Get to know us
About us
Founded in 2007, we are leaders in data and insight for social good. As a social research and data consultancy, Mime has a long tradition of delivering clear, engaging, data-driven work for a range of organisations with a social purpose, ranging from multi-academy trusts to local authorities to charities to mission-led private sector clients.
We make it easy for our clients to make better use of their data through creative analysis, great visual design and insights in plain English. In short, we help people make better decisions with confidence.
Our work is frequently featured in the media and our advice sought by organisations including No. 10 and the BBC.
What makes us different?
An award-winning consultancy, we take pride in our ability to use both quantitative and qualitative data intelligently, making complicated analysis accessible to anyone. We offer a personalised service, providing impartial advice and genuinely innovative solutions. And we are much more than data analysts and statisticians – we really get to know our clients which helps us to draw the most important insights from their data. Working with us gives you a trusted partner supporting you in dashboard development, data management, infographics, statistical analysis, report writing, policy advice and much more.
Our Team
Steve Preston
Managing Director
Steve founded Mime in 2007, drawing on his previous experience as a technology consultant at Andersen and as a local authority data analyst, when he saw how the innovative use of data could help tackle social problems. He is an expert in all aspects of using and presenting data, and is passionate that the work Mime does makes a real difference for our clients and the wider community. He co-managed Wandsworth's education data team for 17 years, providing him with deep expertise in education, local government and data policy. This, coupled with his clear communication style, means his advice is often sought by organisations including the DfE, No. 10 and the BBC, and he has spoken at conferences in the UK and abroad about how data can be used to address social challenges.
Phil Rossiter
Technical Director
Phil joined Mime in 2009 having spent seven years working as a database architect and business analyst for IBM. He leads the majority of our large scale technical projects, including establishing the data infrastructure for Ark Academies and Assembly, re-engineering SH:24’s dataflows, and our award winning platforms Skills Route and Skills Match. As well as his expertise in databases, streamlining dataflows and automating processes, Phil also has extensive subject matter expertise and a full understanding of the policy implications of analysis. This includes deep knowledge of education and local government, built from his roles working directly for local authorities and as a school governor, plus unrivalled knowledge and use of open government datasets.
Joe Miller
Associate Director
Having previously worked in the Wellcome Trust’s education team, Joe has spent a decade involved in education data and policy research. At Mime, Joe has led projects for a wide range of public sector organisations and education charities and regularly presents to both local and regional government. Joe has developed strong expertise in SEND, sitting on several expert panels and roundtables, and now leads Mime's work in SEND and inclusion. Joe has also led analysis of the Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset and has authored several high-profile reports. He studied Economics at Cambridge University, followed by an MSc in Public Policy at UCL, where his passion for improving young people's life chances was sparked by volunteer roles tutoring maths to disadvantaged and marginalised students.
Cosima Roughton
Analyst
Cosima is an Analyst at Mime working on various educational projects, supporting the delivery of data insights to a range of clients. She has a background working in education, both as a teacher and in the charity sector, and brings key industry knowledge to the team.
Cosima is passionate about data science and AI, with skills in Python, SQL and dashboarding, as has previously shared her knowledge as a lecturer for Le Wagon data science bootcamp. She holds a psychology degree from the University of Bath. These experiences have shaped her enthusiasm in using data to tell stories to drive education systems improvement.
Deborah Horrocks
Accountant & Bookkeeper
Deborah has looked after the company accounting and bookkeeping since March 2020. She is a chartered accountant, having qualified at Deloitte, with broad experience of finance roles from Bookkeeper to Finance Director level across a variety of industries.
She has a keen desire to help improve the educational outcomes for children, and volunteers at her local school. Outside this she enjoys spending time with her family and their dog.
Frank Brady
Analyst
Frank is a data analyst working across a wide range of educational research, dashboard and process automation projects at Mime. He is particularly proficient in Excel, Tableau and Microsoft Power Apps, and holds a maths degree from Nottingham University. His passion for data originally came from running a social media account exploring esports statistics, while his interested in education was enhanced whilst tutoring maths at sixth form and university. Frank combines these two passions at Mime to help young people live happier lives.
Jamal Clement
Senior Consultant
Jamal is a Senior Consultant, where he leads on dashboards and business intelligence, supports the data capability division, and manages platform development. He joined Mime following four years in the private sector, working across a range of industries in data consulting. He holds a Chemistry degree from the University of Nottingham, the starting point of his analytical journey, which he has since strengthened through experience in data strategy, machine learning, and process improvement. Jamal is passionate about using data to drive meaningful change in the public sector. Alongside his professional work, he has supported minority voices through community arts initiatives and volunteered with food relief charities.
James Corley
Project Support
James’ has worked with Mime since 2016, providing in depth client support on a range of projects. His work has ranged from helping adult learning providers on statutory reporting and streamlining processes, as well as providing insight reports on staff training to hundreds of schools. James cares deeply about building relationships with people from across our client base. On top of this, James is also an actor, playwright and filmmaker – and the Mime team thoroughly enjoy going to watch his productions!
James Wilkins
Analyst
James is an analyst at Mime, working on a variety of data analysis, dashboard development and data processing projects. He is proficient in Excel, Tableau, and Python, and holds a degree in mathematics and computer science from Lancaster University.
James is passionate about making data easier to understand to support better decision making and drive positive social impact. He also enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for data, mathematics, and machine learning through his blog, where he focuses on breaking down complex ideas into clear, engaging content.
Katie Holmes
Analyst
Katie is an Analyst, and since joining Mime she has contributed to a range of social research, reporting and dashboard projects for a variety of clients, including charities, local authorities and academy trusts. She is proficient in Excel, Tableau and R, and holds a psychology degree from the University of Bath, which included a year-long internship at Harvard University as a research assistant studying child development. This experience developed her interest in data analysis and, in combination with her previous work in the childcare and early years sector, fostered a passion for improving the lives of young people.
Kieran Kelly
Consultant
Kieran is a Consultant at Mime working across a range of projects to monitor strategic initiatives and drive improvements in schools, local authorities, and academy trusts. He is proficient in data analysis, dashboard design, and process mapping, and holds a Master’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Sussex. Before joining Mime in 2023, he spent five years in the Higher Education sector as a senior analyst. Kieran is passionate about using data to drive positive change, with previous work focusing on teaching excellence, widening participation, and student outcomes.
Laura Jones
Senior Analyst
Laura is a Senior Analyst who has worked across a variety of dashboard, analysis and process automation projects at Mime, largely focused around SEND and School Improvement data. This has included developing Mime’s key school profiles, leading on the development of new features for the EHCP forecasting tool, and carrying out quantitative research using the National Pupil Database. Laura holds a Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Exeter and is passionate about making complex data more understandable, and working with organisations making a positive societal impact.
Shelley Esposito
Project Support
Shelley works as a client support, effortlessly juggling enquiries from thousands of schools that use our tracking software. She provides supportive and plain English explanations of how to use our systems and how to interpret analysis. She also works closely with schools to gather and prioritise feature requirements, and runs focus groups to support this process. She has previously worked at a publishing company and volunteered for various local charities and is passionate about work with social impact.
Tom Miles
Consultant
Tom is a Consultant specialising in data management, process improvement and technical delivery. Before joining the data and analytics sector, he worked as a teacher, giving him a practical understanding of how data is used in schools and the challenges faced by education professionals. He holds an MSc in Computing and IT from the University of St Andrews. Over the last three years, Tom has worked in consultancy roles focused on insight reporting, data governance, system design, and process improvement - helping organisations turn complex datasets into meaningful and actionable information.
Will Mehew
Senior Analyst
Will is a Senior Analyst and since joining Mime, he has been involved in a variety of reporting, social research, and process automation projects for a range of local authorities and charities. Will leads our work analysing key member surveys for the NASUWT, and also uses his knowledge and understanding of SEND data to support local authorities with the production of complex person-level datasets, such as their statutory SEN2 returns. He is highly proficient in the use of Excel and VBA, Power Query and Tableau, and holds a Master's degree in Biochemistry from the University of Warwick. Will developed a passion for visualising data in an accessible manner, and using data to drive positive societal changes, through his volunteer role as an Editor at Youth STEM Matters, a youth led scientific journal.
Our Associates
Tom Godber
Senior Recruiter
Tom has 20 years’ recruitment experience, operating in both in-house and external search settings. He provides expertise in the areas of talent attraction, assessment and acquisition, having worked with a wide range of organisations, from start-ups to multi-nationals.
Diana Choulerton
Education Consultant
Diana has 25 years’ experience working in education as a teacher, leader and inspector. Diana worked as a Her Majesty’s Inspector, including leading school inspections and monitoring visits as well as SEND area inspections. She also worked as a senior advisor for a local authority leading on 14 to 19 and SEND strategy.
Domi Szabo
Web and App Developer
Domi started developing websites 8 years ago but more recently has focused on the development of mobile apps. He works with a number of startups that need a high quality Minimum Viable Product to test their market and also existing successful web companies that are developing an app to grow their business.
Gwen Sinnott
Consultant
Gwen is a school and Children’s Centre specialist with over 20 years of experience working with education, children and families’ data and support schools in using data effectively. She has previously led education analytics teams in the London Boroughs of Islington and Southwark.
Stuart Coleman
Adviser
Stuart helps Mime on a range of activities that support our growth, including strategic planning and commercial deals. One of the founding executives of the Open Data Institute, Stuart draws upon his experience of growing technology, and consulting businesses and making connections through his network.
Richard Excell
Graphic Designer
Richard runs Excell Design and has worked on a number of design projects for us. We use Richard to create a coherent and attractive brand for our systems to ensure they are both user friendly and visually appealing.
Chris Mullarkey
Consultant
Chris has worked with Mime for many years and has helped to develop some of our key products such as the Post-16 Profile and Super School Profile. Chris also operates as an independent consultant.
Tom Shirley
Consultant
Tom works across our data activities including database development, interactive dashboards and visualisations, with a particular specialisation in Tableau.
He is particularly interested in using data to provide a sound evidence-base for policy changes with the overall aim of improving the life chances of young people.
Eamonn Ramsey
Senior Web Technology Consultant
Eamonn is a web specialist with vast experience of developing interactive applications. He is particularly familiar with technologies such as PHP, JavaScript and MySQL.
Ulrike Hotopp
Economist
Ulrike holds a PhD and MA in Economics and a diploma in Econometrics. She worked for over 18 years in the Government Economic Service and economic consultancy. Her research focuses on evaluation and appraisal and applied microeconomics. She holds an honorary professorship is on an Advisory Board for a UK university.
Nicholas Novak
Consultant
With more than 15 years of driving growth for social enterprises, Nick has unique expertise in building and leading customer-focused organisations that deliver positive social impact at scale. Despite living in Britain since 2012, he’s still no closer to losing his American accent or his love for baseball.
Rebecca St John
Consultant
Rebecca is an independent school data specialist and trainer with 10 years’ experience of helping primary and secondary schools to ensure that data collected contributes to improvements of outcomes. Originally a school data manager, she has more recently worked with SISRA Ltd, FFT, GL Assessments, ASCL and Herts for Learning.
Pete Ure
Data & Insight Analyst
Pete is an experienced Data and Insight Analyst, having worked with education and skills charities for the past 8 years. He typically examines internal data sources and blends these with external sources to create visualisations in Tableau and reports for stakeholders.
Work With Us
As a small, progressively minded business, we truly value the contribution of our team members, welcoming the opinions and ideas of everyone. Working for us offers a unique opportunity to support an innovative, entrepreneurial business doing work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. We have a supportive culture, empowering everyone to deliver their best work, with continuous training opportunities.
Job Vacancies
There are currently no vacancies.
Partnerships
We are always looking to expand our reach by working with like-minded organisations, including those in research, creative design and technology – so please get in touch if you’d like to discuss a partnership. Some of the organisations we have worked with recently are shown below.
