What do you enjoy the most about working at Spreckley?
I love our clients, the fantastic team here and the close-knit feel of the company. It’s great to work for a company where work life balance is respected and appreciated.
And most of all the coffee machine is fantastic.
How did you hear about Spreckley and why did you want to join?
In a past life, I was a recruiter, but realised quite quickly it wasn’t what young Matt had dreamed of.
I was originally contacted by a recruiter at May and Stephens who reached out to me just after I had left my previous role. From hearing about Spreckley and meeting everyone on the team I had a really good feeling about it. And I now know I was right.
What’s been the most exciting PR campaign you’ve worked on and why?
It’s honestly hard to pick your favourite. I imagine it’s a lot like trying to pick your favourite child.
I’ve always enjoyed working with startups the most. It’s always great to work alongside exciting new businesses and play a big role in their growth through our campaigns. The freshest ideas are often the most impactful ones to deliver to the press.
The campaigns that get approved the quickest are also my favourite. No seriously. It’s great to have the freedom to deliver something creative for a client.
What was your first job?
I worked at Waitrose in South Kensington when I was 16. I learnt a lot about how to interact with the public in that role. It also kickstarted my unfortunate addiction to tapenade and quail eggs.
At the time it was the only Waitrose in London hiring and it took me an hour to get there from home each week. To make matters worse I worked every Friday and Saturday night. I learnt a lot about how much I value work-life balance.
If you weren’t in PR, what would you be doing instead?
Probably supporting Bukayo Saka on the wing at Arsenal Football Club. If it hadn’t have been for a nasty injury I’d probably have a Ballon d’Or or two by now.
Tell us one thing about you that surprises people?
When I was younger I was partially deaf. I had something blocking my ears, and at the time I didn’t realise that I couldn’t actually hear very well. My parents were none the wiser too and it was my teachers that noticed.
I had to have grommets put in. One of them fell out years ago and the other is still in there but doesn’t work. Luckily, I don’t need them anymore.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of work?
I try to stay active. I play 7-a-side football on Sunday nights and then I also boulder at the weekends.
Oh and there’s no better way to start the day than cycling to work. I got my bike on our cycle to work scheme, which saved me a fair chunk!
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My friends, my family and Thierry Henry. Not necessarily in that order. Va va voom.
What’s your go-to lunch on Leather Lane?
Oh wow, this is the hardest question. There’s so many. Daddy Donkey, the falafel bloke, Ethiopian, Old School Grill. At the moment I’d say it’s Marrakech Grill with a Greggs chaser.
What’s something you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?
I’m going to Nepal in October to hike around the Himalayas. Although it wasn’t particularly in my plans, it came as quite a surprising Christmas present from my partner’s dad. I think he thought if he had asked us all then we’d have said no.
Oh and thanks Richard for approving my two weeks of annual leave.
Favourite quote
“A good idea is a good idea forever.” – David Brent