How we work.
Collaborative working or trusted consultants, we’ll fit in to best suit you.
We value a personal approach so there are no ‘off the shelf’ products with Island Media and we listen to the needs of each client and shape an appropriate route to market. We can become an extension of your team, developing a collaborative working relationship or act as trusted consultants, reporting back when you need us to.
We understand the importance of ROI, which is why we craft events using experienced judgement, our extensive network of contacts and a team of highly skilled professionals.
Meet the team.
We are an agile team, each with a unique skillset and a shared desire to create compelling brand moments with impact.
We are widely regarded as one of the most professional agencies in the UK because we go above and beyond to achieve the strategic goals of each client.
Clare Malec, Managing Director
Island Media was founded in 2014 by Clare, who has over 26 years’ experience in the UK and international wine trade.
As Publisher of Decanter Magazine for twelve years followed by ten years as a freelance specialist wine event and marketing consultant, Clare’s experience has put her at the heart of the international wine trade. This has given her valuable contacts at all levels as well as great experience in organising and managing world-class wine events.
She launched Decanter’s events division including their series of Fine Wine Encounters and fine wine dinners. She also launched and managed the world’s largest and most influential wine competition – The Decanter World Wine Awards. Since then she has organised countless wine events for high profile clients.
As well as other industry accolades she was selected by The Observer in their Future 500 which brings together the UK's most promising business and creative talent to showcase their skills.
clare@island-media.co.uk
“Clare is a brilliant business woman who can turn her hand to almost anything wine-related, from strategic planning, sales, PR, to the nitty gritty of running an event. She’s personable, hardworking, cheerful and very bright. I’ve enjoyed every minute of working with her on Three Wine Men”
— Tim Atkin MW
Natasha Najm
One of the most well-connected wine PRs out there, Tash has 21 years of expert experience across wine, food and drink, retail, hospitality, travel and lifestyle sector. Trained to WSET Level 3, she has built strong relationships with the press so that they know her and trust her to come to them with the right bottle or story at the right time.
Having worked up to Associate Director during an agency-side career, the time came to begin working directly with client companies and brands as a consultant, and to support their business success whilst handling consumer and B2B remits in the UK and internationally.
Tash has worked with Clare since 2022 – believing that two bright heads are so much better than one.
natasha@island-media.co.uk
Ali Yuill
From managing restaurants and bar openings for a Michelin starred chef, to co-ordinating retail store launches throughout the UK, Ali loves a challenge.
Originally with a background in wine and hospitality, her dedication has been recognised by being awarded a WSET Diploma (and a Champagne Scholarship along the way), which is a huge testimony to Ali’s fantastic skills, commitment and knowledge.
A creative problem solver and multi-tasker extraordinaire, she brings a unique skill set to the table and is dedicated to delivering the best possible experience.
“Ali is an exceptional project manager who is a pleasure to work with. Her ability to hit the ground running coupled with her can-do attitude, really is second-to-none. Naturally gifted and with a logical approach to problems, she is disciplined and best of all, loves a challenge!”
— Creative Director, The Invisible Studio