Meet the team: Alex Henderson

What do you enjoy the most about working at Spreckley?

We’ve got a great office in a prime location, so it’s always nice to make the trip in. I won’t go into too much detail, but you can read my colleague Matty Flack’s blog to find out why Farringdon is such a desirable area.

We also work with a wide variety of clients, which gives me the chance to work across a range of sectors and on exciting campaigns and products.

How did you hear about Spreckley and why did you want to join?

My best friend from university did an internship here. He loved it, and when I graduated I wanted to work in media so he referred me to El Jefe (Richard Merrin, Spreckley CEO). He said lots of nice things about Spreckley and I thought it would be a good place to work.

What’s been the most exciting PR campaign you’ve worked on and why?

I worked on the media launch of a flying car called the AirCar which was very exciting. We’re primarily a B2B tech agency, so it was fun to work with the consumer press and the campaign was a different experience to what I’m used to.

It got loads of media attention which made our lives easy – people still call the office asking about it.

What was your first job?

My first proper job was at Next in Tunbridge Wells when I was 16. I was brought in on a temporary contract for the festive period but ended up working there for two years. I was in at 5am on Boxing Day so I had to go easy on the eggnog that year.

If you weren’t in PR, what would you be doing instead?

Probably playing up top for England, building my reputation as the most prolific striker in the country’s history.

Failing that, I’d open the bowling for England’s cricket team. I’m 6 foot 3 and a half so that probably could have been achievable with the right guidance. Failed once again by the Kent educational system.

Tell us one thing about you that surprises people?

I’ve broken both my arms and wrists from falling over at different times of my life. I broke my arm on my fifth birthday on the playground when someone pushed me over. I got given a certificate of bravery because I didn’t cry which is still proudly displayed on my mum’s mantelpiece to this day. One of my wrists went when my brother kicked a ball at me in the garden. Good times.

What’s your favourite thing to do outside of work?

I really enjoy cooking. I like making food for people that’s vegan and them saying ‘wow that doesn’t taste like it’s vegan.’ It’s a challenge. I do often resent the phrasing. What does vegan taste like? I mean rice is vegan, but on its own tastes like nothing. I appreciate the sentiment in any case.

Other than that, not much. I spend far too much time starting at my phone waiting for time to pass.

Can I class DIY as a hobby? No not really. I did put up some blinds at the weekend.

Who had the most influence on you growing up?

Probably Alan Shearer – he was bagging goals for fun while I was still in Pampers. I only support Newcastle because Shearer was so good at football. It’s fair to say he inspired my love of the beautiful game.

Jake from the Tweenies is another good shout. I used to love him too, he was my idol. Or maybe my brother, I copied his ear piercing and also got some very bold blonde highlights when I was in my teens because he did.

What’s your go-to lunch on Leather Lane?

I really love Thai food; it’s my favourite. There’s a tofu Pad Thai on the Lane that really hits the spot. Either that or a falafel wrap – there’s loads of good ones to choose from.

What’s something you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?

I’ve never been to a Newcastle game and sat with the Newcastle fans. St. James’ Park has always been really far from everywhere I’ve ever lived, and I can only ever get tickets with the home fans at away games.

I just want to be able to swing my shirt around my head in joyous celebration at a Miggy Almiron screamer without anyone punching me. Is that too much to ask?

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