Anita McGreevy

I have 12 years’ experience of working in this sector. Before CWP I worked at CSV Preston (a training division of a national charity CSV) for 5 years. This is where I met Steve, CWP’s founder and CEO, and we have been working together ever since.

I started as a Project Officer and worked my way up to Project Coordinator, then Quality and Performance Manager to my current role as Compliance and Operations Manager. As part of my role, I overlook policies and procedures, quality of service, and ensure contract compliance. I am very passionate about my job, and I truly believe in what CWP stands for and the opportunities it provides.

I completed BSc Degree in Economic Entrepreneurship in Poland, my home country, and I have Master’s Degree in International Business and Management from UCLAN.

My hobbies include travelling, cooking, watching crime dramas; but most of all I love spending my free time with family and friends.

Mark Barlow

After 6 years of happy, gainful employment at a sign writers me and a partner took the plunge and opened our own recording studio (West Orange, Preston). Self-employment was both rewarding and frightening.

I was head-hunted by a local FE college to do some teaching on their BTEC Music courses; that was my introduction to the world of education. I spent 20+ good years working at the college (in various jobs) until the music department was finally shut down. That’s when my time at CWP began.

I love the variety of activities I’m involved in, from helping students playing instruments and recording their performances through to video creation, editing and post-production… and a bit of brew making!

Outside of CWP music is still my hobby so I continue to record/produce for old friends. And when I’m not involved in music I enjoy long days out on my bike, touring the country lanes. And I still play 5-a-side football… but my knees are telling me that this should stop very soon!

Matt Gerrard

I am a self-taught musician, starting at age 8 on the guitar, I began producing recordings and experimenting with loopers and samplers at around age 12, moving to include bass, piano and drums shortly afterward.

By the time I reached university I was a member of several bands and worked as a producer for several more. After completing a degree in Music Technology and Innovation at DeMontfort University, I spent most of the early 2000s teaching, performing and recording, performing in bands such as GreaterThan, SaucyJack, Geese and 14 piece New Orleans funk band Brassic, and have supported bands such as The Futureheads and The Proclaimers.

I earned a Master’s with Distinction in Music in 2018 for the interactive multimedia project “Penta.” Throughout this time, I continued to work as a freelance composer producer and sound engineer, creating music for advertising and radio, while producing records and handling live sound at The Ferret as well as the Council’s Harris Museum events.

I currently work in the Music and Media departments at CWP, helping our learners create their own music, films and other multimedia projects, as well as offering traditional instrument tuition on guitar, bass, piano and drums.

Zaynab Desai

I enjoy reading, travelling and spending time engaging in outdoor activities.

I attended Preston Muslim Girls’ High School and achieved 9 GCSE’S. In year 10, I also completed the Duke of Edinburgh award. I then went on to study Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and core Maths at Cardinal Newman College. After completing my A-Levels, I was unsure whether I wanted to attend university, so I decided to apply for jobs.

I now work at CWP in business administration. My role entails overseeing day to day operations such as keeping files up to date, helping the centre manager with paperwork, monitoring student’s attendance and answering any queries that people may call regarding. I like my position as it allows me to interact with both the lovely staff and students.

Molly Simcock

My role at CWP combines teaching and admin support. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, I work with students delivering Employability and Food Tech qualifications, which I really enjoy. I have recently taken an additional responsibility as an IAG officer, and I help young people decide on their next steps once they complete their course at CWP. I provide admin support for variety of projects including ESF, Youth Music and Erasmus. Additionally, I have just completed Safeguarding training and became one of CWP’s Safeguarding Lead Officers.

I have a degree in Business Management and Human Resource Management and I am currently working towards Assessors Award at CWP. I am also a part time wedding planner in Cumbria.

I enjoy going out with my friends and online shopping. I also own three horses which I ride and look after. I am a proud mother of a Lhasa Apso dog called Delilah who I enjoy walking with.

Pete Hall

Hi, I am the Media Tutor here at Creativity Works Preston. I have worked in the Training and Education sector for many years working with young people and adult learners on a variety of media and IT related projects.

My role at CWP is to deliver training and activities in media and art themed subjects including Photography, Animation, Film production, Graphic Design and Arts & Crafts. Through these activities I also support our learners to develop their life, employability and work-based skills. I am also an IQA for the centre which involves me in supporting other staff members in achieving the necessary assessing quality for all of our learners to achieve their qualification goals to a good standard.

My hobbies and interests include F1 Motor Racing, walking and training my dog in the local countryside, gardening, cooking and hosting dinner parties.

Laura Webster

I am a Hair and Beauty Tutor at Creativity Works Preston. I am also the Safeguarding Lead with responsibility for ensuring that all our learners and volunteers operate in a safe and nurturing environment.

I have over 20 years’ experience of working in the Beauty Sector and currently spend half my working week in my private business alongside my daughter Nell, in the Busy Preston salon, Nails by Nell.

My hobbies include fitness, reading and cooking.

Sam Walmsley

I am the Early Years / Childcare assessor at Creativity Works Preston. I have over 15 years’ experience of working and supporting within early years settings, I have been a qualified assessor for over 8 years and I am currently working towards my IQA qualification.

My role at CWP is to give students an insight into the daily running of an early years setting so that they can learn transferable skills to take into the workplace with them. A hands-on approach to learning offers the students opportunities to set up safe play or craft activities for different age ranges, to learn how a child grows and develops, to design and create display boards based upon set themes and to develop an understanding of the personal care that babies and young children require.

My hobbies include spending time with my three children, interior design and property development.

Helen Noye

I am Hair and Beauty Tutor at Creativity Works Preston. My role is to train the students their basic skills in most aspects of the industry, while helping each student gain independence and build confidence.

I have 23 years’ experience in the Beauty sector and have trained in many areas such as nails, facials, spray tans, and micro blading. These are just a few of the qualifications I have gained. I enjoy all aspects of Beauty, but I specialise in nails, gel, acrylic, manicures and nail art.

When I’m not working, I spend most my time with my two boys doing fun activities, walking and paddle boarding.

Aalyia Vohra

I am a teaching assistant in the Creative Media department at CWP. Before I began working here, I had attended college to complete an extended diploma in Graphic Design, then worked at a men’s fashion business as an apprentice in Digital Marketing. My career change to the teaching route was abrupt but I have found that it was my real passion to pursue.

Here at CWP, I have a hand in renovating multiple spaces throughout the centre, as well as assisting Peter Hall in the Media department with delivering sessions/workshops. Outside of my work life my hobbies include, but aren’t limited to, art & design – particularly digital art.

I’m also a rather decent cook!