We Are Creative Words

About us

Formed in 2017, Creative Words provides Content Alchemy, the art of transforming material into content gold. We provide a total content solution from initial approach to regular delivery. Applying proven experience, we bring expertise, support and practical help to maximise the impact of your content. We will work with you to design and deliver powerful messages and then publish them using the format of your choice.

Member of the Federation of small businesses

Certified Keap Consultant

Member of the BNI Fitzwilliam Cambridge Chapter

Member of the Federation of Small Businesses

Member of ProCopywriters

Accredited under the Good Business Charter

What we stand for

Our vision is to be the gift of time to small businesses via Content Alchemy – the art and science of transforming material into content gold, which is all about content creation – so they can do what they are best at, confident that their content is supporting their aspirations.

Our mission is to help small business owners and individuals with content solutions which generate leads, help customers or unlock passive income. We support the entire process from initial strategy to final delivery across a wide range of content.

Our role is as comprehensive or as light- touch as is right for the client.

We create – working directly with clients, tuning into their values and tone of voice so the content we produce reflects who they are.

We support – helping clients achieve the content goals they have for themselves, with expert advice, review and accountability.

We train – providing the skills and confidence clients need to create their own high-quality content.

We partner – working with other creatives to allow them to include content as part of their offering

By doing this we give our clients unique, authentic content out in the market (not just sitting in an in-tray waiting for the next step).

At Creative Words we work according to a set of values which we feel strongly about. These are all aimed at creating freedom: for our clients, our team and for the wider world.

Value 1: Be the gift of time

This is our vision and also a value. Everything we do is intended to give clients the time to do the things they are great at and not have to worry about content.

Value 2: Do right by our clients

It is very easy to do work for work’s sake – but that is not what we want to do. We want to do right by our clients, So, if we don’t think we can help, or if now isn’t the right time, we will say so. If we make a mistake we will own up to it and do what we can to put it right. If we see other opportunities or can make other connections for clients, we will.

Value 3: Our people are more important than profit

People come first. Always. We will always do what we can to deliver great work but every member of our team is a human being first and deserves to be treated with respect. They are entitled to holidays, to work reasonable hours and time off when they are sick or facing a family crisis.

Value 4: Create something wonderful

Content Alchemy is about transformation and creating gold. That means money, yes, but also that the content we create for clients is bespoke, personal and authentically ‘you’. It may take a little longer and cost a little more but we feel that it is worth it. We want our clients’ brilliance to shine through in a world of hasty, anodyne content.

Value 5: Make a difference to the world

The world is full of people who are not as fortunate as we are, with an environment under threat and an attitude of ‘quick fixes’ and instant results. We think it can be better and we do what we can to create a better world. We don’t compromise on our values and we won’t work with people who disregard the environment or seek to manipulate people to their own end.

How we work

At Creative Words we will take care of all the pieces that are needed in order to make your content happen. Whether it’s project management, publishing content, coordinating with designers, printers, web developers, etc.; whatever steps are needed to get your content out into the world, we are able to take them.

Creative Words really is the gift of time for small business owners.

We provide support in all content areas, from the written word to podcasts, videos, presentations, training courses, and more. And, if we can’t create your content directly ourselves, then we usually know someone who can!

The unique and exceptional thing about working with Creative Words, is that we ensure there is always at least two pairs of professional eyes on every piece of content created. This ensures the quality and standard of our work is always high.

We provide Content Alchemy in a number of different ways…

We Create, Support, Train and Partner

We ensure content happens for your business

Do you know the value of your time?

This is one of those questions that business owners seldom know the answer to, yet it’s something that really matters. Let’s explain why it matters by sharing a recent testimonial:

“I had been struggling with copy for our new brochure for weeks and it still wasn’t right. I asked Cate to help and within a few hours I had the result I needed. It just goes to show, always invest in an expert”.

In those hours of struggling, our client could have been making money doing the things he’s great at. That is the value of his time.

This is why we offer all our clients an end-to-end process that ensures content happens for your business. Maybe your business simply needs a one-off piece like writing your website? Or perhaps what you really want is a range of different content, with regular ongoing support in a bespoke Alchemy package? Whatever your requirements we can create the perfect solution for you.

We co-ordinate all the elements that make up great content

Our writers at Creative Words are Content Alchemists because they work magic with content.

We come up with different content ideas, we know different ways for your content to be presented, and we co-ordinate all the elements that make up great content with designers, developers and others.

If a ‘done for you’ services isn’t the right fit, we can support you in creating your own content. Perhaps you want to write your own brochure but would like it copy-edited or to get a second opinion on it? Or maybe you just want someone to hold you to account to make sure your content happens? Whatever support you need, our team at Creative Words is her to provide it for you. We run workshops, we carry out one-off reviews, and we provide advice. In a nutshell, we support people!

We help you work out what content you have to offer

The training that Creative Words offers is geared particularly towards micro businesses, sole traders and small businesses that don’t have the budget to have a content creator of their own. These businesses really understand the value of content, but just need someone to show them how.

At Creative Words we offer training in a couple of ways – via online training courses and also through our own blogging. We have a library of ‘how to’ articles on a range of topics that can help micro businesses get going with creating their own content. Or if you feel a bit baffled by it all and are wondering exactly what content is, our ‘Demystifying Content’ online training course will help you bust through a few myths and help you work out what content you have to offer.

We partner with web developers, graphics designers, printers and marketers

At Creative Words we love to collaborate!

We partner with web developers, graphic designers, printers and marketers – anyone for whom content is a core part of their process.

For example, when a web developer designs a beautiful website and the project gets stuck because their client doesn’t have the time to write the content. That’s where Creative Words steps in – we are the gift of time to anyone who’s stuck in this cycle. We’ll partner with the developer so that content can happen within their process and delays can be minimised for you.

Planning

Organising

Formatting

Copywriting

Publishing

Managing

Planning

Organising

Formatting

Copywriting

Publishing

Managing

Want to know more about content creation?

This short video presentation explains more about content creation and about how Creative Words came to be and the services we offer.

Want to know more about content creation?

This short video presentation explains more about content creation and about how Creative Words came to be and the services we offer.

Our Team

Cate

Before starting Creative Words I spent 22 years working in management consulting with a number of notable firms, and worked with a wide variety of sectors and services.

Rhianne

Hello there, I’m Rhianne, part of the copywriting team at Creative Words. I specialise in creating written content that appeals to a younger audience.

Katie

Hello, I’m Katie – writer, designer and VA for Creative Words.

Esther

Hello, I’m Esther – writer for Creative Words and skilled in SEO and professional proof reading.

Cara

I’m Cara Szellemes, a seasoned content strategist, workshop facilitator and copywriter with over 30 years of experience in publishing, marketing and UX.

I’m passionate about releasing the greatness in inspiring people by freeing them up to do what they do best. Think of me as your ‘content sidekick’ for whatever your goals are in life. Using my wide range of experience I will work with you to understand your requirements and shape content to make the words tell your business story in the best possible way.

I am also the author of my own series of fiction books, The Bremmand Chronicles.

My passion for language has taken me on an exciting and diverse journey. Though I’ve experienced a variety of roles, the urge to write has compelled me from a young age. My first writing accolade was having a short story published when I was 10. My love of literature has nurtured my creative ambitions and helped my success in higher education.

Completing a Masters in contemporary culture and literature has been a fascinating and exciting journey and has helped me to cultivate a comprehensive insight into research and analytical methods.

I enjoy the immersive nature of content, adopting a new voice in order to convey ideas and shaping experience through language.

After leaving the creative container of art and fashion college, my professional focus for the last 28 years has been on service and support as either a Personal Assistant, a Psychotherapist or a Coach. I am a woman on a mission to throw out the “rulebook” and banish the “shoulds” to help clients uncover the true essence and uniqueness of who they really are – not just who they think they are! We then take that amazing uniqueness and infuse it into their life, business and online presence via the visuals we create together…and there you have Visual Styling! I love supporting Cate as her right-hand woman and working alongside the whole Creative Words team, breathing life into the work that we do through the visual I create.

I began my career in the prestigious (and very fusty!) reading department of the Cambridge University Press. There I learned everything there is to know about the correct way to write, most of which I still use today!

I adore words and the flexibility of the English language. I believe too many people are stuck in the “correct” way to write, when language is constantly changing and reinventing itself. Shakespeare was always bending the rules and inventing words!

Working with Cate is incredibly interesting, as she attracts such fascinating clients, and as I write for them, I learn so much.

You’ll find my work featured in Forbes, Smart Company, Social Media Examiner, Mamamia, and Content Marketing Institute and I’m an Amazon No.1 bestselling author.

Over the past few years, I’ve specialised in the arts, STEM and finance.

Chris

Hello, I’m Chris and I work as a business developer for Creative Minds. I’m passionate about developing relationships with new and existing clients in order to bring together mutually beneficial outcomes.

Katherine

I’m Katherine Gudgin an ex-journalist and with more than 25 years of experience in international marketing. I specialise in creating content for professional services and cross-cultural communication.

Jonny

My name is Jonathan Broom (usually referred to and addressed as Jonny). I could liken the first 20 years or so of my career to a game of pinball…

Lola

I’m Lola and, as you can probably tell, I’m not your average Content Alchemist. I moved in with Cate on the day Creative Words was formed and I’ve been the team member that keeps the team motivated ever since.

Ella

Hi, I’m Ella Houghton, a social media consultant for Creative Words. I recently also set up my own business, EH Socials, with a goal to assist businesses in establishing a strong social media presence.

I love working in collaboration with others and believe whole-heartedly in the work which Creative Words undertakes.  I have had many different roles in my life, but felt drawn to this one as something which suits my experience, skill set and personality.  I relish the challenge of bringing together our expert team of writers with clients who require their skills and have full confidence that the team can provide a diverse and professional output which would suit any business in order to help get its message out there in the most productive and efficient way.  I consider the human touch to be key to this, and ensuring that clients receive exactly what they want, and so much more.

I’ve lived, worked and communicated with customers in nearly every market in the world from Hong Kong, to Sydney, from Canada to Columbia and the U.K. to the Middle East. I come from a corporate background and understand how to explain your business to your customers in terms they understand, while maintaining your corporate voice, accessibility and professionalism.

My passion is building message narratives for businesses, so you can be assured that your content ties back to what you want to say and what you want to achieve. I help businesses find their uniqueness, the conversations with customers that not only need to happen but that customers want to have. I’m also a certified coach focusing on careers and wellness coaching.

…but at the age of around 40 I discovered what I was good at, and what I enjoyed most: putting words together in a cohesive, compelling way.

One way or another I’ve been doing it ever since.

I am as comfortable writing pithy ad copy as I am press releases; as proud of a punchy headline as of a long-form think-piece.

I always keep in mind, though, that my words are there to do a job: to engage, and to persuade readers that what they’re reading about merits further attention.

I also write for pleasure – as an ever-growing canon of barely-started novels will attest.

I was born in July 2016 and had a somewhat unsettled start to life, until the RSPCA rehomed me and gave me Cate to take care of. I’m very good natured as long as I get my own way.
I’m very fond of headphones and phone chargers and my favourite spot in the house is the top shelf of the cupboard.

Before starting EH Socials, I spent 5 years working in the property industry. Then last year, after managing a social media account for a charity rugby game, decided to set up on my own after recognising the need for social media management services. I am enthusiastic about designing visual content for businesses and ensuring effective marketing strategies are achieved.
Outside of work, I play hockey for Cambridge City and enjoy spending time with friends, family and our Vizslador, Olive!

Bridget

Hi, I’m Bridget, a writer at Creative Words. I studied English literature at university before becoming a magazine journalist for several years, after which I made a career change to become a florist.

Rachel

Hello, I’m Rachel – writer and editor for Creative Words. I’ve worked on magazines, teaching materials, and websites for various organisations, including charities, universities, and technology companies.

Imogen

Hello, I’m Imogen. I’m a freelance writer, editor and copywriter. Before I had kids I spent many happy years writing about telly for the London Evening Standard, and before that shouting a lot as chief sub on trade and contract mags.

Hannah

Hi there, I’m Hannah a writer with Cate’s Creative Words team. I’ve spent the last five years writing about disability sport and women’s health for sports mags and national newspapers. In other words, I specialise in making niche topics engaging and accessible for a wider audience.

I now run my own wedding and event floristry business and write for Creative Words as a sideline.

I love language because, in the right hands, it can make a mundane subject soar above the ordinary. It has the power to adopt any voice, tone or style and draw out a multitude of emotions. Being allowed to ‘play’ with it for a living is an honour and a joy.

I’m the author of an award-winning series of Young Adult dystopian novels.

Writers are notorious for having eclectic CVs, and mine includes a range of specialist subjects. I have degrees in Geography (mostly social and cultural), Science Fiction Studies (English Literature, but with spaceships and time travel), and Architectural Technology (the scientific side of Architecture).

Reading and writing are my passions. In my spare time you’ll usually find me with my head in a book, writing a review for my book blog, or running my Young Adult book club.

In my work I try to focus on core skills: clarity, tone of voice and attention to detail. Whether I’m subbing a piece about running in the Yorkshire Dales or interviewing a business-owner about their vision, I endeavour to maintain the voice and viewpoint of the client or writer while also creating copy that attracts attention.

Oh, and I love running… but these days for the steps and the chat rather than the marathons and the medals.

I’m scientifically trained, have experience in grant-writing and will endeavour to turn any phrase to your advantage.

Our Team

Cate

Before starting Creative Words I spent 22 years working in management consulting with a number of notable firms, and worked with a wide variety of sectors and services.

I’m passionate about releasing the greatness in inspiring people by freeing them up to do what they do best. Think of me as your ‘content sidekick’ for whatever your goals are in life. Using my wide range of experience I will work with you to understand your requirements and shape content to make the words tell your business story in the best possible way.

I am also the author of my own series of fiction books, The Bremmand Chronicles.

Rhianne

Hello there, I’m Rhianne, part of the copywriting team at Creative Words. I specialise in creating written content that appeals to a younger audience.

My passion for language has taken me on an exciting and diverse journey. Though I’ve experienced a variety of roles, the urge to write has compelled me from a young age. My first writing accolade was having a short story published when I was 10. My love of literature has nurtured my creative ambitions and helped my success in higher education.

Completing a Masters in contemporary culture and literature has been a fascinating and exciting journey and has helped me to cultivate a comprehensive insight into research and analytical methods.

I enjoy the immersive nature of content, adopting a new voice in order to convey ideas and shaping experience through language.

Katie

Hello, I’m Katie – Business Manager and Visual Stylist extraordinaire for Creative Words.

After leaving the creative container of art and fashion college, my professional focus for the last 28 years has been on service and support as either a Personal Assistant, a Psychotherapist or a Coach. I am a woman on a mission to throw out the “rulebook” and banish the “shoulds” to help clients uncover the true essence and uniqueness of who they really are – not just who they think they are! We then take that amazing uniqueness and infuse it into their life, business and online presence via the visuals we create together…and there you have Visual Styling! I love supporting Cate as her right-hand woman and working alongside the whole Creative Words team, breathing life into the work that we do through the visual I create.

Esther

Hello, I’m Esther – writer for Creative Words and skilled in SEO and professional proof reading.

I began my career in the prestigious (and very fusty!) reading department of the Cambridge University Press. There I learned everything there is to know about the correct way to write, most of which I still use today!

I adore words and the flexibility of the English language. I believe too many people are stuck in the “correct” way to write, when language is constantly changing and reinventing itself. Shakespeare was always bending the rules and inventing words!

Working with Cate is incredibly interesting, as she attracts such fascinating clients, and as I write for them, I learn so much.

Cara

I’m Cara Szellemes, a seasoned content strategist, workshop facilitator and copywriter with over 30 years of experience in publishing, marketing and UX.

You’ll find my work featured in Forbes, Smart Company, Social Media Examiner, Mamamia, and Content Marketing Institute and I’m an Amazon No.1 bestselling author.

Over the past few years, I’ve specialised in the arts, STEM and finance.

Alex

Hi, I’m Alex and I specialise in video editing for Creative Words. I left Ely College in March 2020 where I studied many subjects, but most notably Media.

My passion for media and my desire to develop my editing skills, were the primary reasons I knew working with Creative Words would be such a great opportunity for me.
One of my aspirations for later life is to be a journalist. Working at Creative Words is helping me gain crucial knowledge of the industry, and great experience that will be very useful to me in the future.
I enjoy the challenge of picking out essential information from a long video to present specific ideas to an audience, in accordance to the brief I’ve been given.

Katherine

I’m Katherine Gudgin an ex-journalist and with more than 25 years of experience in international marketing. I specialise in creating content for professional services and cross-cultural communication.

I’ve lived, worked and communicated with customers in nearly every market in the world from Hong Kong, to Sydney, from Canada to Columbia and the U.K. to the Middle East. I come from a corporate background and understand how to explain your business to your customers in terms they understand, while maintaining your corporate voice, accessibility and professionalism.

My passion is building message narratives for businesses, so you can be assured that your content ties back to what you want to say and what you want to achieve. I help businesses find their uniqueness, the conversations with customers that not only need to happen but that customers want to have. I’m also a certified coach focusing on careers and wellness coaching.

Jonny

My name is Jonathan Broom (usually referred to and addressed as Jonny). I could liken the first 20 years or so of my career to a game of pinball; but at the age of around 40 I discovered what I was good at, and what I enjoyed most: putting words together in a cohesive, compelling way.

One way or another I’ve been doing it ever since.

I am as comfortable writing pithy ad copy as I am press releases; as proud of a punchy headline as of a long-form think-piece.

I always keep in mind, though, that my words are there to do a job: to engage, and to persuade readers that what they’re reading about merits further attention.

I also write for pleasure – as an ever-growing canon of barely-started novels will attest.

Lola

I’m Lola and, as you can probably tell, I’m not your average Content Alchemist. I moved in with Cate on the day Creative Words was formed and I’ve been the team member that keeps the team motivated ever since.

I was born in July 2016 and had a somewhat unsettled start to life, until the RSPCA rehomed me and gave me Cate to take care of. I’m very good natured as long as I get my own way.
I’m very fond of headphones and phone chargers and my favourite spot in the house is the top shelf of the cupboard.

Bridget

Hi, I’m Bridget, a writer at Creative Words. I studied English literature at university before becoming a magazine journalist for several years, after which I made a career change to become a florist.

I now run my own wedding and event floristry business and write for Creative Words as a sideline.

I love language because, in the right hands, it can make a mundane subject soar above the ordinary. It has the power to adopt any voice, tone or style and draw out a multitude of emotions. Being allowed to ‘play’ with it for a living is an honour and a joy.

Rachel

Hello, I’m Rachel – writer and editor for Creative Words. I’ve worked on magazines, teaching materials, and websites for various organisations, including charities, universities, and technology companies.

I’m the author of an award-winning series of Young Adult dystopian novels.

Writers are notorious for having eclectic CVs, and mine includes a range of specialist subjects. I have degrees in Geography (mostly social and cultural), Science Fiction Studies (English Literature, but with spaceships and time travel), and Architectural Technology (the scientific side of Architecture).

Reading and writing are my passions. In my spare time you’ll usually find me with my head in a book, writing a review for my book blog, or running my Young Adult book club.

Imogen

Hello, I’m Imogen. I’m a freelance writer, editor and copywriter. Before I had kids I spent many happy years writing about telly for the London Evening Standard, and before that shouting a lot as chief sub on trade and contract mags.

In my work I try to focus on core skills: clarity, tone of voice and attention to detail. Whether I’m subbing a piece about running in the Yorkshire Dales or interviewing a business-owner about their vision, I endeavour to maintain the voice and viewpoint of the client or writer while also creating copy that attracts attention.

Oh, and I love running… but these days for the steps and the chat rather than the marathons and the medals.

Michael

’m Michael – I initially spent 6-months at Creative Words on my placement from the University of Bath where I’m studying a business degree.

During these initial 6 months, I worked closely with Cate and the Creative Words Team, with a strong focus on marketing. I now work as a part time freelancer whilst I’m back at Uni continuing my studies. As a freelancer at Creative Words, I get the opportunity to support really interesting projects, including building and maintaining Keap (Infusionsoft) pipelines, edits and improvements on Word Press, supporting clients with their Search Engine Optimisation including using Google analytics.

I was born and raised in Dubai to a Lebanese dad and British mum. This multi-cultural start in life, combined with lots of travelling and my outgoing personality, has enabled me to be well versed in how businesses operate at an international level.

Certified Keap Consultant

Member of the BNI Fitzwilliam Cambridge Chapter

Member of the Federation of small businesses

Member of the Federation of Small Businesses

Member of ProCopywriters

Accredited under the Good Business Charter