WISE BIRDS NETWORK
A network of creative & fashion industry skills, experience & knowledge
Helping to share, mentor and grow ideas into markets
MO TOMANEY
Founder and director.
As a designer Mo worked across the global fashion industry from big brands to micros - she knows the industry from field to catwalk to cart, and cares about people and impacts in the creation of the stuff we cherish. She wants to help ensure that the small businesses contained within value chains are sustainable in every sense of the word.
Mo loves connecting skills, talent and markets. Alongside her work with Wise Birds Network she advises on policy in the sector, lectures and speaks on enterprise and sustainability in fashion, lifestyle and jewelry. She is also is a textile designer.
PETER ALLEN ACA
Senior Consultant, Financial Strategy and Planning
Peter is Wise Birds Networks' financial magician. He approaches the finance needs of creatives with pragmatism and clarity of communication that right-brainers appreciate. As Financial Director of London Graphic Centre for 24 years, Peter played a significant role in seeing the company grow from £8m to £24m, from a single brand to 4 independent brands. Working with the cross skill WBN Consultancy Constellations model, he has supported clients to develop convincing financial plans to secure funding or achieve merger or growth targets. Peter holds a BA (Econ), Accounting & Finance from The University of Manchester & ACA accreditation.
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ASSOCIATE CONSULTANTS
Emma Baxter Wright, Branding and Communication
A highly respected fashion writer, stylist & industry analyst with an encyclopeadic contemporary fashion knowledge, Emma is UK Fashion Editor for the New York Observer & lectures in Fashion Communication, Branding & Marketing.
Jo Beardsworth, Coach, Leadership Development and Change Management
Jo brings 28 years of commercial insight and experience working with leading international retailers and brands. She ran a successful fashion B2B and sales agency before commencing her current practise, sharing her knowledge to improve performance for fashion and lifestyle businesses. Her energetic determination is infectious and helps motivate individuals and team members to improve performance and deliver results.
Claire Bell, Legal
Claire has 25 yrs experience as as solicitor, specialising in employment law, data protection and governance advice. She provides data protection, HR & employment law support for WBN clients, alongside her considerable management experience.
Jacqueline Shaw, Product Management and Macro Supply Chains
Jaquelines’ many accolades include recognition by as one of Africa’s Power Players in 2015 New African Woman. An extraordinary wealth of experience includes industry experience as a designer & product manager with mainstream brands and the creation of Africa Fashion Guide, one of the foremost international fora the apparel sector development across Africa,
Jill Tattersall, Colour & Trend; Youth Engagement
A hands on educator, designer & practitioner, Jill’s work embraces a range of visual arts & skills including ceramics , furniture, installation & graphics. Through her work in community & further education she has encouraged many young people to engage with creative pursuits, inspiring many to follow art & design careers.
Joanne Irvine, Personal and Business Coaching
Joanne has worked in the arts & heritage sector for over 25 years as a manager, leader, consultant & coach. Originally trained as a fine artist, creativity is at the core her approach, never more so than when coaching & encouraging people to be brave & share thoughts & ideas.
Anna White, Digital Communications and Social Strategy
Anna's expertise is informed by a successful career in PR and marketing with extensive experience in a wide range of sectors (consumer and B2B) using both conventional and digital platforms. Anna's breath of sector experience include consumer health and charity and education campaigns, to fashion, lifestyle, retail and events.