Freelance Marketing Consultant & Fractional CMO
My name is James McCracken.
I'm a fractional CMO and freelance marketer with over 20 years of experience across Education Property and Training. Currently the chair of CIM in NW England. I specialise in lead generation, digital and campaigns.
ABOUT ME
I am a highly experienced marketing leader with a passion for driving sustainable growth and building high-performing teams. With over 20 years of experience spanning B2B and B2C sectors, including commercial property and student accommodation, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to every engagement. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM), I am recognised for his commitment to the highest standards of marketing practice.
My expertise extends across the full marketing spectrum, from digital transformation and customer experience optimisation to brand building and go-to-market strategy development. I am adept at aligning marketing initiatives with overarching business objectives, ensuring that every effort contributes to tangible results. Beyond my technical skills, I am a collaborative leader that excels at building and motivating teams. I am passionate about fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Whether providing interim leadership, strategic board advisory, or executive coaching, I am dedicated to helping organisations achieve their ambitions and thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace. I bring a unique blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and a genuine passion for making a difference.
Key Career Highlights:
- Chief Marketing Officer, Apprentify Group
- Head of Marketing, Workplace and Digital, Bruntwood Works
- Director of Marketing and Communications, Campus Living Villages
- Head of Marketing, DPG Plc
- Marketing Manager, LTE Group
- Extensive experience in senior marketing leadership roles across diverse sectors (incl
- Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM)
Freelance Marketing Consultant & Fractional CMO for Education, Training & Property
Looking for expert marketing support without the cost of a full-time hire? I’m James McCracken – a UK-based freelance marketing consultant and Fractional CMO with 20+ years’ experience helping education, training, and property businesses grow.
As a freelance marketer, I step in to lead your marketing strategy, align your messaging, and generate measurable results. Whether you’re launching a new service, refining your brand, or scaling your reach, I bring the expertise, leadership, and flexibility to make it happen.
Flexible, High-Impact Marketing Leadership
Strategic Marketing Without the Full Time Overhead
Hiring a freelance marketing professional gives you senior-level support without long-term commitment. I work closely with your team, embedding as your part-time marketing lead to develop and deliver marketing that drives performance.
Here’s what that typically includes:
A clear, focused marketing strategy
Brand and campaign planning aligned with your goals
Lead generation across digital and offline channels
Performance measurement and reporting
Hands-on implementation and leadership
Sector Expertise That Delivers
I specialise in supporting organisations in three key sectors:
Education
From colleges and universities to training providers, I’ve helped institutions attract students, raise awareness, and position themselves in competitive markets.
Training
Whether you deliver apprenticeships, CPD, or compliance programmes, I know how to market your value clearly and effectively to learners and employers.
Property
I’ve worked with residential and commercial property firms to shape their brand, increase visibility, and create campaigns that convert interest into enquiries.
Why Work With a Freelance Marketer?
Flexible support: Scale your marketing up or down depending on your business needs.
Fresh perspective: External insight grounded in experience, with none of the internal politics.
Faster results: Hit the ground running with a seasoned professional who knows what works.
Cost-efficient: Get leadership-level support without the full-time salary or overhead.
Let's Connect
Email: james@francesandkevin.co.uk
Phone: 07557 096 093