Catching up with Alex Spurgeon

For the month of September, we are highlighting our London team members. To kick off this series, we interviewed Alex Spurgeon, whose communications, media relations, branding and content work spans a number of sectors, including professional services, corporate and built environment.

Tell us about yourself.

I would describe myself as a rugby-loving Brightonian with a strong interest in political campaigning. After studying history at the University of Exeter, I went on to work as a politics tutor at my local college before moving to London in 2015 to join Infinite Global.

How did you first become interested in PR?

My interest in politics has given me a window into current affairs and how the media works, as well as Westminster; I’m intrigued by the battles between leading politicians and the techniques they employ to get their point across and lead national dialogue. Alongside this, observing the communications strategies of major organizations as they navigated significant reputational issues has proved to be a longstanding fascination of mine — although my interest was certainly piqued during the 2008 financial crisis (as I started my A-levels)!

What has been the most interesting project you’ve worked on since joining Infinite Global? 

While I was interning at Infinite Global, I was very fortunate to be involved with an exciting project by London solicitors firm Hodge Jones & Allen. It was a research, PR and branding project called “Unjust Kingdom.” In partnership with international market research firm YouGov we produced thought leadership on public opinion about the UK justice system and the impact of cuts to legal aid. It was a really worthwhile project, and it touched many disciplines, from market research to design to social media. I felt I learned a great deal.

What accomplishment in your life makes you most proud?

I wouldn’t say that I could point to an individual accomplishment, but I am certainly proud of my achievements on the rugby field and my work in local politics and governance. I have been part of some very successful rugby teams and won a great deal of silverware with Brighton, Worthing and Exeter University, including eight Sussex Cups and a number of national tournaments. I also captained the Sussex team and was part of the Saracens Academy for a while — experiencing the likes of Owen Farrell up close was certainly something!

In politics, the meetings and canvassing I volunteer for help me get to know my community. I am especially proud of the work I did assisting the campaign for Sadiq Khan during the London mayoral elections.

Who has been an important mentor in your life and why?

Definitely my dad — he was a mentor in many ways. When my passion for rugby became evident, he found ways to help me build my strength and resilience. For example, there is a big hill outside of Brighton called Devil’s Dyke. We used to run from my home up the hill and down it with a rucksack full of weights! Physically and mentally it was really tough, but it was great training for rugby and it also taught me what I am capable of and how to have resilience. These lessons have stayed with me and have helped me in my professional life. I’ve learned that when the going gets tough, there is always an end, so keep going, try your hardest, and you can survive and come out the other side better for having had the experience.

Interested in a career in PR? Infinite Global is an award-winning global communications agency dedicated to serving the professional services market. Check out the job openings in our London office.