What do you enjoy the most about working at Spreckley?
I really enjoy the sense of community here and how everyone bounces off each other when we’re in the office and when it comes to sharing new ideas. At the same time, if someone has a genuine concern about something then I’d like to think we all feel comfortable expressing that openly.
I think this is helped by the fact that we’re all trusted with the responsibility to take on new tasks regardless of our job role, as long as we’re enthusiastic and willing.
How did you hear about Spreckley and why did you want to join?
I was actually looking at the listings on PR Week and applying for jobs there. I did some background research and Spreckley looked like the kind of PR agency that I wanted to work for.
I knew that I wanted to work in technology PR as it’s such a fast-changing industry, where the next exciting story or launch is always just around the corner. It means that we’re always working with exciting new clients, and at the same time I’m always learning about new industries and pushing interesting stories to press.
What’s been the most exciting PR campaign you’ve worked on and why?
I was lucky enough to be trusted with the responsibility of organising a press trip to France on behalf of our warehouse robotics client Exotec. I got to take a group of journalists over the channel and on a tour to see first-hand how the technology worked and I’m proud to say I organised it all myself. The trip certainly helped me make new connections in the manufacturing and logistics industries which are both vital areas for the client.
Also, when we were travelling to the client site through the outskirts of Paris I came across a baguette vending machine for the first time in my life. I didn’t know what I was missing until it was right in front of me.
What was your first job?
My first job was working on the tills at Morrisons. It was exactly as you’d expect, my responsibilities consisted of scanning shopping and asking people how they were. It wasn’t the most enthralling of jobs, I actually used to put tape over the time so I couldn’t watch the clock in the hope that my shifts would go by quicker. In the quietest hours, we’d all do silly voices over the Tannoy to the bemusement of any late-night shoppers.
I probably didn’t appreciate it enough at the time but it gave me a lot of confidence interacting with the public, as you’re forced to come out of your shell and come up with new ways to get people talking. It also helped me to improve my time management skills – I’ve never been late a day in my life, not since my second shift.
If you weren’t in PR, what would you be doing instead?
I can’t see myself doing anything other than working in communications as I’ve genuinely always wanted to work in PR. I did my undergraduate and master’s degree in PR and had planned to work in the industry since I first learnt about it at school. In a way it’s my dream job.
It’s not necessarily the route that everyone takes into the industry. I actually wrote a blog for the PRCA recently about whether or not my PR degree really helps me in my day-to-day.
Tell us one thing about you that surprises people.
One of my favourite sandwiches is ketchup and marmite. It’s your classic sweet and sour mix.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of work?
I’m an avid gardener. It’s a hobby I developed over lockdown when I was living with my parents who are lucky enough to have space to grow vegetables in their garden. I find it quite relaxing and therapeutic.
I grow all sorts. I’ve just recently planted my winter veg, so we’ll have some carrots soon. Next year I’m planning to start growing broccoli, green beans, parsnips and sweet potatoes. I grow so much that I end up handing it out around the office. I also have a growing beanie collection. I wore one into the office for the first time last week. One of my colleagues took a really strong disliking to it and has brought it up most days since. I thought it looked good.
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
Probably my mum, she’s a brilliant woman and the strongest person I know. She’s raised three sons so absolutely nothing fazes her. She taught me to be resilient and to always be respectful.
What’s your go-to lunch on Leather Lane?
I haven’t actually been to Leather Lane in a long time. It’s a dangerous place if you’re trying to save money as there’s so much on offer. If I was to go tomorrow, I’d go for the Ethiopian. It’s an old office favourite. I’d definitely avoid salad kitchen, in no sane world is a salad worth eight British pounds.
What’s something you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?
I’d like to take my dad back to his hometown in the South West. I have technically been before but I was so young I don’t remember it, so it doesn’t feel like I actually have. He hasn’t been back in a while himself and I’ve always wanted to see where he grew up, so a road trip is definitely on the cards.
Favourite quote
“You only live once.”
– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.