Here at CDS, we’re incredibly proud of our 170-strong team – after all, they’re the ones who make all the comms magic happen.
That’s why, each month, we’re giving our blog readers the chance to get to know each member of the CDS family, in our employee Q&A series.
Next up in the hot seat, it’s client services manager of our Aylesbury branch, Will Spracklen. With just 10 minutes on the clock, let’s go…
1. Sum up your role at CDS in one sentence:
Constantly challenging and always different. I manage the client services team in Aylesbury, and am responsible for all aspects of client engagement, one-off estimating, tender pricing, internal documentation, invoicing, and forecasting. As the Aylesbury site is the sole CDS manufacturing hub, I also liaise with the other department managers to effectively communicate our clients’ expectations.
2. What’s your favourite thing about your job?
You never really know what’s going to happen each day you go into work. We’re often presented with a new project at a moment’s notice and required to work with a fast turnaround to produce something fantastic.
3. How did you become a client services manager of CDS Aylesbury?
I originally studied at Berkshire College of Art and Design, when I graduated, I started working for a company that assembled books by hand — I’m betraying my age there!
After various administrative roles and studying at the same college for three years on a day release basis, I was offered a job in a large printing company as production manager, which suited my organised, meticulous approach and can-do attitude.
4. What drew you towards choosing CDS as an employer?
I was initially interviewed by former CDS employee Adrian Brown — who sadly passed away two years ago. Adrian’s love and enthusiasm for the organisation shone through in the interview, and I left that day with a determination to make CDS my place of work!
5. Describe the CDS ethos in just three words:
Constantly simplifying complexity.
6. What’s been your favourite project so far and why?
We worked on an assignment for Horizon Nuclear Power Plant in Wales in partnership with CDS Defence Support in Cheltenham. The deadlines were extremely tight, and we were producing particularly technical printed literature — it was an incredibly interesting and rewarding project to be involved in.
7. And, which brand would you love to work on a comms project with?
I’d love to work with the activewear brand Asics, so I could get my hands on some free sports gear! I’m currently the CDS running champion after covering the most miles in the fundraiser earlier this year — my trophy takes pride of place in the office!
8. Complete this sentence: For businesses, employing an effective communications strategy means…
…clarity and consistency of message.
9. For a bit of fun, if CDS were a variety of biscuit, which would it be and why?
I’d have to say we’re more of a selection box than one individual biscuit.
10. Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to your 10-year-old self, what would it be?
Gosh, only one? Try to enjoy it, because before you know it, you will have fewer years ahead of you than behind you.