SPARKS STUDIO - Key Persons


Andrew Crick

Andrew specialises in search engine optimisation (SEO). Since 2003, he's worked with a wide range of clients, such as Kingsley Napley, to help them achieve top rankings on Google and other search engines. Andrew has a first-class MSc degree in theoretical physics from the University of Exeter.

Claire Aston

Job Titles:
  • Journalist, Reporting
  • Strategic Writer
Claire trained as a print journalist, reporting and researching for national newspapers. After a fascinating press trip with Christian Aid, she joined the media team and worked her way up to be global Head of Communications. Since 2020, Claire has been supporting various companies and charities with their communications and brand strategy.

Gary McIlwaine

Job Titles:
  • Creative Director
Gary started out at a design studio in Belfast in the 1990s, after training as a graphic designer. He came to London to work for a new media company in 1999 and established Sparks as a professional design studio in 2003.

Jonny Barker

Job Titles:
  • Developer
Jonny is a full-stack web developer with 18 years of experience. With a first-class MSc in computer engineering from Southampton, his interests extend from web and app development to embedded software and electronics. He also plays keyboard in the folk-rock collective Flight Brigade.

Tom Cross

Job Titles:
  • Senior Designer
Tom graduated from Falmouth University with first-class honours. Since he has worked with several design studios across the country, creating idea-driven and distinctive work for global leaders and local start-ups. He joined the Sparks team in November of 2020

Tony Waghorn

Job Titles:
  • Digital Projects Manager
Tony's interest in web and design started while graduating and working for a software company. He took this interest into the charity sector, managing media and digital projects, including a web infrastructure serving 14 global office centres in multiple languages. Tony joined the Sparks team in 2022.