Martin Sutton

Martin Sutton is the founder of The Songwriting Academy and multi-platinum songwriter and producer. Starting as a young busker on the streets of Norwich, he spent years developing the craft of songwriting, traveling the world to work with other writers, learning about the music business and honing his production skills. He is now a successful songwriter/producer and has sold millions of records in nearly 50 countries around the world. His work includes Backstreet Boys, LeAnn Rimes, Celine Dion, Gary Barlow, Pixie Lott, Mark Owen, Olivia Newton-John, Andrew Roachford, Brian McFadden, Lulu, Mike & The Mechanics, K-Pop superstars Super Junior and X-Factor/Idol winners worldwide. His teaching methodology and ethos have been described as “life-changing” by many of his students and over the years he has shared his knowledge and experience with thousands, opening their eyes to the world of professional music making. His diverse programming and production skills are widely sought after, from orchestration for Celine Dion and Andrew Lloyd Webber to quirky programming and beat-making for K-Pop/J-Pop artists, and rich country productions for artists including LeAnn Rimes.

Paul Statham

Paul Statham is a multi platinum selling songwriter and producer who has been published by Warner Chappell Music for over 18 years. Paul co-wrote with Dido the breakthrough single “Here With Me” and the title track of her first album No Angel, selling over 20 million records. Paul also wrote two tracks on Kylie’s massive album “Fever” Kylie as well as songs for The Saturdays, Matt Cardle, Gabriella Cilmie, Peter Andre, Rachel Stevens, Right Said Fred, Tina Arena and many European acts inc the Italian artist Noemi (recent album "Made in London was a no 1 record in Italy ). He has also worked with more left field artists, writing 7 albums with former Bauhaus vocalist Peter Murphy, 2 albums with Mercury prize nominated Helicopter Girl, and Scottish rock band Simple Minds. Paul spends a lot of time developing new artists/writers for Warner Chappell including writer Ed Drewett  (1D, The Wanted). Paul also lectures weekly at Solent on popular song writing and Leeds College of Music where he is a visiting Professor.

Paddy Byrne

Jez Ashurst

Jez Ashurst is a multi-platinum songwriter/producer based in London, who has also worked in the USA, Scandinavia, Germany and Japan. His early career spanned work as an engineer to session guitar work and composing for TV.  The last couple of years have seen Jez write cuts for (and with) Will Young, Mel C, Boyzone, Joe McElderry and many other established and new UK acts. His track record includes the iTunes No.1 “One More Sleep” (Leona Lewis),“Love Will Save The Day” (Boyzone), “Loving You” (Matt Cardle & Mel C) and “Panic” (Gabrielle Aplin). Jez has added his guitar and programming skills to hit records from Susan Boyle and Il Divo, as well as a Number One for Little Mix, and he was one of the team behind the music for the 2011 and 2013 X Factor. He particularly likes developing new talent and has a wealth of experience as a songwriting and production coach. In 2016 Jez hit the UK Top 10 with Jason Derulo and Little Mix performing his song "Secret Love Song"

Shelly Poole

Shelly Poole is a multi platinum selling British singer and songwriter who has achieved international success in an ever- increasing variety of musical settings. The daughter of Brian Poole of the classic 1960s group The Tremeloes, Shelly formed the chart-busting band Alisha’s Attic in the late nineties with her sister Karen . Alisha’s Attic scored a string of hit singles, made 4 gold and platinum selling albums, secured a nomination for an Ivor Novello songwriting award and saw Shelly described as one of the iconic female voices of the legendary lilith fair tour of America in 1997.

Shelly’s 2005 solo album Hard Time For The Dreamer entered the I tunes charts at number 1 and earned her constant radio exposure and copious five-star reviews. In 2008 she co-founded the country/folk band Red Sky July with her husband Ally McErlaine (lead guitarist and founder member of Texas) and the American singer Charity Hair. Red Sky July have released 3 albums all entering the Official Uk Country charts in the top 3 . They also won the Nordoff Robbins inspiration award in 2013 and have toured with Jools Holland , Sheryl Crow , Steve Earle , Tom Jones , they continue to make records and tour.

Shelly is also a highly respected award wining songwriter and has worked closely and had hits with talents as diverse as Janet Jackson , Massive Attack, Jack Savoretti ,Mark Ronson, Gary Barlow, Westlife, Boyzone, Paloma Faith , Michael Gray, Zucchero amongst many others Shelly also continues to write with produce and mentor new and emerging artists.