Having worked in journalism for many years, Spencer often witnessed first-hand how the art of communicating and public relations SHOULDN'T be done.
That in mind, in 1998 Spencer began accepting work from clients keen to improve, develop or maintain their public image. The rule he applies is a simple one - if the subject matter is something Spencer finds interesting, inspirational, worthwhile, then (time allowing) he'll gladly take it on, offering a comprehensive range of services including:
- writing press releases, web content, case studies, booklets, reports, speeches
- managing media campaigns
- the strategic lead and tactical delivery of internal and external communications
- crisis management
- providing in-house press office support and media training
Among those to have called on Spencer for help has been British Gas, the Cancer Research Campaign (now Cancer Research UK), the Central Office of Information, the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, the Children's Workforce Development Council, the Environment Agency, Health Education and Improvement Wales (part of NHS Wales), the Higher Education Academy (now Advance HE), Network Rail, the Welsh Government and the Samaritans together with several PR/marketing agencies, law firms and names from the music world including Squeeze and the late jazz, blues and civil rights activist Nina Simone.
A full breakdown of what exactly Spencer has done for whom - and when - is available on request or by connecting with him via LinkedIn.
"Spencer has provided communications and PR support to the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust for a number of years. As a small charity we don't always have the resources or expertise available for this type of work and so Spencer has been invaluable in filling this gap. He has achieved fantastic, widespread media coverage across regional TV, radio, press and online - something that we wouldn't have been able to do ourselves - raising vital awareness for eye cancer and the work we do. I would certainly recommend Spencer for communications and PR work." - Natasha Boydell, Head of Communications, Childhood Eye Cancer Trust
"Spencer freelanced for us at a time when we had a shortage of skills in our team to deliver against our strategy. This was initially intended as a short-term solution, but we were so impressed with Spencer that he ended up on retainer with us from December 2015 to November 2017. He was a great asset and I have no hesitation in recommending him." - Kat Hunt, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, Advance HE
"His journalism background was a huge benefit in being able to gain information, evaluate it for news value (but also for those points which could be sensitive to our organisation) and then present it to the enquiring journalist. I never hesitated to ask Spencer for help and knew I could rely on him." - Jean Varley, Environment Agency Regional PR Manager, north east & Yorkshire, 1995-2011
"A first-class communications man who never ceases to give 100 per cent in whatever he does." - Andy Williamson, former Regional Director, the Cancer Research Campaign, London & the south east area
"Spencer is a really nice guy with empathy in difficult and challenging situations. Highly skilled, professional, approachable with an excellent 'can-do' attitude." - Lesley Graves, Managing Director at Citadel Law, Manchester.