in political communication and the built environment. He furthered these interests, completing a Master’s in International Public and Political Communication and spending two years as a News Editor for his university’s newspaper.
At Counter Context, Niall uses his acquired skills and political knowledge to support the delivery of communications and stakeholder management in the built environment.
Tom Blin

Account Manager
Tom is a PR and communications professional with 5 years of experience in both agency and in-house positions. With a range of specialties in sectors including the third sector, construction, campaigning, public projects and finance, Tom brings a valuable and varied skillset to the team.
Tom has a keen eye for detail, and leverages his experience and international background, having lived and worked in four continents, to support the delivery of communications and stakeholder engagement across several client projects.
Will Doherty

Senior Account Executive
Prior to joining Counter Context as an account executive in 2021, Will graduated from the University of Leicester with a BA in History and Politics and then from the University of Sheffield with an MA in International Relations.
At Counter Context, Will uses the skills he acquired during the completion of both of his degrees to support the delivery of communications and stakeholder management as part of the Transport and Regeneration team.
John Prendergast

Account Manager
John joined Counter Context as a Senior Account Executive in September 2023. Before this, he worked in a variety of marketing and communications roles across a diverse array of sectors, including tourism, Saas, and the charity sector.
John has a particular interest in the built environment and has spent several years as a local campaigner on housing issues. At Counter Context, John uses the skills he has acquired through these roles to support the delivery of communications and stakeholder management across a range of projects.
Abigail Kirk

Senior Account Executive
Abbi joined Counter Context as an account executive in January 2023. Prior to this, Abbi graduated from the University of Sheffield with a BA in Sociology with Social Policy where she developed a keen interest for political policy, communication, and social research.
At Counter Context, Abbi uses the skills and knowledge acquired from her degree to support the delivery of project communications and stakeholder management in the built environment.
Brandon Henderson

Senior Account Executive
Brandon is a public affairs professional with a passion for political and stakeholder engagement. Before joining us, he graduated from the University of Hull with a BA in Politics and worked in an MP’s office in his final year, then went on to complete an MA in Political Communication at the University of Leeds.
At Counter Context, Brandon brings an abundance of expertise in the political space to the team, utilising his skills and knowledge to effectively map stakeholders. He is also highly skilled in political monitoring and insight.

Energy and Utilities team

Tom Mothersole

Associate Director
Tom works in our Energy and Utilities division. He supports clients delivering nationally significant and locally sensitive infrastructure projects.
With expertise in designing and delivering effective engagement strategies, Tom has contributed to a variety of projects across multiple sectors, including a secondment within HS2’s Phase 2b Engagement Team.
Tom joined Counter Context with a first-class degree in Economics and Politics and experience as an HM Treasury Economist.
Matthew Addy

Account Director
Matt works in our Energy and Utilities division and rejoined Counter Context in September 2024 after three years away.
He brings over seven years experience supporting clients across multiple sectors, including within renewable energy. Matt leads on delivering and implementing a range of communication strategies across a portfolio of major infrastructure projects.
Matt joined Counter Context as an Account Executive in 2017 with a degree in Politics and Economics and a MA in International Relations at the University of Nottingham.
Angelika Solomons-Tibi

Senior Account Manager
Angelika joined Counter Context as an Account Executive in September 2021, having completed an MSc in Global Politics at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Angelika specialises in politics, communications, and public affairs; having acquired a BA in Political Science at McGill University and worked as a news producer in the United States. Throughout, Angelika also honed significant planning, project management and creative strategy skill. Angelika has focused much of her past experience on the climate crisis, her expertise including domestic and international policy, sustainable development and effective climate communication strategies.
Lucy DaVolls

Account Manager
Lucy studied an undergraduate degree in BSc Geography at the University of Sheffield where she developed a strong interest in sustainability and renewable energy. Her passion stemmed from her role as the Environmental Officer at university and internship working as an Environmental Analyst for a carbon offset start-up company.
At Counter Context, Lucy supports the delivery of stakeholder management for a variety of projects within the Energy and Utilities industries.
Edward Brown

Account Manager
Edward joined Counter Context in January 2022 as an Account Executive in the Energy & Utilities team. Prior to this, he studied politics at the University of Sheffield, focusing on the impacts of corporations in global industry, particularly within the green economy. He also focused on political communications, including a dissertation that looked at the impact of communication before and around the 2016 US Presidential Election.
Since leaving university, Edward has worked in the NHS, working on a variety of projects and developing his skills in stakeholder engagement and communications.
Caitlin Hughes

Senior Account Executive
Caitlin joined Counter Context as an Account Executive in November 2023. Prior to this, Caitlin graduated from University College London with a BA in Politics and East European Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Security Studies. At university, Caitlin developed a keen interest in political communication and social policy.
At Counter Context, Caitlin uses the skills and knowledge acquired during the completion of her studies to support the delivery of communications and stakeholder management as part of the Energy & Utilities team.
Kate Matthews

Senior Account Executive
Kate joined Counter Context in December 2023 as part of the Winter internship programme and as an Account Executive shortly after.
Kate has an MA in International Journalism from the University of Leeds and a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Ethics from the University of Chichester. During her postgraduate studies she developed a keen interest in the spread, impact and management of mis- and disinformation, particularly within science communication.
At Counter Context, Kate supports with stakeholder engagement and communications on a number of projects within the Energy & Utilities team.
Isaac Howarth

Account Executive
Isaac joined Counter Context as an Account Executive in July 2024, graduating from the University of Sheffield with a BA in History and Politics the same year.
During his degree, he developed a strong interest in practical, public policy whilst being tutored by a former Downing Street Special Advisor. Alongside his studies, he managed media and communications for a pharmaceutical management consultancy in Sheffield and organised a student volunteering project, delivering basic lessons in politics and current affairs to Key Stage Two pupils in the local area.
At Counter Context, Isaac focuses on consultation analysis and support the communications and stakeholder management side of the Energy & Utilities team.
Arnica Palechuk

Account Executive
Arnica joined Counter Context in 2024 after completing a Bachelor of Communication and Digital Journalism at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia, Canada. She focused her degree in media and adventure studies, where she found a passion for purposeful public relations. Throughout her studies, Arnica honed her skills, focusing on public relations within sustainable development and tourism operations.
At Counter Context, Arnica uses her unique background to support the delivery of communications and stakeholder management for various projects within the Energy and Utilities team.
Leah Mosley

Account Executive
Leah joined Counter Context in June 2024 through the summer internship program and was promoted to Account Executive shortly after. She holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Salford, located in Media City, and has gained experience working with both local and national broadcasters. Driven by a deep commitment to humanitarian causes, Leah has frequently focused her work on charitable organisations and community support initiatives.
Leah is passionate about engaging with diverse audiences, and she leverages her extensive communication skills to contribute to the Energy and Utilities team at Counter Context. Her work supports stakeholder management and communications across various projects, ensuring effective and meaningful connections with the public.
Oscar Ward

Account Executive
Oscar joined Counter Context as an Account Executive in July 2024, having graduated in 2022 with a BA in Politics.
Prior to this Oscar had worked with schools, MPs and councillors to relaunch and run Reading Youth Council, utilising social media to boost outreach and youth engagement, before going on to serve as President of his university’s Labour society. Oscar focused on political sociology, marketability and philosophy as part of his degree.
At Counter Context, Oscar supports in communications, analysis and the creation of client materials, including using his expertise as a writer to proof read.

Operation, Production and Design team

Jessica Jenkins

Director of Operations
Jess leads the operations, production, and design team. She ensures her team have the right tools and knowledge to support the client delivery teams. Jess ensures that new technologies are integrated into the team, to help us to streamline the way we work.
Jess has gained experience in a range of operational and production roles across different industries ensures everything at Counter Context runs smoothly and efficiently.
Paul Watkinson

Head of Design
Paul manages all the print design elements for the team, utilising skills gathered from over 20 year of experience. Paul has developed branding, website design, printed collateral, and exhibition materials, building up thoughtful and impactful design portfolios for our clients and their projects.
Paul’s relationships with suppliers and clients, ensures we deliver designed documents and a range of tailor-made solutions on time for all our clients.
Nathan Asquith

Finance Manager
Nathan is responsible for the all the financial management of the business by making sure we are compliant with the relevant legislation and ensuring the business is running on a secure financial basis.
Nathan especially enjoys reporting on monthly figures and making sure we hit the relevant targets.
Nathan has been with the company for over 20 years and has witnessed Counter Context’s steady growth over the years.
Natalie Wilson

Brand and Marketing Manager
Natalie joined Counter Context in November 2024 with over twelve years experience in managing marketing in the world of commercial insurance and risk management.
With a wide omni-channel skillset , including event management, social content, brand tone, partnerships, email marketing, and more - Natalie will help to boost our reputation in key markets whilst being at the forefront of crafting and executing marketing strategies that elevate our brand and drive growth.
Angela Sands

Digital Designer
Angela completed a BA honours in e-Communications in 2015, which began an interest in website building, digital design, and online marketing.
Angela plays an important role in the operational, production and design team, with building websites - predominantly for consultations - and the production of printed and digital collateral for projects across the company.
Josh Pickering

Graphic Designer
Josh joined Counter Context at the beginning of 2022 as a Junior Graphic Designer. Graduating with a BA honours in Graphic Design and Communication, Josh developed skills in both printed and digital design, including an interactive pop-up publication entitled “Staying Sane with the Pandemic,” which aimed to support mental health during the UK lockdown in 2021.
Josh now uses the skills he learnt during his degree to further Counter Contexts printed and digital consultation materials, as well as providing design support in both CC’s social media presence and website creation.
Emilia Williamson

Operations Assistant
Emilia has achieved a Masters degree from the University of Leeds in Corporate Communications, Marketing and Public Relations. Since graduating back in 2021, Emilia has worked in Sheffield and gained experience in an in-house Marketing and PR role.
Through this, she has gained insight into the working world of PR and communications and specialises in campaign planning, event organisation and social media creation. At Counter Context, she helps support the needs of the wider PR division by writing releases, researching and liaising with the media.
Georgina Fletcher

People Manager
Georgina an experienced HR and People Manager, specialises in driving HR strategies and cultivating positive workplace cultures. She has a proven track record in overseeing HR operations, developing policies, and leading training programs.
Her expertise in strategic recruitment, employee engagement, and talent development ensures she consistently enhances organisational performance and employee satisfaction as the People Manager for Counter Context.
Lucy Ellis

Office Administrative Assistant
Lucy graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2023 with a BSc in geography, where she developed a passion for regeneration and the concept of place.
At Counter Context, Lucy is excited to be part of the operations team, ensuring every day runs smoothly and co-ordinating internal processes. She uses her skills acquired at university and previous roles to uphold and enhance office standards, create a vibrant space for colleagues and demonstrate a keen eye for detail.
Alex Wright

Junior Graphic Designer
Alex joined Counter Context in November 2024. Graduating in 2021 with a BA Honours in Illustration from Sheffield Hallam University, Alex has continued to develop his skills in design by having worked as a Graphic Designer for over two and a half years. He is skilled in illustration, creating artwork and animations.
During work experience, he developed skills in design process, communicating with clients, and producing both print and digital designs.
Alex is looking forward to working with the Counter Context team.

The Altitude Team

Altitude is a dedicated PR brand of Counter Context focussed on delivering bespoke PR services and solutions. We are a team of PR specialists working across a portfolio of accounts inside and outside of the built environment.

Jane Whitham

Director
Jane leads our dedicated PR brand. Jane specialises in strategy, positioning and developing PR campaigns to raise profile and drive commercial growth. Jane has worked at a senior level in private sector, charity, and public sector roles for more than 25 years and is a trained journalist.
Jane’s expertise is in strategic development, positioning, campaign management, internal communication, media relations, copywriting, analysis, and evaluation.
Adam Reeves-Brown

PR & Communications Director
Since graduating, Adam has amassed over a decade of experience in consumer and business-to-business PR and communications.
Specialising in content creation, copywriting, media relations and brand building, Adam works primarily within the PR arm of the business. He also manages creative corporate communication projects – from printed brochures and hoardings, to digital websites and social media campaigns.
Amy Lloyd

Senior Account Manager
Amy has worked in content and communications for the last eight years, and before joining Altitude, she specialised in B2B PR for clients in niche, often complex, industries. She has a real passion for language and is well-versed in helping brands to tell their unique stories — enabling them to communicate and connect authentically with their target audiences.
Her professional experience, coupled with an academic background in languages, means Amy sits naturally within the dedicated PR arm of Counter Context, Altitude. As such, the various strings to her bow span copywriting, content creation, media relations, and strategic communications planning.
Rachel Measures

Account Manager
Rachel has a degree in Media and a Masters in PR from Sheffield Hallam University. She’s worked in events and PR roles since leaving university, building valuable agency and in-house experience.
Specialising in copywriting, social media content, media management and events, Rachel works on our dedicated PR brand of the business delivering a range of traditional PR services such as media relations, campaign planning and a variety of social and digital content.
Max Haley

Senior Account Executive
Max graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Politics and Sociology, he has taken his interest in social affairs and merged that with his passion for PR in order to develop exciting campaigns for a range of clients.
Working primarily in the dedicated PR brand of Counter Context, Max combines this interest with the experience he has gained working in hospitality and education in both London and Sheffield, enabling him to deliver a variety of PR services such as event organisation, an array of social and digital content, and media releases.