CWDmedia is the name used by freelancer Steve Braund.
Journalist
Steve graduated from the University of Lincoln with a BA (Hons) in Journalism in 2002 and joined Axcess Shropshire magazine as Chief Reporter soon afterwards, where he was responsible for all editorial copywriting in the weekly lifestyle publication. It was the dynamic between editorial and design departments that first sparked his interest in graphic design, and it was in his next position as Marketing Assistant for a window fabrications company in Coventry that he started to explore his new-found passion, teaching himself the basics of Adobe Photoshop and Quark Xpress.
Graphic Designer
Following a promotion to Marketing Executive, Steve decided to fully embrace his enjoyment of graphic design and positions with AGA, Border Publishing and Shropshire Newspapers followed as he developed his skills for a variety of different applications, from retail outlets to in-house magazines, production scheduling to designing for newsprint.
It was joining a printing company in 2007 that saw Steve’s talents really develop though. Working in a busy design studio on projects ranging from simple corporate stationery for then-Premier League and Championship football clubs (namely Aston Villa FC & Derby County FC) to annual reports and brochures for local NHS Primary Care Trusts and holiday companies, the larger projects gave him the opportunity to be more indulgent in his designing and in turn, the standard of his work reached new levels.
Marketing Manager
Having dedicated several years to his graphic design career, Steve then sought a career where he could combine his newly-developed skills with his talents in copywriting and previous work experience. A return to marketing beckoned and since early 2009 he led the marketing activities of an SME in the energy & utilities industries, while using the CWDmedia name for his freelance operations.
Following six successful years in post, during which he oversaw a complete company re-brand, the creation of three company websites (two divisional and one parent company) and operated at group level orchestrating internal and external communication planning, Steve switched industries, heading up the marketing department of a leading provider of technical and health & safety training where he delivered sharp increases in sales opportunities through the implementation of a marketing automation strategy.
In 2017 Steve joined a major player in the heavy duty workshop equipment market which services the bus & coach, commercial motor and heavy haulage industries. Here he leads on marketing strategy and oversees all marketing activity from large scale exhibitions and advertising to social media and PR. Since 2017 he has played a major role in multiple product launches, delivering a significant increase in sales leads generated across the product portfolio.