String and Tins Promotes Rachel Hough to Managing Director and Welcomes Sound Designer Culum Simpson

Following an explosive year which saw sound design and music production studio String and Tins named as Ciclope’s Best International Sound Company of the Year, the company has announced that Rachel Hough, who joined as EP in summer 2020, has stepped up to the position of managing director and award-winning sound designer and composer, Culum Simpson, also joins the team.

With over a decade of experience, Culum has worked in advertising, long form, feature film and video games, procuring a long list of loyal clients spanning agencies, production companies, and developers on both independent and global scales. He started his career at Jungle Studios, before moving to GCRS where he further honed his skills working with brands such as Pepsi, Diesel and BT and developing content for immersive audio and VR.

Culum commented: “Having worked with Mike at Jungle many years ago, I feel like I've always had an eye on String and Tins’ success. It's been amazing to see the studio gaining traction over the years, growing from its humble beginnings to the creative powerhouse it is today. Having the opportunity to work alongside Mike, Will and the rest of the team here is very exciting indeed. It’s not just the work they do that's exciting, it’s the way they approach it. Each stage of every film is given the time it deserves - which is rare in the advertising industry. It feels as though creativity, above all else, is the studio’s primary output.”

Following a period of sustained growth since joining the String and Tins production team in 2020, Rachel’s role has led to a natural progression into managing director. As an agency producer, she worked at many agencies including Fallon, BBH and Droga5. She has been behind adverts for brands such as Amazon, The Guardian, Johnnie Walker, Sony, Honda, Boots, Samsung, Carling, Hovis, Lynx, St John Ambulance and many more, including the Emmy nominated Amazon Alexa 2020 Super Bowl campaign. 

In her new role, Rachel will continue to offer support to clients and the production department, finding solutions and assisting in delivering the best creative work possible. She will also look to drive further business growth whilst supporting and nurturing talent. Her passion for creative thinking has pushed her to always look for growth whether it’s through collaborations, wellness, communication, problem solving or the craft.

“I’m thrilled to be MD of such a craft driven company and be part of such a brilliant team." said Rachel. "I couldn't wish to be working alongside a more talented group of people and ending the year being awarded The Ciclope Best International Sound Company of the Year was an incredible achievement and recognition for everyone. I feel really proud to have been a part of that. We are blessed to have such a cross section of work and amazing clients, as well as the most inspiring Sound Engineers I have ever worked with, incredible composers and a kick-ass production team. I love being able to shout about that. Watch this space in 2021!”

Mike Bamford, partner at String and Tins, commented: “Culum’s sound and music skills are second to none and Rachel is such an awesome human being, I’m super happy to be leaning into 2021 with these new appointments.”

“Rachel and I have worked together for many years." added Mike's partner, Will Cohen. "As my client she always had this enviable air of calmly keeping hold of the reins of seemingly complicated budgets and scenarios, always giving me the energy and time to deliver work to a standard I felt it needed. I’m really stoked to have her on our side. Culum is such an ace guy, super calm, talented, and he happens to share my eurorack synthesisers addiction… what more could you want?!”