Victoria Nash
Summary
A senior journalist and Communications Director with 20 years' experience in media, PR, communications and branding. With more than a decade spent running busy and chaotic newsrooms - delivering accurate, hard-hitting news under tight deadlines, in passion-filled and high-pressure environments - I am currently Communications Director for the UK’s largest online comedy streaming channel.
Having joined the company in its infancy, I have helped to shape the brand, crafted compelling narratives to drive brand awareness, built and managed a high-performing team across Marketing and Operations and grown membership to record levels through international PR and functions with press, public and celebrities, internal communications, customer acquisition, engagement and retention strategies.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Director of Communications
Ustreme
02.2022 - 07.2025
- Company Overview: UK’s largest online comedy streaming channel featuring unique content and
classic British comedy. - Appointed in company's infancy as key representative of
senior management team driving 5-year growth programme, taking business from 3,000 to 20,000 subscribers, through development and expansion in UK and across the world. - Led its transformation from small online streaming service to internationally-renowned brand available on all major Apps.
- Implemented and delivered aggressive marketing strategy focused on strategic and targeted operational marketing initiatives across core channels to hit specific niche audiences. This
includes launch and continual development of Ustreme News to act as communications hub for the business, designed to encourage interest and engagement with fans which has increased subscription rates five-fold. - Led cross-functional teams and managed external agencies and partners in developing new branding initiatives, significantly enhancing market presence and ensuring alignment with company voice and branding standards.
- Analysed performance metrics to inform future branding decisions leading to informed strategies and stronger market positioning.
- Ensured consistent branding across all platforms with meticulous content review, responsible for reviewing all communications outputs for adherence to branding guidelines, ensuring a unified and professional identity at all times.
- Coordinated promotional activities and campaigns across various digital platforms for cohesive branding messages.
- Implemented detailed segmentation research, planning and go-to market strategies resulting in new business growth and market development; coupled with appropriately resourced internal
structures, teams and value propositions to aid delivery. - Execution of C-SAT and NPS programme inclusive of analysis and recommendations for Ustreme’s content delivery programme “Project Ustreme” which saw introduction of Laughter
Class – a UK-wide search for the next rising star of the comedy circuit. - Management of all promotional activity inclusive of lead generation and retention strategies, corporate sponsorship opportunities, digital and direct marketing campaigns and all marketing communications showcasing clear performance improvement and ROI to key stakeholders.
- Management of external communications targeted to 50,000 active users to promote ‘behind the scenes’ updates to the channel, allowing members to feel part of the Ustreme family.
- Management of content creation process from concept to completion, achieving cohesive messaging across all platforms.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with key influencers, securing valuable media coverage and endorsements to drive growth.
- Navigated challenging market conditions through proactive crisis management.
Deputy Regional Group Editor (Dorset titles)
Dorset Echo/Bournemouth Echo
08.2020 - 02.2022
- In charge of editorial operation for daily Dorset Echo and Bournemouth Echo titles, managing teams of reporters to source news, write content, proofread and edit articles for print, digital and social media.
- Integral in increasing online readership of Dorset Echo to more than 3 million individual page views per month, leading it to be named News Brand of the Year by Newsquest.
- Increased reader engagement by developing compelling storylines and headlines.
- Edited articles for clarity, style consistency and factual accuracy.
- Implemented digital-first strategies to accommodate changing media consumption patterns.
- Led daily editorial meetings to discuss news agenda and assignments.
- Delegated assignments to correspondents and freelance journalists for timely coverage of events.
- Covered current events and breaking news stories.
- Met tight deadlines without compromising on editorial quality or accuracy.
- Crafted compelling pieces for online and print publication, coordinating images and layout for optimised presentation.
- Reviewed press releases, selected relevant pieces for publication.
- Applied understanding of public opinion, social media and traditional media use to create engaging and attention-grabbing stories.
- Adhered to established guidelines for consistency across stories and platforms.
- Addressed reader complaints or feedback to improve overall customer satisfaction.
Director
The M Word Media
10.2015 - 03.2020
- Company Overview: Media consultancy
- Consulted with more than 20 clients to devise creative marketing and PR campaigns to maximise press coverage, increase digital presence and raise profile of brands nationally.
- Boosted market presence of clients with innovative product launches.
- Designed compelling promotional materials to improve product awareness.
- Coordinated successful trade shows for increased brand exposure.
- Increased brand visibility by implementing strategic marketing campaigns.
- Navigated challenging market conditions through proactive crisis management.
- Defined brand voice and imaging for various clients, aligning collateral with mission and values to drive brand success.
- Conducted comprehensive market research for better understanding of consumer behaviour.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with key influencers, securing valuable media coverage and endorsements to drive growth.
Freelance media consultant and copywriter
07.2014 - 05.2018
- Working as a freelance media consultant for Wolverhampton’s biggest and most popular secondary school, Highfields, using skills as a journalist to source and produce content for the school’s website and press, as well as working with a team of students to design and edit a termly professional-standard school newspaper.
- (July 14 - Sep 15) - Writing creative press releases and compiling media packs for PR agencies on behalf of a range of national and international clients including Maped Helix, Smiggle, Dodo Pad and Stratton of Mayfair.
Editor of Penn Parish Magazine (voluntary)
04.2017 - 01.2018
- Sourcing interesting and newsworthy articles, writing content, designing and editing the monthly Penn Parish Magazine, resulting in an increase in subscriptions and much-needed funds for the church.
Deputy Head of News/Acting Head of News
Express & Star
04.2012 - 07.2014
- Company Overview: Britain’s largest regional daily newspaper
- Working in a high-pressure environment meeting tight daily deadlines.
- Managing a team of news editors and reporters, tasting and editing copy, judging its news value and placing it appropriately within the paper and digitally on the website and social media.
- The Express & Star produced nine daily editions at its peak.
Wolverhampton News Editor
Express & Star
10.2011 - 04.2012
- Company Overview: Britain’s largest regional daily newspaper
- Working in a high-pressure environment meeting tight daily deadlines.
- Managing a team of news editors and reporters, tasting and editing copy, judging its news value and placing it appropriately within the paper and digitally on the website and social media.
Group Chief Reporter
Express & Star
02.2008 - 10.2011
Deputy Chief Reporter
Express & Star
12.2006 - 02.2008
Assistant Chief Reporter
Express & Star
05.2006 - 12.2006
Senior Reporter
Express & Star
05.2005 - 05.2006
Reporter
Kidderminster, Dudley, Stourbridge & Halesowen Chronicles
03.2004 - 05.2005
Editorial trainee
Midlands News Association (MNA)
09.2003 - 03.2004
Education
Dormston School
Sedgley, DudleyKing Edward VI College
Skills
- Confident communicator evidenced through internal change management programmes, board level presentations and production of varied communications material for multiple stakeholders
- Strong interpersonal, networking and team-working skills through liaison with external agencies, implementation of performance management systems involving cultural change and devising of new business systems and procedures
- Robust project management skills through formulation and completion of strategic projects including creation of objectives and continual review, monitoring and control of all project variables and risks
- Leadership and management qualities with responsibility of mentoring and development of high achieving teams
- Ability to question, critically evaluate and consult, and stimulate objective responses in a team environment through production of marketing material for a number of different target groups
- Action orientated approach to work and life with a “can do” positive attitude that delivers results A strong influencer with
high creativity and ability to see projects through to completion
Certification
NVQ Level 4 in Newspaper Journalism
NCTJ in Media Law
NCTJ in Public Affairs
NCTJ in Journalism Writing
Teeline shorthand 100 wpm
Press Association accredited video journalist
References
- Jim Davidson, Director, Ustreme Studios, 24/25 Universal Marina, Crableck Lane, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 7ZN. 01329 756350
- Maria Cusine, Head of News, Express & Star, Wolverhampton, WV1 1ES. 01902 319429
Timeline
Director of Communications
Ustreme
02.2022 - 07.2025
Deputy Regional Group Editor (Dorset titles)
Dorset Echo/Bournemouth Echo
08.2020 - 02.2022
Editor of Penn Parish Magazine (voluntary)
04.2017 - 01.2018
Director
The M Word Media
10.2015 - 03.2020
Freelance media consultant and copywriter
07.2014 - 05.2018
Deputy Head of News/Acting Head of News
Express & Star
04.2012 - 07.2014
Wolverhampton News Editor
Express & Star
10.2011 - 04.2012
Group Chief Reporter
Express & Star
02.2008 - 10.2011
Deputy Chief Reporter
Express & Star
12.2006 - 02.2008
Assistant Chief Reporter
Express & Star
05.2006 - 12.2006
Senior Reporter
Express & Star
05.2005 - 05.2006
Reporter
Kidderminster, Dudley, Stourbridge & Halesowen Chronicles
03.2004 - 05.2005
Editorial trainee
Midlands News Association (MNA)
09.2003 - 03.2004
Dormston School
King Edward VI College
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