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Nicola Ibison (1983 Leaver) – A Talent for Managing

Nicola Ibison

After working fairly hard to pass exams and having had a wonderful education at Merchant Taylors’, I fell into a job which doesn’t need any specific qualifications when I managed some of Britain’s best known TV presenters.

Until very recently, I headed up the Factual, Specialist and Sports Media divisions of a company called James Grant Management. The company’s clients include Ant & Dec, Davina McCall, Holly Willoughby and Keith Lemon and, in my divisions, we had (amongst others) Clare Balding, the Hairy Bikers, Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, Lorraine Pascale, Gabby Logan and the youtube star Fleur de Force.

In September 2015, I decided I needed a change from the long hours and three hour daily commute, so I’ve set up a new company, called Ibison Talent. It’s not called that out of arrogance, but out of laziness. I couldn’t think of anything else and anyway, people would look for my name, so I might as well put it above the shop door, so to speak.

The new company is no longer about managing TV presenters but instead, is about advising companies on how to use the right celebrities and do the best deals.

Meanwhile, I’m proud to still call many of my clients friends and I’ve been touched by the kind words they have said in testimonials about me, which have gone on my new website.

So far, so good with the new business, though it’s early days. I’m enjoying the creativity and being able to help people to work with celebrities – and I’m still in touch with my old clients because the first place I call when I need a celebrity, is my old company.

So, how did I get from Merchants to this strange old job? Well, I went onto Liverpool University and from there, became a journalist. I was accepted for a post-graduate degree in newspaper journalism in Cardiff and went onto work as a reporter on the Ormskirk Advertiser, moving to the Liverpool Echo and the Birmingham Evening Mail.

I was then lucky enough to be offered a scholarship to an American University called Northwestern University, where I studied for a Masters’ degree in Broadcast Journalism.

I returned from the USA and was offered a job at Central Television. On my first day, I was sent out to find a one-legged duck and report on it. I won’t bore you with the whys and wherefores but, suffice to say, I was the worst reporter in Central TV’s history.

That very same day, I realised that being in front of a camera was not suited to me and I was far better off sitting in a warm office, telling others what to do. So, I stuck to the newsdesk and did just that. That job took me to ITN in London and to GMTV, where I was Senior Producer. One day, I decided to set up my own company. My father was sick and I wanted to be available to spend time with him (note to self, starting up your own company does NOT give you more time to be with people). I had no idea how to do all the admin such as vat and invoicing but I did understand what made a good TV presenter and I liked people. I loved TV and I was able to match presenters to TV shows, so NCI Management was born and eventually sold, leading me to James Grant.

What qualities do you need to be a good manager? Well, the ability to listen and understand your clients and know what makes them tick is a first. You need to network and get to know everyone in TV. You need to work hard to understand TV and deals and contracts, so that your opinion and meetings mean something. You need honesty and the ability to manage your clients’ expectations. People in the industry are going to tell them they’re brilliant. Often they are, but they will only get constructive criticism and genuine honesty from you. It’s important not to do a deal for money but do it for the right reasons and the money will follow. Integrity and confidentiality are crucial – you are representing people and they trust you to get it right.

I’ve rarely given a job to the cleverest person who applied but I have given jobs to the people who shake my hand, who demonstrate warmth and initiative and who work hard and learn.

Newspaper journalism taught me a lot. It taught me how to find solutions to problems and not to give up. It taught me the value of getting to know people quickly and to reliably represent what they say. Those skills served me well. But what was the experience which helped me most of all? Well, it was actually working in the Liverpool fish markets as a teenager, for my father. I was up at 4am, the only female in the market, except for the legendary Ruby. I had to think on my feet, convince the restaurants to buy OUR lobsters and cope with the scouse wit, which I miss to this day, when I’m in London.

Nicola Ibison
1983 Leaver

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Before the end of term, our Year 9 pupils explored Before the end of term, our Year 9 pupils explored the rich architectural heritage of both Merchant Taylors’ school sites, capturing their memories and experiences through art.

With the move to coeducation this September, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the legacy of the MTGS site and reflect on the spaces that have shaped so many lives - while looking forward to the next exciting chapter in our story. 🏫✨
Join us for an action-packed Cricket Camp at Merch Join us for an action-packed Cricket Camp at Merchant Taylors' this August! 🏏

We’re excited to welcome boys and girls aged 8–14 to our two-day Cricket Camp, led by Gary Yates (former Director of the Lancashire CC Academy) and Simon Sutcliffe (former Head of Cricket at Merchant Taylors’). 

Together, they bring years of top-level coaching experience to help young cricketers build their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the game.

🗓️ Thursday 14 & Friday 15 August 2025
🕤 9.30am - 3.30pm each day
📍 Merchant Taylors’ School, Harrison Site, L23 0QP
💷 £36 per day or £60 for both days

Throughout the camp, players will work on key aspects of the game, including:

✅ Seam and spin bowling techniques
✅ Batting drills and shot selection
✅ Fielding and catching skills
✅ Game awareness and match situations
✅ Small-sided games and match play

Whether your child is new to cricket or already playing regularly, this camp is a great opportunity to develop their technique, meet new friends and learn from two outstanding coaches.

📲 Places are limited – Book via the link in our bio.
We’re hiring! 📢 Merchant Taylors’ is seeki We’re hiring! 📢

Merchant Taylors’ is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team in the following roles:

🏑 Hockey Coach
🏐 Netball Coach
🎖️ CCF Contingent Commander

If you're committed to inspiring young people and want to be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking school community, we’d love to hear from you.

Find our more via the link in our bio ⤴️
Our Reception pupils marked the end of a fantastic Our Reception pupils marked the end of a fantastic year with a joyful celebration before the end of term.

It was a lovely opportunity to reflect on how far they’ve come - from those first few days in September to the confident, curious learners they are now. There were plenty of smiles, songs and proud moments as we celebrated their achievements together. 💛

We’re so excited to see all they’ll go on to do in Year 1!
A proud moment for our Year 2 pupils as they celeb A proud moment for our Year 2 pupils as they celebrated their achievements and looked ahead to their exciting next chapter in the Juniors.

Our Year 2 Prize Giving was filled with smiles, memories and well-deserved recognition, marking the end of a wonderful journey in the Infants and the start of a new adventure beyond.

Well done, Year 2 - you’re more than ready for the next step! 🌟

Full gallery available via our Facebook page.
Join us this summer for the Sale Sharks Rugby Deve Join us this summer for the Sale Sharks Rugby Development Camp at Merchant Taylors’! 🏉

📅 Thursday 31 July & Friday 1 August
⏰ 9.00am – 3.30pm
🧒 For U7s to U12s
📍 Merchant Taylors’ School

Delivered by the award-winning @salesharksfoundation, this two-day camp is a fantastic opportunity for young players to sharpen their rugby skills with expert RFU-qualified coaches.

Each day features high-energy activities, adaptive games and core skill development – all built around the Sharks DNA coaching philosophy.

Expect a fun, challenging and inspiring rugby experience – find out more or book a place via the link in our bio ⤴️
Last week, we celebrated our Stanfield Prize Givin Last week, we celebrated our Stanfield Prize Giving, marking a proud moment for our Year 6 pupils.

We were honoured to welcome Deborah MacLaren, Managing Director of LoveReading and an Old Girl of the School, as our guest speaker. Her thoughtful and inspiring address encouraged pupils to stay curious, keep reading, and embrace the exciting journey ahead.

It was a joyful and memorable occasion for pupils, families and staff and a fitting celebration of all that our Year 6 pupils have achieved during their time at Stanfield.

Full gallery available via our Facebook page.
Join us for exciting Summer Holiday Football Camps Join us for exciting Summer Holiday Football Camps led by former professional footballer and UEFA licensed coach, @bobbygrantcoaching! Perfect for young football enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Bobby, who has played for clubs such as Accrington Stanley, Wrexham, Scunthorpe United, and Fleetwood United, brings his expertise and quality coaching to these camps.

As a UEFA licensed coach, Bobby ensures an unforgettable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Find out more or book a place via the link in our bio ⤴️
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