who we are.
meet the team
Simon Newing, MD
Simon was Focus' first employee, joining in 1996. After five years of web based adventures in other places, Simon rejoined Focus in 2004 and brought his BBC Micro (pictured) with him. Away from the PC, Simon spends most of his time hoping Watford will win a football match.
Neil Smith, Technical Director
Neil has spent many years knee deep in the development of large scale web applications - including a stint as IT Director for a divison of Kodak - helping launch an entire new range of web based services to the public and Kodak suppliers. Neil also plays guitar, piano, drums, bass guitar, the harmonica, keyboard and sings. And he's not bad on the Wii as well......
Annette Ryske, Senior Account Manager
With a passion for creative online solutions and a pragmatic and customer-focused approach, Annette works with our clients on benefit-driven websites and effective digital marketing campaigns. With a degree in Graphic Design and many years experience in design and marketing, there isn't much she can't handle! As long as there's plenty of tea... When she escapes from the studio, Annette loves gigs, travelling, shoes... and her cats Cheese and Sushi.
Steve Fenn, Web Developer
Despite being a QPR fan, Steve joined the team at Focus in the summer of 2011 after studying Web Design at the University of West England. As part of his course Steve was a Peer Assisted Learning Leader for first year students - improving study habits and helping them settle into university life. In the bar, no doubt.
Jordana Jeffrey, Designer
Jordana left her job in Abu Dhabi back in December 2011 and returned to Bristol to pursue a career related to her degree in graphic design. By joining us as our Designer, she's done just that. With family all over the UK, Jordana loves to jump on a plane to see her big sister (left). When she's not buying high heels (that she'll never wear), Jordana is often visiting friends in Buckinghamshire where she grew up.
Frances Smolinski, Account Executive
The newest member of the team, Frances has recently moved client side after several years as a Studio Manager and Production Manager. A Jack of all trades, Frances has a degree in Marine and Natural History Photography, an eye for detail, is a voracious reader and a lover of both green and dessert teas. She's hoping to make herself indispensable as the right-hand woman of Client Services.
Mike Newing, Director And Founder
Mike was one of the co-founders of Focus and still pops in occasionally to make sure we're all behaving ourselves. Mike spends most of his time these days in South Devon - either in his cottage or at one of the many boat yards in the area looking for that 'next purchase'.
Kirsty White, Office Manager
Kirsty has many talents: she invoices, files, prints, buys boxes of fruit teas (for the account management team) and Red Bull (for the techies), orders stationery and generally keeps us all organised and ship-shape. When not maintaining order Kirsty spends most Sundays watching sons Louis and Luke play rugby - usually in the rain.
Jenny Corfield, Business Development Manager
Jenny recently relocated from the muddy fields of Herefordshire to get in on the action at Focus. After working as a Key Account Manager for a manufacturing company for several years, Jenny was ready to change it up and dip her toe into the exciting world of web design. With a degree in Illustration, Jenny still likes to get creative; whether it's painting a mural or thinking up an inventive way to grab the attention of an illusive sales contact.
blog.
Why a website accessibility checklist could work for you
There was so much excitement around the invention of the world wide web, an online platform everybody could go to for information, to communicate and so much more…
