From selling handbags on eBay to leading global media campaigns, Simon now channels his experience into a mindfulness meditation platform.
After graduating from BA (Hons) Business and Marketing, Simon worked for a web design agency working on digital marketing. He then went on to run his own business on eBay selling handbags, which led to his store being the UK's biggest handbag store at the time. After this, Simon spent time building digital marketing teams in businesses. He would then go on to work as a Managing Partner with global media agency, Wavemaker, the second-largest media agency in the UK.
His duties involved being at the forefront of content strategy and influencer marketing, and delivering commercial success. His leadership was instrumental in growing the agency's influencer marketing revenue. It skyrocketed from a standing start to a multi-million pound practice in just three years. Simon also spearheaded major global projects, such as securing and leading the Global editorial content strategy for Skyscanner. He also led social media projects with Transport for London, and The Royal Navy.
In recognition of his work and achievements, Simon was awarded the distinguished title of Fellow of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (FIPA) in 2021. He was given his award for his outstanding contributions and dedication to the UK advertising industry.
Looking back on his time at the University, Simon has fond memories of attending popular social events as part of the student experience. The impact of studying here has been positive on his professional life, stating that “without this degree (he) would have struggled to get on the career ladder.”
"Everything I've ever done has been focused on working in advertising. I'm a firm believer that hard work pays off and that's exactly what I've been doing my whole career; learning, looking for opportunities and choosing roles in which I get a strong mentor to take me onto the next stage in my career."
— Simon Jones, BA (Hons) Business and Marketing graduate
After decades of success in high-performing environments, Simon drew on his skills and experience to found Klarosity. Klarosity is a meditation platform that helps ambitious professionals establish a consistent meditation practice. This helps to boost their wellbeing, focus, leadership, and creativity. Alongside running Klarosity, he continues to be a trusted consultant for global brands. Simon offers expertise in content strategy, social media, influencer marketing, and content partnerships.
Simon’s connection to the University of Lancashire remains strong and proud, and not only for the foundation it gave him. It does so for the legacy it represents within his family, with his son now following in his footsteps as a current student at the University. "My degree from UCLan was the essential launchpad to my career. Without it, I would have struggled to get on the career ladder. That foundation allowed me to build a career at the forefront of digital marketing, leading incredible teams and delivering multi-million pound growth in exciting new fields like influencer and content strategy. Now, I'm using the insights gained from those high-performing environments to build something new with Klarosity, helping other professionals find balance and improve their personal performance. To see my son now studying Sports Journalism at the University of Lancashire brings it all full circle, it’s a very proud moment." Simon said.
