Hello, I'm Eimear (pronounced "E-mer", sounds like Beamer) I'm a strategic marketing consultant with 25 years' experience, and since 2019, I've focused on helping businesses in the construction and built environment sector improve their visibility and reach their clients with impact. My journey here isn't exactly linear. I started as a marketing executive at Powergen, spent years working with major high street bank brands, and even had a fascinating stint in prison education. But during those 25 years, when working for an offsite company called Terrapin, my love for this sector was born. Today, I run Strong Marketing and Communications, where I help specialist contractors, consultants, architects, and supply chain businesses define their positioning, generate better leads, and build marketing systems that work. My approach is deeply personal - I become an extension of their team, connecting them to my network to challenge assumptions, sharpen messaging, and develop marketing that people genuinely want to read and act on. While I'm a generalist, my heart lies with direct marketing, email campaigns, and data-driven strategies, which is where I started my career. I'm also fascinated by AI and how it can revolutionise what we do in this sector. This sector has a reputation for being fiercely competitive. Still, I have rose-tinted glasses and have joined this network as we all need to support and learn from each other. A connected, communicating, positive marketing and communications community will only benefit our industry and help us overcome the challenges we face together.

Head of Partnerships | Commercial Strategy & Growth | Building Successful Collaborations on Construction & Built Environment Marketing Network

As MD of Built Environment and Architecture Media I work with the talented and creative teams behind Architecture Today, School of Specification, RegenerativeArchitecture.org, CMA Awards and the Construction & Built Environment Marketing Network. My track record in architecture and built environment media - and the industry more widely - spans over 30 years, continuously creating opportunities for championing and supporting our professional communities as they have grappled with the challenges and opportunities of our times. I still relish the challenge of reinventing established media brands in response to the changing needs of our audiences and the realities of a fast-changing media landscape and have overseen the successful relaunch of The Architects’ Journal, RIBA Journal and Architecture Today as multi-media content platforms as well as notable launches such as AJ 40 Under 40, UK Architecture at MIPIM and the World Architecture Festival.   I became an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2023.

With over 15 years’ experience of strategic marketing in the built environment, I have previously worked at some well-known names within the industry. I’ve had an exciting career so far, working on research projects to unlock growth for companies, implementing strategies for international markets throughout Europe as well as developing and launching products through multi-channel campaigns.  Sustainability is a big passion of mine – the ever increasing threat of the climate emergency means that sustainable thinking needs to be at the heart of all strategies. I have experience in reviewing a company’s carbon impact by looking at scopes 1 -3. With this data, I was able to contribute to creating roadmaps and translate them into successful commercial strategy. I’m thrilled to have founded Urban Fox Marketing, which is all my passion and knowledge (and curiosity) poured into a marketing consultancy, tailored to each client.

Throughout her 18-year career, Sarah has consistently excelled as a Senior Administrator and Business Coordinator. Her journey began in the construction industry at Aspire Defence Capital Works, where she supported a team of 150 and excelled in various administrative and procurement tasks. Later, at Actica Consulting Ltd, she specialised in consultancy support and demonstrated her ability to foster strong client relationships. However, it is at Competitive Advantage/Misca Advisors since 2017 that Sarah’s contributions truly shine. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring the consultancy’s seamless operation, serving as a customer liaison, managing training courses, and actively contributing to industry event planning. Sarah’s multifaceted role includes account management, event coordination, and visual material preparation, directly impacting the consultancy’s success and competitive advantage. Her meticulous organisational skills and commitment to operational efficiency make her an indispensable asset to the consultancy. Since 2017, Sarah has been a crucial member of the team, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the consultancy’s smooth operation. Her responsibilities include serving as a customer liaison for consultancy and research projects, managing training courses, and organising industry events. Sarah’s diverse roles encompass account management, event coordination, visual material preparation, and team support. She efficiently manages the CRM system, compiles client proposals and reports, engages with opportunities, and advocates for customers. Her contributions to visual material preparation, collaboration with team members to meet deadlines, website maintenance, and schedule management for the Managing Director are also noteworthy. Overall, Sarah’s efforts significantly impact the organisation’s success, contributing to sales achievements and enhancing team productivity. In addition to her core responsibilities at Competitive Advantage/Misca Advisors, Sarah has played an instrumental role in the organisation of the CMA Awards, hosted annually. Since 2017, she has supported the planning and delivery of this respected industry event, which recognises marketing excellence within the construction sector. Her contributions include managing award entries, coordinating with judges and entrants, and assisting with the logistics of the awards ceremony. Sarah’s strong organisational skills and attention to detail have been key to the continued success and growth of the CMA Awards over the past eight years.