About
Driven Talent
Driven Talent was born from first-hand experience in the field.
While managing social media and influencers at construction brand JCB, founder Dan Smith launched Driven PR as a freelance business. Later, when working at Michelin, he saw the creators he’d worked with in construction being left behind – so he stepped in to help.
What started as a favour for one influencer quickly grew. Dan left corporate life, built a client base across construction, automotive and trades and launched Driven Talent – the UK’s first dedicated talent agency for creators in these sectors.
Dan
Managing Director
Prior to founding Driven Talent, Dan worked on the brand side, overseeing social media and influencers for world-renowned companies such as JCB and Michelin. With a deep understanding of what companies wish to achieve by partnering with content creators, through hands on experience, Dan started the business in 2022, though he spent many years freelancing before this, his focus is on fairness for both the talent he represent and the brands they partner with “it’s a fair deal or no deal”. As you can imagine, his passion for cars comes first, but Dan loves his mountain biking and has a VERY eclectic music taste (all of it).
Soph
Talent Manager
Soph built a solid career in Events Management before making the move into talent. She joined Driven Talent early on – employee number 2 – and now works closely with creators every day, building genuine relationships and ensuring each campaign runs smoothly, from brief to execution. Acting as the bridge between brand and creator, she’s all about making sure both sides walk away happy. She loves a good glass of red wine, playlists for every moment and has a serious travel bug.
Wendy
Business Manager
Wendy left her role in education of 20+ years to support Driven Talent with its day-to-day business activities, including outreach to brands for proactive partnership opportunities. She supports the finance and administration that keep the business running and the creators paid on time. In her spare time, Wendy is a keen runner, loves a sunny beach holiday and a good book with a cup of ‘biscuit tea’.
Cal
Senior Talent & Partnerships Manager
With over 15 years’ experience across automotive, CPG, fashion and retail, Calum blends commercial depth with a sharp eye for culture, content and community.
He began his career at Michelin, where he first worked with Dan, before leading marketing and eCommerce at scale. Most recently, he headed up a 100+ strong commerce team at global eCommerce group THG Ingenuity, supporting major brands across performance, digital strategy and DTC growth.
Now back in the creative fast lane, Calum leads talent representation and brand partnerships at Driven Talent, connecting standout creators with brands looking to show up credibly in specialist spaces.
Outside of work, you’ll find him walking his dog Pablo, watching the football, or getting (over) competitive in his new favourite sport – Padel. Fancy a game?
We’ve Worked With…..
What Makes Driven Talent Different?
- We’re a talent agency, not a traditional influencer marketing agency
- We only get paid when our talent does, so their success drives everything we do
- We help brands pick the right creator and make a plan, free of charge, so deals move faster
- We stay niche, focused solely on construction, trades, engineering and automotive creators
Our Talent
“Working with Dan has been an absolute game-changer. His deep understanding of influencers, combined with his commitment to securing fair and balanced deals, sets him apart as probably one of the best agents I have ever worked with.”
Chiara Bettelli, Influencer Marketing & Partnerships, HOLY Energy
“Dan and Driven Talent don’t ever take on anything that I don’t want to do. They know just what I want and we’re totally on the same page. As creators, we all need a Driven Talent in our lives!”
Amy Underwood, The Digger Girl, Content Creator
“It’s so important that your agents understand who you are as a person and what your market is; what your viewers or listeners want. And Driven Talent does that in spades.”
Jonny Smith, The Late Brake Show, Journalist and Content Creator