About us
Philip Chester - Lead Consultant
Phil began his career not in marketing, but in people. He trained and worked as a psychiatric nurse before moving into business with TEW Engineering Ltd, a manufacturer of electrical control rooms, control desks, and industrial displays.
There, he helped drive growth by acquiring and integrating several small specialist businesses in screen printing, engraving, sign making, and surface coating. These ventures were soon brought together under one brand, Caliba, which grew from a small subcontractor into a recognised leader in digital print, signage, while introducing the concept of branded environments.
Caliba became an early adopter of digital printing technology and developed strong partnerships in retail, leisure, education, and hospitality. Its work included large scale wayfinding and brand environment projects, most notably a £1 million project for the National Ice Centre in Nottingham.
By the mid 2000s, Phil became Director of Marketing for the wider TEW Group, covering Control & Display, Industrial Automation & Telecoms, . When TEW Engineering was acquired by L.B. Foster in 2015, Phil transitioned into a senior commercial role before becoming Head of European Marketing.
His years at L.B. Foster in the corporate world culminated in promotion to Head of Global Marketing and Brand, where he supported a complete brand refresh for the $500m per annum business, strengthening its international presence across the U.S., Europe, and beyond.
After decades in both operational and marketing leadership, Phil founded The Marketing Collaborative, a consultancy built on collaboration, not hierarchy. His vision was to bring together trusted specialists from PR and digital marketing to videography and SEO to give clients direct access to the right people, without the overheads or rigid structures of a traditional agency.
Today, Phil leads The Marketing Collaborative with the same focus that has defined his career: clear thinking, real collaboration, and simple marketing that works.
Madeleine Elsa
Madeleine holds a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Leeds Beckett University, where she developed a strong creative foundation that now shapes her approach to visual storytelling and brand expression.
As part of The Marketing Collaborative, Madeleine specialises in social media strategy and content creation, helping businesses define and express their personality online. Her work focuses on finding a brand’s unique creative edge, developing content that feels authentic, engaging, and distinct in crowded digital spaces.
With an eye for design and a deep understanding of how audiences interact with brands, Madeleine brings originality and clarity to every project she supports.