For such a time as this:
Enough of the monolithic agency tedium and all that it brings… or doesn’t.
We are a highly experienced troop of senior independent industry practitioners that lovingly meld research, consultancy, design, digital, PR and corporate communications but without all the corporate hoo-ha. You deserve the very highest quality and value at every touch-point rather than paying ridiculous agency overheads for uninspiring outputs, after the executive team disappear into the ether as soon as the beauty parade is over. Our tightly unified collective rallies under a banner that stands for impeccable quality; exquisitely delivered; every day. It’s our ‘non-negotiable’.
Get in touch
We at Ad Lucem know that securing the skillset to fulfil your requirements is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.
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Meet the Team
Founder and research lead
Phil Wickenden
Founder of Ad Lucem, Phil’s experience in financial services research & communications spans 17 years and all corners of the provider, agency and research worlds. In that time, he has worked with insurers, asset managers, platforms and banks providing real and continuing understanding of what’s happening and about to happen across financial markets; invaluable insight into what key advisers & consumer groups value, fully integrated thought leadership programs and actionable plans to drive business growth. Phil was most recently Managing Director of Cicero Research, having sold the FS Research consultancy (So Here’s The Plan) he founded and led for 8 years.
With a penchant for launching businesses in recessions, and proving that something good can come out of a pandemic, Lockdown confirmed some of the hunches Phil harboured for some time:
The old agency model, if it isn’t broken, is expensive and unnecessarily unwieldy at best.
That this means too often clients don’t get the quality, expertise AND value that they deserve.
There has to be a better way to serve you.
And so, from a socially distant but creatively close spark, the Ad Lucem Collective was born. We can’t wait to work with you.
REGULATION / TAXATION / FINANCIAL PLANNING / CONSULTANCY
Tony Wickenden
Tony is the founder and MD of Technical Connection Ltd. He has been in the business for over 45 years and is a regular speaker at leading financial services sector events. Tony is a Bachelor of Laws, a chartered insurer, a trusts and estate practitioner and a fellow of the institute of taxation.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR / DESIGN
Kellie Wickenden
With a background in advertising & marketing, Kellie’s 12 year career has seen briefs for high profile clients such as AOL, Intel, ITV, Google & Nike. She is skilled in producing hand crafted and digital design utilising a varied skillset that includes marker visualisation, concept art, pitch decks, toolkits, storyboarding, animation, infographics & Sketchup builds.
kittywicks.co.uk
ADVISORY PANEL -
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
Sophie Timms
Sophie is a Corporate Affairs Director with over 20 years’ experience in the UK, EMEA and global insurance sector. Her specialisms include external communications, reputation and crisis management, media relations, public affairs, corporate responsibility, diversity and sustainability. Sophie’s focus is on mapping corporate affairs strategies to organisational strategy.
PERFORMANCE &
COMMUNICATIONS COACHING
Chris Wickenden
Chris is a great believer that everyone has the potential to feel and be incredibly expressive, engaging, confident, and inspiring every day, at home and at work. He also believes in the ability to experience all of these things whilst being unapologetically yourself.
thespeakersgym.com
RESEARCH / DESIGN /
CAMPAIGNS / PR / CONSULTANCY
Faith Liversedge
Faith is a highly imaginative communications expert, with 20 years' experience of creating, developing and delivering distinctive and award-winning marketing content and campaigns in the retail financial services space.
Faith ensures we provide bespoke marketing that speaks directly to our clients' target audience, and delivers results that meet their business objectives.
DIGITAL DIRECTOR
George Cooper
After a short career in the video world, George realised he was a far better strategist than creative. As such, George now focuses on campaign design and ensuring that all the pieces of the marketing puzzle come together. From selecting the right tools, building the best tech stack and ensuring that the numbers add up, George makes sure that all our marketing work is measurable and effective.
VIDEOGRAPHER / CREATIVE
James Wickenden
With a lengthy career in the television industry and a background in the arts, James is hands on in producing quality audio and visual content for a variety of audiences. Most recently he has been focused on clients within the financial sector, and prides himself on the satisfaction of every individual client.