A change at Skateboard England as Neil Ellis takes on our Digital Engagement role

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We are saddened to announced that due to unforeseen personal circumstances, Ben Powell has had to withdraw his acceptance of the role of Digital Engagement Officer with Skateboard England.

We want to place on record our thanks and appreciation to Ben for the support he has given us over recent months. Ben has offered to help with some aspects of social media as well as give general advice and support on a voluntary basis.

Ben said, “I’m really gutted to have had to withdraw my acceptance of the role. I’ve seen first hand what a real asset Skateboard England is for skateboarding in the country and fully support their aims. They have exciting plans to support the skateboarding community and I want to wish them all the best in the future.”

In light of this, we are excited to announce that Neil Ellis will take up the role from mid-February.

A dedicated skateboarder with over 20 years ‘experience’, Neil originally hails from Worksop, the home town of skateboarding greats Carl Shipman and Mark Baines. He grew up with a small group of like minded skateboarders, before moving to Sheffield, where he now calls home.

Neil’s work career spans 15 years, with a wealth of experience in marketing and digital communications. As a Marketing professional he has worked at The Music Factory; an international record label which brought us the likes of Jive Bunny and Tidy Boys, before moving to head up the marketing at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. As the Marketing Manager for one the largest sports venues in the UK, he was responsible for coordinating media activity for various Olympic Teams using the venue in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic Games and building an active legacy in the city. In Neil’s most recent role at the Kings Foundation, he’s had great success in increasing child participation in sport, through a series of campaigns across the UK.

Lucy Adams, Chair of Skateboard England said “We’re really excited to welcome Neil to Skateboard England and are very confident that his digital experience and passion for skateboarding will enable him to do a fantastic job as we look to engage with and support the skateboarding community.”

James Hope-Gill