At Spa HQ, we believe that effective tech marketing is more than algorithms and analytics; it’s also about curating a vibrant team that feels like family.  

To kick off our new monthly blog, we’re eager to introduce you to the personalities driving our mission forward. In the whirlwind world of bytes and buzzwords our team is an engaging blend of tech-savvy individuals full of personality and a love for afternoon snacks. You’ll discover that while we take our work seriously, we’re masters at infusing a generous dose of fun into everything we do. 

Now scroll down to meet the team… 

Damien Wells, Founder 

“Having started Spa Communications in 2003 (we’re located in a spa town, we’re not a 7 to 11), the last three or four years have been the most exciting. As we’ve grown, working with great clients and building a terrific team, I’ve come to enjoy new things about being in business. I wish I still had the energy I had when I was thirty. 

  At weekends and on summer evenings, I like to go out and ride my bike. I got back into cycling just over a decade ago and have ridden over 77,000 kilometres since, including the bucket list Land’s End to John O’Groats route. There’s great scenery in the local area, or a fifty- to sixty-mile ride could get you down to the seaside or over to Box Hill and back.  

Beyond that, I enjoy eating out, reading books, the cinema and seeing my extensive family! Or making a visit to the London Stadium to watch West Ham play football.”  

If you could describe your work style in one word, what would it be, and why?  

Social. I’m a great believer in the idea that two heads are better than one, especially when it comes to solving challenges creatively. I feel I do my best work with a team around me.  

Share your go-to work playlist or favourite song that gets you in the zone.  

Radiohead’s setlist from Glastonbury 2017.  

What’s your go-to snack when you need a quick energy boost during a busy day at work?  

Our local coffee house (Esquires) sells a sensational chocolate brownie.  

Tea or Coffee?  

Morning coffee, afternoon tea.  

Cats or Dogs?  

Dogs. I like what Groucho Marx said; “outside of dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” 

Rory Flashman-Wells, Director 

I joined the agency in 2005 as an Account Exec and worked part-time throughout my university degree. After a stint in events management and retail, I joined Spa full-time in 2013 as an Account Manager and have been lucky to work with some amazing clients and team members during my most-recent 10 years here (which seems like a long time!). 

Today, as Director, my role sits between campaign strategy and execution, and operations – working across a group of our key clients to lead comms on a regional-level in Europe. Day-to-day I love the media relations side of the business and am at my best when supporting the team with pitching, securing coverage ops, or connecting our clients with journalists.  

Outside of work I love spending time in the gym, reading, going for days out with family, cooking and heading to the occasional drum and bass rave! 

If you could describe your work style in one word, what would it be, and why? 

I like to think have all the traits in some capacity, but Big Picture probably describes me best.  

 Share your go-to work playlist or favourite song that gets you in the zone. 

Currently it’s anything by Sub Focus, Pola and Bryson or 1991, but if it’s a particularly busy day, my go-to is Andy C! 

What’s your go-to snack when you need a quick energy boost during a busy day at work? 

Quest protein bars – the chocolate chip cookie dough bars are incredible! 

Tea or Coffee? 

Coffee – skinny flat white (extra hot, please!)   

Cats or Dogs? 

 #TeamDogs always – although I’m still trying to convince my other half that we should get a Dalmation – watch this space! 

Mandy Flashman- Wells, Financial Director 

 “As co-founder and Financial Director, I enjoy the fact that Spa Communications is very much like a family, with all our team members highly valued. Damien and I have a shared vision about our individual and collective responsibility to make the world a better place where we can.

My work at Spa has always been in operations, never client facing, but behind this persona, I’m Chair of Tunbridge Wells Fairtrade Town Group and have organised everything from flashmobs and fashion shows to public art and tea dances to raise awareness of trade justice issues and fight for fair payments to farmers all over the world.

In the last few years, I’ve also taken on the role of Associate Director for a tree planting project for Mbedza, an NGO working to relieve poverty in Malawi. When all that is done, I’m also on call for my extensive family (four generations and growing). I’m optimistic enough to expect to have enough spare time to enjoy long walks, reading, cinema, swimming and my prized allotment!” 

If you could describe your work style in one word, what would it be, and why? 

Breathtaking!  

Share your go-to work playlist or favourite song that gets you in the zone. 

Ooh, lots of stuff, can be anything from U2, Rudimental and Split Enz to Barry White, Simply Red or Coldplay 

What’s your go-to snack when you need a quick energy boost during a busy day at work? 

Fairtrade chocolate, who can think of a better way to support trade justice? My savoury go-to is M&S roasted salted mixed nuts. 

Tea or Coffee? 

Yes please. Fairtrade only.  

Cats or Dogs? 

Dogs. Preferably black labradors (we’ve had two and they are the best companions). 

Charlotte Wood, Account Director  

“With 12+ years of experience creating and executing integrated B2B marketing campaigns for global technology companies, I take pride in helping brands to define their strategy, connect with customers and grow their business.  

Off-duty, I love Lego, I have to beg my son to let me help him (although I have just completed my very own Lego orchid). Travel is a true passion of mine – Southeast Asia in particular and would love to attend a silent disco #random. 

If you could describe your work style in one word, what would it be, and why? 

Supportive. 

Share your go-to work playlist or favourite song that gets you in the zone. 

Anything by Lighthouse Family / Texas / The Beautiful South makes for a great blast from the past & office singalong. 

What’s your go-to snack when you need a quick energy boost during a busy day at work? 

Giant choc buttons. 

Tea or Coffee? 

Red bush tea. 

Cats or Dogs? 

Dogs all day long 

Lucy Wadey, Senior Account Manager 

“After completing a degree in Fashion Promotion I’ve since experienced a variety of different PR roles and industries including Fashion, Lifestyle, Foodservice, and now the world of Tech. I joined Spa in 2021 and since have been a part of the company’s expansion with many new team members and clients jumping on board. 

In my spare time, what I enjoy most is either striking a yoga pose or strolling through the beautiful Kent countryside. I’m all about that fresh air and greenery, and if there’s a cute dog en route, consider my day made! I’m also guilty of asking for recommendations of something to watch and then rewatching the same TV series over and over again (these include Gilmore Girls, Peep Show, The Office (US) and New Girl to name a few).” 

If you could describe your work style in one word, what would it be, and why? 

I’d describe my work style as organised, as I always feel my brain works better when I have a rearranged to do list, structured excel document and an organised inbox. 

Share your go-to work playlist or favourite song that gets you in the zone. 

Haim radio on Spotify – a perfect mixture of chilled vibes. 

What’s your go-to snack when you need a quick energy boost during a busy day at work? 

Usually some sort of chip-and-dip combination.   

Tea or Coffee? 

Tea. 

Cats or Dogs? 

Dogs. 

Laura Thorpe, Digital PR & Social Media Manager  

“Prior to working in PR, I used to work at a publishing house in central London where a gained a love of writing. From there it inspired me to go to university in my twenties and study while working – I achieved a first in journalism and graduated in Nov 2022! Outside of work I love to have vinyl and wine nights, cook and if I’m lucky enough, get tickets to Glastonbury!” 

 If you could describe your work style in one word, what would it be, and why? 

Strategic and creative. I’ve put two (sorry) because I find both to be incredibly important in PR, your creativity can help clients stand out from competitors, but can only work if there’s a strategic baseline in place.  

Share your go-to work playlist or favourite song that gets you in the zone. 

Oh wow – so many!! I frequently send people the Pride 2016 Street Party set by Fingerman on SoundCloud, it goes for a whole working day and nothing by bops! 

What’s your go-to snack when you need a quick energy boost during a busy day at work? 

Crisps and dips – it’s always a winner! 

Tea or Coffee? 

In the words of Lorelai Gilmore “coffee, coffee, coffee.” 

Cats or Dogs? 

I love both, but definitely sway towards doggos. 

Christopher Goode, Public Affairs Specialist & Account Manager 

“I joined Spa in early 2022 after a career spent straddling the public and private sectors. My journey started as a researcher for a Member of Parliament before I ventured into the Civil Service. I then made a leap to the private sector, with stints in banking and the London Stock Exchange. In between, I took a self-imposed sabbatical, travelling the Spanish-speaking world whilst learning the lingo.” 

 If you could describe your work style in one word, what would it be, and why? 

Collaborative (post three coffees).  

Share your go-to work playlist or favourite song that gets you in the zone. 

I leave playlist options to my much more informed colleagues (but we do currently have a wonderful thing for Texas). 

As for a song that I love to reflect on, although not sure it helps with focus, it’s Baz Luhrmann’s “Everybody’s Free (to Wear Sunscreen). 

What’s your go-to snack when you need a quick energy boost during a busy day at work? 

A satsuma or two… 

Tea or Coffee? 

Café!  

Cats or Dogs? 

Really, is that even a question? Just take a look at the office dog pic! 

Annabel Thompson, Senior Account Manager 

 “I started working at Spa in May 2023. Before this my career started in sports campaigning where I probably learnt more about the importance of a clear constant message to drive a campaign than anywhere else. Following this I got my first job in broadcasting PR where I worked for Sky for six years before entering the agency world at Plank PR working with both pay and public providers. 

In my spare time by day, you will find me running around in the park or some sort of soft play with my two small children and by night holding a gin and tonic trying to stay awake!” 

If you could describe your work style in one word, what would it be, and why? 

Adaptable. Landscapes change very quickly so any successful campaign must have the ability to adapt.  

Share your go-to work playlist or favourite song that gets you in the zone. 

It really depends on my mood. London Grammar and José González are my go-tos if I need to concentrate on something.  

What’s your go-to snack when you need a quick energy boost during a busy day at work? 

M&S giant chocolate buttons. 

Tea or Coffee? 

Both – coffee in the mornings and tea to get me through the afternoon.  

Cats or Dogs? 

Dogs. 

Jessica Bell, PR and Social Media Executive 

“I am currently completing my placement year at Spa; I go to university at London South Bank University where I study Marketing with Advertising and Digital Communications. I’m located in Essex and spend most of my spare time at the gym or out with my friends!” 

If you could describe your work style in one word, what would it be, and why? 

Organised – I like colour-coding, lists, folders, calendars, partly because I enjoy it but also because I can be forgetful! 

Share your go-to work playlist or favourite song that gets you in the zone. 

80s music will always be my top choice. 

What’s your go-to snack when you need a quick energy boost during a busy day at work? 

Basically, any type of biscuits. 

Tea or Coffee? 

TEA. 

Cats or Dogs? 

100% Cats! 

Isabella Askey-Brown, Senior PR and Social Media Executive 

“I joined the Spa team as Senior PR and Social Media Executive this summer, having previously worked in the Food and Drink PR sector. Pursuing my love for music at university, I am fascinated by all things audio postproduction as well as spotting emerging social media trends. In my free time, you can find me either singing, engrossed in a good book binge, or enjoying leisurely walks along Folkestone beach.” 

If you could describe your work style in one word, what would it be, and why? 

Organised (but a tad chaotic) I am a juxtaposition at times, but I do love a colour coded list.  

Share your go-to work playlist or favourite song that gets you in the zone. 

Ooh so many to choose from, right now I’m loving Taylor Swift, Beach Bunny, and ABBA so quite a range… 

What’s your go-to snack when you need a quick energy boost during a busy day at work? 

I’m currently live, laugh, loving medjool dates with almond butter. 

Tea or Coffee? 

Definitely Tea, always Matcha! <3 

Cats or Dogs? 

100% Dogs! 

Phuong Le, PR and Social Media Executive   

“As an international placement student in the role of PR and Social Media Executive, I am fortunate to be part of a dynamic team at Spa Communications since June 2022. This experience has provided me with a unique opportunity to blend my passion for communication with the ever-evolving world of digital media. I’m grateful to be a part of the team and contribute my skills to make a meaningful impact.” 

 If you could describe your work style in one word, what would it be, and why?   

Adaptive. because it often involves responding to rapidly changing trends, evolving audience preferences, and unforeseen events. Being adaptive allows me to navigate various challenges and seize new opportunities as they arise, ensuring that their efforts remain impactful and in tune with the ever-changing digital landscape.     

Share your go-to work playlist or favourite song that gets you in the zone.   

 My go to work playlist is always Lofi as it boosts my concentration.    

What’s your go-to snack when you need a quick energy boost during a busy day at work?   

I would love to grab Haribo or matcha KitKat during a busy day at work. 

Tea or Coffee?   

It’s always TEAAAA! <3  

Cats or Dogs?   

Dogs as I have 3 cuties at home. 

Milo, Head of Barketing  

“Woof woof woof” 

 If you could describe your work style in one word, what would it be, and why?   

Woof-tastic! I bring a “paws-itive” attitude to the office every day. 

Share your go-to work playlist or favourite song that gets you in the zone.   

“Bark Side of the Moon” by Pup Floyd. 

Tea or Coffee? 

Treats, treats, and more treats! When I need an energy boost, I can’t resist a good old-fashioned bone-shaped biscuit. They keep me fuelled and ready for some serious brainstorming sessions. 

Cats or Dogs? 

No contest, it’s all about the dogs! Cats are cool and all, but there’s nothing like the camaraderie of a fellow canine co-worker. We’re a barking good team! 

Watch this space as #TeamSpa continues to grow!