Founder

Stef Jones

Stef is a lifelong ad man who ran his own agency for 20 years. Voluntary work in HMP Brixton led him to the realisation that he had a passion for prisons and specifically, helping keep people out of them.

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Stef set up Onwards & Upwards in 2021 with Rob Love and together they created the first of our planned ventures, XO Bikes in May, 2022

CEO

Ian Priest

Ian exited his own successful communications group, VCCP a few years ago and now holds a number of executive positions and non-exec roles. As a former IPA president, Global Chairman of Grace Blue and founder of Chime Ventures, Ian brings a wealth of marketing knowledge, entrepreneurial experience and commercial connections.

Managing Director

Will Evans

Will has a history of tackling society's issues with sustainable social businesses. He was a founding director of Ignition Brewery that employs people with learning disabilities and showcases their talents in making great beer, and is a non-executive director at Accelerate CIC, a clinical health not-for-profit that

provides world leading lower limb and lymphoedema care. With his experience in growing social ventures he keeps the ship afloat and pointed in the right direction.

Operations Director

Maria Harcourt

Maria has been managing things for a while, whether it’s venues, art centres, or prison wings, when an interest in making a difference took over. 

With years of frontline experience under her belt, Maria discovered Onwards & Upwards and knew she had found a place to call home. She is so excited about helping the people she met inside, make life-changing progress on the out. 

Programme Lead

Oscar Smith

Oscar has a wealth of frontline experience through working in a YOI. He has a BA in Criminology and Masters in Custodial Leadership, so has a passion for helping rehabilitate prison leavers and preventing individuals from getting there in the first place. Oscar recruits talented and promising individuals onto the training programme and supports them throughout their time on the course. Away from work Oscar loves music, he collects vinyl and often goes to gigs and festivals

Talent & Employment Lead

Sarah Smith

Sarah has extensive experience working in the charity sector building strong stakeholder relationships, managing and delivering training programmes supporting individuals facing barriers to employment. With a BSc in Anthropology and MSc in Development & International Relations she is passionate about social justice and committed to breaking the cycle of reoffending through sustainable employment solutions. And like all Danes (that we have met), Sarah has a PhD in black humour! 

Head Trainer

Nigel 'Nidge' Brook

A veteran mechanic (he pre-dates the wheel), well known face (and beard) and much loved character across the London cycling scene, Nidge is the backbone of the Velotech training programme at XO Bikes. When not breaking one of his collarbones on the BMX track, you'll find him tending to his fleet of insanely collectable bikes. Word of advice; if you get chatting to Nidge in a pub, don't ask him about ratio indexes on pre-war bottom brackets or you'll never get home.

Assistant Trainer

Tre Shanobi

Tre was our first graduating mechanic and our first hire from our Veltech course. As such he holds the coveted position as First Fixer (XO1) with about 60 swagged bikes to his name. He's a great communicator, be it with adult trainees on our 6 week courses or youngsters who come in for taster days and its great to see him growing into his role as assistant trainer under the nurturing eye of his mentor, Nidge. Tray is one of the early members of Bikestormz. The lad pulls a mean wheelie and delivers an outrageously infectious giggle.

Business Development

Selorm Klaye

Selorm studied Actuarial Science at the London School of Economics, going on to become a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, and later obtaining his MBA from Chicago Booth Business School. He began his career at Prudential plc where he built UK-wide financial models.  More recently, Selorm has shifted his focus to enterpreneurial ventures and business start-ups, providing consultancy services to manage the technical and financial aspects of these projects. His passion is to see people and businesses flourish and achieve their potential.

Operations Officer

Ollie Harper

Ollie has always been involved in helping people having spent over 10 years as a Physiotherapist.  He got involved with XO Bikes and graduated with a Gold Velotech. After a short spell volunteering Ollie joined us full time in an operations role taking charge of relationships with our supporters, volunteers and donors. He has been a key member of the team delivering events for the charity including the hugely successful Great Release bike ride in May 2024. Ollie will also be competing in the UK Challenge 2025 -undetered by a mountain-biking mishap in the middle of Dartmoor whilst on debut last year!