Insiders' Guide - Blyk

There are 16 people in the UK sales team at Blyk, the new mobile network for 16 to 24-year-olds, funded by advertising. We are the first media channel to connect advertisers with their target audience through direct communication and interaction.

Who does what?

We focus on building agency relationships alongside direct client contact. The team is led by Chris Bennett, who brings a wealth of digital, entertainment and youth media experience to Blyk, thanks to his work with Google, Capital Radio and ITV. Tom Gutteridge is head of creative and Camilla Crabbe is our head of content. The other members of the sales team are Jonny A, Jason Barrett, Robi Basu, Alistair Crane, Ben Gault, Sonia Srivastava, Michael Smith, Matt Briant, Louisa Davidson, Richard Wetherill, Rozanne Uys, Ben Arthur and Tim Jones - a Westlife wannabe.

Who is the biggest character and why?

On unanimous vote, it was decided that Alistair deserves this title due to his huge guns and bad jokes. He is always vocal, offering insight and advice on a range of topics, and he proves that public schooling is a questionable investment every day.

What is your office atmosphere like?

If you chance upon us on a Monday morning, the atmosphere is fun yet focused. But if you drop by on a Friday afternoon, we are wrapping up after another busy week, and beers around the pool table replace the usual supply of apples and bananas.

What stands you apart from the rest of the industry?

We get great biscuits. Added to that, we have an intricate understanding of the 16 to 24-year-old market, which is unmatched by other companies in the industry. Many of us fall within that age-bracket, so we all contribute to making Blyk the fastest-growing youth medium in the UK, with more than 100,000 members to date.

What does it take to get a job in your team?

A love of biscuits. Equally, we're in the business of communicating to a target group that is notoriously difficult to reach through traditional media. You need to be an outstanding communicator with a great understanding of the Blyk offer and experience.

How are staff encouraged to hit targets?

Golden tickets are won after every sale and entered into a draw at the end of the month, when one of us is propelled to the bank. Cash aside, when we manage to show advertisers how we can add value to their business, we go on team days out. The next outing will be a kite-surfing experience.

Where do you all let your hair down?

We're based in Soho, so any pub within a mile radius will do. We've also been known to throw the odd party for our clients, the most recent of which was a show-stopping summer event at the Vinyl Factory.

* Is your team the best in the business? E-mail harriet.dennys@haymarket.com.