SBP provides strategic insights and advisory to a broad range of organisations through integrated consulting, market research, strategy and commercial services. We bring business research, analysis and whole of organisation strategy together, to seamlessly offer powerful insights, innovative solutions and genuine outcomes. Our consulting service offer is built around proven methodologies and frameworks designed to help our clients address complex business issues and create opportunities in their sector.
Fiona Telford
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Fiona joined SBP in January 2022 after spending 20 years in senior ministerial advisory, communications and government relations positions. She possesses extensive experience in devising and implementing highly effective, specialised government and stakeholder relations strategies.
Fiona holds a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Journalism from Monash University and is currently undertaking an Executive Master of Sport Business at Deakin University.
She has held a long-standing passion within the sport sector and wants to ensure clients receive high quality outcomes that align with broader business goals and objectives.
Fun Facts
Gregory Liu
GRADUATE CONSULTANT
Gregory originally joined SBP as an Intern in July 2021. He has recently graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Business (Sport Management). He joined SBP full-time as a Graduate Consultant in November 2021 and assists with all project delivery.
Gregory has recent project experience involving analysis of various client data sources and market research relating to the strategic and operating environments for our clients.
He provides a strong understanding of issues and practices in sport governance/systems through his internship experiences in Scottish Championship Football and his management studies.
Fun Facts
Jeff Riseley
HP CONSULTANT
Jeff joined SBP in November 2016 and holds a Double Bachelor in Exercise and Sport Science and Business (Sports Management) from Deakin University and is currently undertaking a Masters in High Performance Sport at the Australian Catholic University.
Jeff has recent project experience involving collecting and analysing multiple data sources to synthesise meaningful insights for our clients.
He combines a strong understanding of elite sport and high performance management through his studies and career as a professional track and field athlete. Jeff has competed at three Olympic Games and is currently training towards his fourth in Tokyo.
Fun Facts
- A four-time Olympian.
- Has a full passport through some incredible experiences along his athletics career.
- Newfound passion for design has come through his house renovations.
- Can be found walking Hans to the best local coffee spots.
Anna Eades
CONSULTANT
Anna joined SBP in January 2017 and holds a Double Bachelor in Exercise and Sport Science and Business (Sports Management) from Deakin University. She is currently undertaking a part-time MBA at Melbourne Business School and is also a member of The Research Society (TRS).
Her experience at SBP includes stakeholder engagement planning and insights, survey design and reporting, data analysis and qualitative research. She also provides a lens into the next generation across digital disruption, social connectivity and commercial opportunities.
Fun Facts
- Recently completed her first marathon.
- A key member of ‘Fourthorn’ – the four-time reigning Victorian Premier League hockey champions.
- Favourite holiday destination is Mollymook Beach, on the NSW South Coast.
- Will often enjoy the sun with a book or a tasty cocktail after getting her MBA assignments in.
Ben Manning
SENIOR MANAGER - CONSULTING
Ben joined SBP in 2013 and has experience across strategic planning and implementation, strategic and operational reviews, market research and member communications.
In addition, Ben is a member of The Research Society (TRS); and holds an MBA from Monash Business School. He also holds a Double Bachelor in Exercise and Sport Science and Business (Sports Management) from Deakin University.
He has a strong understanding of the recreation, leisure and sport participation and event landscape through his role at SBP and his previous participation and development role at the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS).
Fun Facts
- Current industry mentor through Monash Business School.
- Another disillusioned Saints supporter.
- Enjoys 5:30am runs along the Carrum river.
- Reading interests: behavioural psychology and meditation.
Tim Murdoch
CONSULTANT
Tim joined SBP in October 2017 after spending over 10 years in various roles across the sports industry. Most recently Tim was a lecturer at Deakin University in the Master of Sport Management program.
Tim holds a Master of Business (Sport Management) from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Commerce (Sport Management and Business Law) from Curtin University in Perth. He is a member of the Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand (SMAANZ) and The Research Society (TRS).
He brings to SBP experience in membership and participation strategies, stakeholder engagement and new product/program development in the dynamic sports market.
Fun Facts
- Excellent general knowledge, often winning local pub trivia.
- The resident tech guru in the office.
- Hidden talents include playing the bagpipes and stellar photography skills.
- Newfound wine enthusiast.
Martin Hirons
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Martin Hirons is the Managing Director of SBP and his core expertise is based around business strategy and market research including data and customer insights, stakeholder experience, service standards and new product development.
His experience in the strategy and research sector spans over 32 years. Martin is a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), The Research Society (TRS); a Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute; and holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Business (Marketing) from Monash University.
He is also the Chairman of Red Dust Role Models, an Indigenous health promotion not-for-profit program that conducts most of its work with remote communities and youth in the N.T. He is also chair of the State Baseball and Softball Centre at Altona.
Fun Facts
- A die-hard golf enthusiast.
- Constructed a golf club around his boyhood home.
- Involved in indigenous programs in desert and central desert communities each year.
- Enjoys storytelling - from time living in Canada, or great work and life experiences.