New talent agency for the North aims to tackle southern bias in events and campaigns
Futurist and author Tom Cheesewright has launched a talent agency for the north, aiming to provide events organisers and broadcasters with northern voices and ideas.
Pomona Partners aims to be the go-to destination for those seeking experts to speak at events, front marketing campaigns or act as brand ambassadors.
Cheesewright has signed up a roster of speakers, with experts spanning technology, politics, leadership, marketing, wellbeing and activism. The company is crafting a path to success for its expert talent, positioning them as the leading choice for event and campaign organisers.
He said: “The company was established as a direct response to my own experiences. I had a desire to create an agency that provides a more streamlined and transparent experience for speakers and customers, something that went a step further and supported brands, marketers and producers with experienced performers for their events and campaigns. It was also important to me that we removed a long-standing Southern bias to speakers and the companies that represent them.
“I believe we’re representing the sharpest expert talent, the people who bring events and campaigns to life with their knowledge, charisma and unique ability to engage an audience. And we’re already helping brands, producers and marketers to source new, high quality voices that speak to their audience.
“Though our reach is global, we are a Northern company, committed to developing and championing emerging and progressive talent. Our experts really do span a huge range of specialisms and we’ve made a commitment to ensure every one of them is able to benefit from a development programme to help them to consistently develop their career and grow their skills and reach.”
Early clients on the Pomona books include Vimla Apadoo, Ruth Ibegbuna, Naomi Timperley and Alia Carter.
Cheesewright’s delivery team include lead agent Rachel Hallam, operations manager Gemma Stirling and the former head of communications at Daisy, Katharine McNamara, who will lead on marketing. Monika Neall will look after development.
The company is also providing a pathway for up-and-coming talent, with its academy, offering access to subject matter experts to help expedite and nurture the next generation of influencers and speakers. It is providing consultancy services across speaking and confidence, podcasting, social media, media and literary relations.
