Clearcast is made up of 67 brilliant individuals who get your ads where they need to be – by clearing, delivering, supporting you through the process, or keeping things running behind the scenes. But what about when we’re not working on ads?
Our team comes from all walks of life and many have hidden talents and passions which they channel into pursuits outside of work. Some are creative ventures, while others aim to make a difference in the world.
So, grab a cuppa and get to know us a little better. Some of these may surprise you…
Meet Ollie: Copy Group Executive
and Football Presenter
Ollie Buck joined our Operations team four years ago, before transitioning to Copy Clearance where he works with agencies to ensure their ads are suitable for broadcast, helping to to guide them through the process.
But that’s not all. Since 2018, Ollie’s been creating online content for Leyton Orient Football Club, producing weekly YouTube shows for the club’s official channel, interviewing players and sharing updates from the training ground.
Then, when the pandemic hit in 2020 and matches moved behind closed doors, the club began live-streaming games, giving Ollie the chance to step into the role of match-day presenter. Over the past five years, he’s anchored pre-match, half-time, and post-match shows, building a catalogue of unforgettable moments.
Reflecting on his experience, Ollie said “It’s been an incredible journey – from interviewing my childhood heroes to filming live from Wembley Stadium – the home of football! It’s been a thrilling ride that blends my passion for football with on-screen storytelling.”
Meet Henry: Copy Group Executive
and Published Children’s Author
Since joining us at the start of the year, Henry Martin has been working to clear your ads, ensuring that all scripts and videos adhere to the BCAP code rules.
In his spare time, Henry is always tinkering away on writing projects. With a background in publishing and education (teaching both art history and creative writing), he recently stepped into the world of children’s literature.
His first picture book, How to Love the Whole World is a poetic story about painter Agnes Martin and how she found the strength to be herself and share happiness through her art. The London launch was a fun event with lots of support from the Clearcast team.
Henry also recently published his first Substack, Mini Proust, where he interviews artists and writers about their creative lives.
“Nearly all of my projects involve research, travel, and sometimes an adventure or two” Henry explains “writing is a good lifeline to the world”.
Meet Ellie: Communications & Marketing Manager
and Children’s Advocate / Fundraiser
Ellie Powell crafts the messaging around some of our helpful services, like ad delivery, training courses, subtitles and ad management, ensuring that the industry stays informed and supported.
Outside of work, Ellie co-founded The Children Are Ours, a grassroots collective based in Oxfordshire, which she runs part-time. Inspired by a powerful quote from James Baldwin “The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe”, the initiative supports children affected by conflict, through community fundraisers and education.
Central to their mission is engaging local children in meaningful ways, gently encouraging empathy and a global mindset. In December, the group collected 246 new toys from local families for orphans from Gaza, which were delivered to Cairo in the spring by ‘Lonely Orphans’. In March, Ellie organised a mono-printing family art session and bake sale, raising £1,200 for ‘Children Not Numbers’, a UK based charity specialising in emergency evacuations, rehabilitation, trauma care, and orphan support.
Ellie says “It’s a desperately urgent cause and I love putting my energy into something so important”.
If you’d like to learn more about Ellie’s efforts and hear about the next fundraiser, follow on Instagram: @thechildrenareours
Meet Jonathan: Senior Copy Group Executive
and Writer / Performer
Jonathan Laury is part of the New Business team, where he helps new organisations to learn the ropes by walking them through their first few clearances, before passing them onto the rest of the copy team.
But he’s a man of many talents, as he’s also a writer, creator and trained actor. Recently, he’s been craving a new creative outlet and has been working on his debut solo show, which he’ll be performing at the Lambeth Fringe festival in October.
The Vampire Run is an interactive, comedy/horror game show where members of the audience must overcome a variety of obstacles to reach the vampire’s chamber. However, one player is evil and the audience must decide who before it’s too late. It’s a fast-paced, hilariously deadly ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ social deduction show, written and performed by Jonathan himself.
“I realised that I missed performance more than I thought I had” Jonathan explains “and this is my first time doing solo stuff – I’ve always been part of a group. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure!”
There are two chances to catch the show – Thursdays 2nd and 16th October.
Meet Jan: Senior Copy Group Executive
and Magistrate
Jan Cooper has been in the Copy Clearance team for an impressive 20 years, where he helps to ensure that advertising copy meets the standards required for broadcast.
When he’s not clearing ads, Jan steps into a very different kind of role – one that involves real-life judgement calls in the courtroom. After a rigorous training process, in 2019 he was sworn in as a Magistrate at the Old Bailey, taking on a voluntary position that draws on his background in law and publishing.
“I wanted to utilise those skills, along with those that I use every day at Clearcast, in a role that makes a difference in the community” says Jan.
Jan hears criminal cases in local courts – everything from shoplifting to traffic offences – and helps to decide the outcomes, without a jury. “To decide whether to remove someone’s liberty is a great responsibility,” he reflects “but it’s also a privilege to contribute to the justice system in a meaningful way”.
From the football field and the stage, to the community centre and the courtroom, our team’s talents stretch far beyond our office walls.
To round things off, here’s a snap of the wider team at our recent rooftop BBQ: burgers, sunshine and good vibes all around.
It’s moments like these that remind us how lucky we are to work with such a brilliant bunch.
