Meet the Team

Our Compact & Dedicated Membership Team

As a not for profit organisation, ACID has always had a ‘lean’ team of seasoned professionals, dedicated to ensuring that ACID members are provided with the best service we can offer. We may be small in number but ACID has always punched above its weight and our fabulous team is no exception!

Dids Macdonald OBE

Co-Founder & Chairman, Director of Public Affairs, Campaigning & IP Policy

Dids Macdonald OBE

Co-Founder & Chairman, Director of Public Affairs, Campaigning & IP Policy

Dids Macdonald OBE, FRSA., has over 35 years of experience within the design industry, initially owning an interior design company and later as a designer-maker. She co-founded ACID (Anti Copying in Design) because her products were consistently copied and she felt aggrieved. Today ACID represents thousands of designers within the creative industries. In 2011, Design was recommended by the then Prime Minister as one of 10 key areas for new, clear IP policy. On October 1 2014, history was made by various reforms being included in the IP Act. Of particular importance to designers is the introduction of criminal provisions for the intentional infringement of a registered design in line with copyright and trade marks, a campaign spearheaded by ACID. Dids is Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers (2019). ACID is a key member of the “Alliance for Intellectual Property” of which Dids is Vice Chair. She was made an Honorary Fellow of the British Institute of Interior Design in June 2015. Also in June 2015, Dids was made an Officer of Order of the British Empire (OBE) in Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours for her services to the design industry. She was elected a member of the Design Week Hall of Fame in June 2016. ACID was named as IP Champion by the Alliance for Intellectual Property on its first British IP Day at Westminster. In November 2017 Dids was honoured by the UK Designer Kitchen & Bathroom Awards. The Services to the Industry Award is given each year to an individual who has made a broader contribution to the development and success of design in and around the industry. Dids is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. In June 2022 Dids was honoured to receive Honorary Fellowship of the Society of Designer Craftsmen. Dids is also very proud to have received the UK 2022 Enterprise Innovation Legal Advisor Award. Her interests include photography, walking, cooking and opera and she is an avid traveller following her career in British Airways having previously been one of the first groups of cabin crew to fly Concorde when it was launched.

Nick Kounoupias

Chief Counsel & IP Director

Nick Kounoupias

Chief Counsel & IP Director

Nick Kounoupias is one of the best known names in the International IP world, practising as an IP solicitor across all IP sectors inhouse and privately since 1986. Nick has been Chief Counsel for Anti Copying in Design (ACID) since 2008, advising the organisation on the intellectual property aspects of design lobbying issues. In 2020 he was appointed as a Director of ACID. In 2014 he, together with ACID’s CEO Dids Macdonald, OBE, led the successful campaign on behalf of UK designers to recognise the intentional copying of registered designs as a criminal offence. Nick is also the founder and CEO of Kounoupias IP and is also a fully accredited mediator.

He successfully lobbied for and helped draft the Copyright and Trade Mark (Offences and Enforcement) Act 2002 and the IP Act. In recognition of his contribution to the design industries Nick was appointed a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers and a Freeman of the City of London.

Amongst Nick’s many industry appointments are the following: founder and Vice Chairman of the Alliance for IP (previously the cross-industry Alliance against Counterfeiting and Piracy) , a Board Director of the Federation against Software Theft (FAST), Chief Legal Counsel to Anti-Copying in Design (“ACID”) and its representative at the legal group meetings of the Alliance for IP, a founder and regular participant and thought leader at the UK Government’s IP Crime Group, director of the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, and former Chair of its enforcement sub-committee, a founder and a former executive director of the cross-industry Copyright Hotline, and Chairman of the anti-piracy committee of the international music collecting society association BIEM.

Ann Bond

Financial Director

Ann Bond

Financial Director

I have over 25 years experience helping SMEs with their accountancy and taxation affairs. I joined ACID as Financial Director in 1998 and have seen it grow into an influential, powerful and internationally recognised trade organisation which Dids Macdonald has strived tirelessly to build. I am proud to be part of a dynamic team who are totally committed to our members and the protection of their designs.

Part of my remit is to attend as many team meetings as I can so that I can fully immerse myself in all the financial aspects of growth within the organisation. I have been keenly involved in the development of the new ACID website, helping to ensure that all financial platforms provide a smooth and easy user experience. I am keen to see the new ACID Marketplace metamorphose into a safer trading online platform with full design buyer engagement and collaboration and interaction between members. . I will also be considering other small business support services to add to the ACID membership offer.

I am married with 2 daughters and I love cooking, horse riding and walking my 2 chocolate labradors.

Laura Newbold Breen

CEO

Laura Newbold Breen

CEO

I joined ACID as Chief Operating Officer in December 2023 and, in June 2024, was promoted to the role of CEO. In my previous role, I was Head of Legal at Magmatic Ltd, the former owner of the Trunki brand. Working closely with Rob Law MBE, I pioneered a resourceful approach to Brand Protection, becoming the manager responsible for all aspects of IP. I also had full responsibility for the roles of Product Compliance Manager, ensuring all products’ compliance with safety legislation throughout the globe, HR Manager and Customer Services Manager. I love nothing more than to be in an environment where I can use my multi-faceted skills and love of learning to support the business and team the best way I can. I am passionate about UK manufacturers, designers and SMEs and especially committed to supporting them as they navigate the never-ending complexities of IP and business needs. Having been the self-taught manager responsible for so many business aspects at Magmatic, I fully understand the demands on time and resource so many of our members face. I’m more than happy to help with any queries on compliance, HR, CS and, of course, IP that our ACID Community may have. Please don't hesitate to email me! I’m thrilled to be CEO of ACID and work hard to continually grow our membership offering, invaluable partnerships and any and every opportunity to spread the word of ACID’s work and the importance of IP. I am proud to hold both my BSc Hons and Masters’ Degree in Psychology from the Open University, studying both part time whilst working full time. If I’m not working or thinking about human behaviour, I’m usually to be found running, horse riding, singing, dancing or shouting at Wales and Newport Dragons rugby teams. I am extremely proud to have completed the London Marathon 2024, raising over £4,000 for Parkinson’s UK. Originally from Newport in South Wales, I’m Welsh and proud but now living in lovely Devonshire with my husband and much-loved pet budgie, Dewi.

Phone:+44 (0)800 080 3230
Email:[email protected]

Marion Horwood

Head of Membership & Legal Affiliate Engagement

Marion Horwood

Head of Membership & Legal Affiliate Engagement

I worked for PRS for Music for many years and, as part of their in-house legal team, gained a wealth of knowledge in music copyright infringement as well as working in a membership organisation. As the Head of Membership & Legal Affiliate Engagement, my priorities are to lead on recruiting, engaging and retaining members as well as developing and promoting the full range of new and current events and benefits for our members. I am a firm believer in and supporter of ACID’s IP Charter and will be doing all I can to expand and promote it. This is an ideal role for me as I have a very keen interest in design law and passionate about helping and assisting ACID members to protect their creations and, where necessary, ensure they obtain the appropriate support when their creations are copied. I will also be assisting our members with their IP strategy needs. I work closely with all members of the ACID team and its Legal Affiliates and look forward to attending conferences/exhibitions and events to meet with existing and potential ACID members and Partners. I love reading, dancing and music.

Phone:+44 (0)800 080 3230
Email:[email protected]

Faye Meakin

Accounts Manager

Faye Meakin

Accounts Manager

I joined ACID in 2021 as Accounts Manager to take control of accounts payable, Payroll & VAT return preparation. I have 15 years experience in all things accounting! The most important project to date was ensuring the smooth transfer of Direct Debit systems to a new provider to improve online payments for the new website. I have been actively involved in planning the payment platforms and financial aspects of the new website in order that members experience a straightforward system to join ACID, renew their membership, sign the ACID Charter or purchase legal agreements. I continue to assess all payment procedures and suppliers to ensure that ACID has the best support possible with a close eye on overheads. I am married with two children and in my spare time I enjoy playing netball and reading.

Phone:+44 (0)800 080 3230
Email:[email protected]

Deanie Butler

Membership & Business Administrator

Deanie Butler

Membership & Business Administrator

I originally joined the ACID team as an Administrator in 2020 to help to keep on top of the general administration. I have previously worked in hospitality but I am pleased I made the change in my career path and have been expanding upon my existing skills whilst learning new protocols, all while maintaining customer service as the foundation of my work. I have enjoyed learning more about intellectual property so that I can support ACID Members when they call or email with queries. It is really interesting to work with so many creative people and across so many industry sectors. As Membership and Business Administrator, I have been excited to contribute to the successful launch of the new website and now focus on ensuring smooth operations and continuous improvement for both our members and the ACID business. I am delighted that the member online profiles are now far more accessible and usable with connected access to the IP Databank and other member benefits. I have previous experience in jewellery design and silversmithing, so I do appreciate the time and effort that goes into designing and making new products. I am a keen indoor and outdoor gardener and also have a love of DIY and crafts and almost always have a project on the go.

Phone:+44 (0)800 080 3230
Email:[email protected]

Faith Capstick

Social Media & Communications Executive

Faith Capstick

Social Media & Communications Executive

As Communications & Marketing Executive, my role focuses on celebrating our talented members, sharing valuable tips and news, and driving campaigns to champion stronger IP laws across our social media platforms. What I love most is showcasing our members' successes and sharing their infringement stories to amplify their voices and raise awareness. My journey with ACID began in membership and has since evolved into marketing, where I’ve had the privilege of developing the organisation’s brand voice. It’s incredibly rewarding to work for a cause-driven organisation that fights for creatives’ rights and protections, ensuring their voices are heard and their work is safeguarded. My degree in English blended my love of literature with creative writing, and outside of work, I’m a designer and maker specialising in crochet, alongside exploring other textile mediums. Weekends often find me travelling the UK in a campervan, soaking up natural landscapes through walks, runs, and bike rides.

Phone:+44 (0)800 080 3230
Email:[email protected]

The ACID Advisory Council

The ACID Advisory Council is comprised of current members across different industry sectors who meet regularly to discuss ACID initiatives, policies and current news. Together with the ACID Team, the Council works towards achieving our lobbying objectives alongside continuing to improve the Membership offer.

Alexander Croft

Crofts & Assinder

Alexander Croft

Crofts & Assinder

Alex Crofts is the Managing Director of Crofts & Assinder Ltd a company based in Birmingham specialising in the design, manufacture and global distribution of cabinet and architectural hardware and fittings. Alex has worked at Crofts & Assinder Ltd for 9 years and became Managing Director in 2009.

Prior to joining Crofts & Assinder Ltd, Alex worked for 3 years at American Express specialising in industrial relations case management and previously held the role of Head of Recruitment. Previously Alex was employed by Ford Motor Company where he worked in the Human Resource Management Department and was located at both the Dagenham Engine Plant and Basildon Offices specialising in industrial relations, training, diversity and business relationship management.

Alex graduated from Newcastle University with a BA in Ancient History and a MA in Human Resource Management. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and is an alumni of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business programme. Alex is also a Liveryman and Court member of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers based in the City of London.

www.crofts.co.uk

Dids Macdonald OBE

Co-Founder & Chairman, Director of Public Affairs, Campaigning & IP Policy

Dids Macdonald OBE

Co-Founder & Chairman, Director of Public Affairs, Campaigning & IP Policy

Dids Macdonald, OBE, has over 25 years experience within the design industry, initially owning an interior design company and later as a designer-maker. She co-founded ACID (Anti Copying in Design) because her products were consistently copied. Today ACID represents thousands of designers within the creative industries. In 2011, Design was recommended by the Prime Minister as one of 10 key areas for new, clear IP policy. On October 1 2014, history was made by various reforms being included in the IP Act. Of particular importance to designers is the introduction of criminal provisions for the intentional infringement of a registered design in line with copyright and trade marks, a campaign spearheaded by ACID.

Dids is Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers (2019). ACID is supported by the “Alliance for Intellectual Property” of which Dids is Vice Chair. She was made an Honorary Fellow of the British Institute of Interior Design in June 2015. Also in June 2015, Dids was made an Officer of Order of the British Empire (OBE) in Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours for her services to the design industry. She was elected a member of the Design Week Hall of Fame in June 2016. ACID was named as IP Champion by the Alliance for Intellectual Property on its first British IP Day at Westminster.In November 2017 Dids was honoured by the UK Designer Kitchen & Bathroom Awards. The Services to the Industry Award is given each year to an individual who has made a broader contribution to the development and success of design in and around the industry.

Nick Kounoupias

Chief Counsel & IP Director

Nick Kounoupias

Chief Counsel & IP Director

Duncan Maclay

Thisisnessie

Duncan Maclay

Thisisnessie

Duncan Maclay spent 12 years on Fleet Street running national newspaper Sports Desks before joining the family business Thisisnessie which he helped his wife to found in 2012. The business now employs fifteen staff. Nessie McClay heads the creative side of the business, and Duncan provides the leadership and vision on the business side while his experience in print media and technology ensures that Thisisnessie is always on the cutting edge. Duncan holds a Masters’ Degree in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh and Nessie has a First Class Honours degree from Edinburgh College of Art.

Thisisnessie is a thriving business specialising in producing quirky personalised prints, stationery and homewares based on watercolour illustrations, selling through their own website and key marketplaces such as Notonthehighstreet, Etsy and others.

Having created a multi-million pound market Thisisnessie found themselves besieged by copiers and imitators both large and small, leading them to ACID. Duncan is committed in particular to finding ways to protect small businesses from copying online; to putting the author back into authenticity and to standing at the vanguard of baking a conscience into creativity in the UK.

www.thisisnessie.com

Rodney McMahon

Morgan Furniture

Rodney McMahon

Morgan Furniture

Rodney was until recently the Managing Director of top furniture company Morgan Contract Furniture. He has a degree in Economics and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. His passion for manufacturing in the UK and interest in design, led to the acquisition and revitalisation of Morgan and he is active in shaping the future of the furniture industry, particularly through training.

Rodney has also added Finance Director and past Chairman of the BCFA to his portfolio, and he is on the Council of the Furniture Industry Research Association; he is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts; and he is Chairman of the Trustees of the Edward Barnsley Educational Trust. Morgan Furniture is a wholly British, design led business making contemporary furniture for the contract market from its dedicated 4500m2 workshops and studio in Hampshire where we start the process with trees and finish with beautifully crafted chairs.

We believe the design and manufacture of truly original, high-quality furniture is the result of passion, design integrity, experience, craftsmanship and an unfaltering dedication to quality.

https://www.morganfurniture.co.uk

Russell Cameron

The Notable Group

Russell Cameron

The Notable Group

Russell Cameron co-founded the British design brand Innermost in 1999 with fellow designer Steve Jones. Collaborating with emerging and established designers around the world they produce an innovative award-winning collection of residential and hospitality lighting. Russell now manages operations for the design & distribution company The Notable Group.

Russell is based in London and Shropshire and is also a Lighting Industry Association Council member.

https://notable.group/

Mel Holliday

Chiselwood Limited

Mel Holliday

Chiselwood Limited

Mel Holliday is co-founder with her husband Martin Holliday of multi award winning Chiselwood Limited, designers and manufacturers of handmade kitchens and furniture. She has been in her role as managing director for nearly 30 years. Design Director and husband Martin Holliday is a leading designer and judge of prestigious awards. Chiselwood has won many accolades over the years for its unique designs including the only European kitchen company to reach the world finals in the USA Sub Zero Design contest and an Architecture Award from Build Magazine.

Mel has been proactive in protecting Chiselwood designs looking to ACID for support when their IP has been infringed. Mel constantly strives to ensure that both Chiselwood designs and those companies she works alongside are armed with the information they need to protect their IP.

www.chiselwood.co.uk

Juliet Loudon

Robert Welch

Juliet Loudon

Robert Welch

After reading Art History at Bristol University and converting to Law, Juliet qualified and practiced at Mischon de Reya in their Commercial Litigation department, specialising in art law and defamation. Since 2016, she has worked in-house at Robert Welch Designs Ltd, learning about the critical importance, and intricacies, of Intellectual Property in design. Robert Welch Designs takes a highly pro-active approach to protecting their IP and Juliet works closely with Joint Managing Director Rupert Welch in registering designs, trade marks and patents and taking vigorous action to hold infringers to account. Image: Juliet with Dids Macdonald on British IP Day at the House of Commons

https://www.robertwelch.com

Laura Newbold Breen

CEO

Laura Newbold Breen

CEO

Laura Newbold Breen, CEO, joined ACID as Chief Operating Officer in December 2023. She was previously Head of Legal for Magmatic Ltd, which previously owned the Trunki brand. Having originally joined Magmatic Ltd in 2013 as PA to CEO Rob Law MBE, Laura became more involved in the company’s ever expanding IP issues. As a result, there was a natural lean towards developing her diverse legal knowledge base, embracing the opportunity to learn about IP at grass-roots level in order to pioneer a resourceful approach to Brand Protection. and becoming the manager responsible for all aspects of Intellectual Property. As well as IP, Laura was Product Compliance Manager, ensuring all products’ compliance with safety legislation throughout the globe, and HR and Customer Services Manager. Laura thrives in an environment where she can use her multi-faceted skills and love of learning to support the business and team the best way she can. She is passionate about UK manufacturers, designers and SMEs and especially committed to supporting them as they navigate the never-ending complexities of IP.

Laura holds a Masters’ Degree in Psychology and loves running, horse-riding and kickboxing. Originally from Newport in South Wales, Laura now lives in Devon with her husband and much-loved pet budgie!

Phone:+44 (0)800 080 3230

The ACID Sector Council

The ACID Sector Council is a collection of long standing ACID Members who have supported ACID over many years and represent their particular design industry sector to keep ACID up to date with sector related initiatives, experiences and input.

Angus Gardner

Caroline Gardner Publishing Ltd

Angus Gardner

Caroline Gardner Publishing Ltd

The Caroline Gardner brand began in 1993 and In 1995, with a move south of the river, Caroline – inundated with orders – decided she needed some help with her card-making, so she set up a home office and hired an office hand. Her husband Angus Gardner joined the business as a Director and together they laid the foundations for the future of the business.

In 2003 the Company found its new home by the river Thames and the next few years saw steady growth as the Caroline Gardner brand came to settle in most corners of the UK – partnerships with John Lewis and other household names deepened and Caroline’s iconic style seen in the ‘classic cg’ and ‘die-stamped’ card ranges was born. Some of the company’s most recognisable designs, such as ditsy and the timeless hearts, followed quickly on, and were then used to develop the exciting new gift products. It was here that Caroline’s quirky colour palette found its voice.

In 2014 the Company made its leap into the world of retail. Now based in Fulham in West London, with a central London store and selling in over 20 different countries, the brand and its team, is happier and better than ever.

https://www.carolinegardner.com

Nick Robinson

BabaBing Limited

Nick Robinson

BabaBing Limited

Nick Robinson is the Managing & Technical Director of BabaBing Ltd a company that specialises in the Design and Development of Child Nursery Products. Nick works as part of a team that also includes his brothers Jamie and Ashley who specialise in Product Design and Sales within the company. The company was established in 2005 and prides itself on designing its own range of products that are distributed globally.

Prior to becoming a member of the BabaBing team, Nick worked for a medical company based in Herefordshire in a role of Product Development for 2 years. Nick moved back to Yorkshire to take up a Product Design Engineering role at Surgical Innovations Ltd whereby he was assigned to designing cutting edge Keyhole Surgical Equipment working alongside leading laparoscopic surgeons based in Leeds.

Nick graduated from the University of Derby with a BSc (Hons) in Product Design, Innovation & Marketing. He lives in Keighley, West Yorkshire with his wife Louise and children Noah and Martha. Nick’s hobbies mainly revolve around cycling and he enjoys watching his children play sports such as; cricket and football.

https://www.bababing.com

Rachael Taylor

Rachael Taylor & Make It In Design

Rachael Taylor

Rachael Taylor & Make It In Design

Surface Pattern Designer, Illustrator and Director at Rachael Taylor. Co-founder of Make it in Design.

Rachael Taylor is a fun and energetic surface pattern designer and illustrator who creates ‘patterns to make you happy’! Since graduating from university in 2005, Rachael has been lucky enough to work for a number of prestigious clients worldwide. Rachael also runs her own design label along with successfully licensing a number of global branded collections. Her designs feature on fashion, home decor, greetings, stationery, gadgets and ceramics.

In addition Rachael is the sole author and designer for ’20 Ways to Draw a Doodle’ and ‘Draw 500 Dazzling Doodles’ with Quarry Books! It is the perfect creative book and resource for illustrators, cartoonists, doodlers and anyone who loves to sketch. Over seventy pieces of her work can also be found in a number of renowned design books from Print and Pattern (LKP Publishing) to A House Beautiful Home Business (Brightword publishing). The designer is also a hit with the press with her designs appearing in numerous leading publications and on the television. She is also co-founder of the groundbreaking e-course called The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design in which the esteemed designer teaches and shares her expertise and knowledge in surface pattern design. The success of the e-course lead the brand new ventures, Make it in Design and MOYO Magazine.

Rachael is also regularly hired to deliver seminars and lectures around the UK & more recently the USA.

https://www.rachaeltaylordesigns.co.uk

Rachel Jones

Totseat

Rachel Jones

Totseat

Rachel created the Totseat travel highchair after several, unsuccessful experiences of eating out with her baby daughter. Either the highchairs proffered were filthy, offered from within the storage of the loos, or they were old, unloved and unsafe. Keen to keep her child anchored safely and comfortably, enabling a happy family outing, what began as a ‘jumper tied around a chair’ turned into the Totseat travel highchair. The Totseat’s ingenious design allows it to be adapted to fit chairs, and babies, of all shapes and sizes, making it a must-have accessory for anyone out and about with a baby. Now an award-winning brand, sold by major retailers around the globe, the Totseat has strong IP and a fierce team defending it. Anyone found to be breaching the Totseat’s IP is actively pursued – small or significant, as some now know to their cost.

Rachel’s passion for IP has led to her being recognised as a leading expert on how SMEs can best protect their IP on global e-commerce platforms. In addition to Totseat, she works alongside the team at snapdragon-ip.com, an e-commerce monitoring and take-down service, specifically for SMEs.

https://www.totseat.com

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Meet the Team

Our Compact & Dedicated Membership Team

Dids Macdonald OBE

Nick Kounoupias

Ann Bond

Laura Newbold Breen

Marion Horwood

Faye Meakin

Deanie Butler

Faith Capstick

The ACID Advisory Council

Alexander Croft

Dids Macdonald OBE

Nick Kounoupias

Duncan Maclay

Rodney McMahon

Russell Cameron

Mel Holliday

Juliet Loudon

Laura Newbold Breen

The ACID Sector Council

Angus Gardner

Nick Robinson

Rachael Taylor

Rachel Jones

Make a Difference
Join the ACID Community

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Meet the Team

Our Compact & Dedicated Membership Team

The ACID Advisory Council

The ACID Sector Council

Make a Difference Join the ACID Community

Get in Touch

Keep Up-to-Date

Make a Difference
Join the ACID Community