Christmas Spotlight: Matt Thompson

If ever there was a year when we need some festive cheer, it’s 2020. So, for our annual advent calendar of Q&As with the region’s businesspeople, we’ve tried to focus on what brings you joy.

Every day in December, we’ll invite someone into the Christmas spotlight, with 10 quickfire questions…

Next up, it’s Matt Thompson, managing director of Leeds-based Matt Thompson PR.

Complete the sentence: “If there’s one thing 2020 has taught me, it’s….

...to appreciate the small things in life.”

If you could give a one-line shout out to your team, for how they’ve handled this year, what would you say?

You’ve been incredible; a constant source of inspiration, humour, positivity and creativity.

Were you guilty of any lockdown splurges?

No real splurges, I’m pleased to report, though anyone who has sat on any video calls with me over the last nine months will know that I’ve had a steady flow of delivery drivers knocking on my door, dropping off all manner of delights from hair scissors through to garden toys. If I had to cite one lockdown indulgence it would probably be craft beer; I’m a big fan of small independent breweries, and lucky enough to work with the amazingly talented team at Rooster’s brewery in Harrogate, so I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity to try new beers from all over the UK and further afield.

In less than 50 words, summarise three things your business has to look forward to, in 2021.

We help brands to stand out, win new fans and advocates and, ultimately, drive sales, so, in this challenging time for businesses, we’re very much looking forward to doing more of the same for existing and new clients in 2021, building on some fantastic results in 2020.

Which fellow Yorkshire business do you think has gone above and beyond, this year?

I think what has been so impressive is that so many businesses in the region have gone above and beyond. Two businesses that stand out for me do so because I work with them, so I’ve seen first-hand how they’ve acted as a force for good during these challenging times. Rooster’s teamed up with Whittaker’s Gin to create hand sanitiser for the NHS using thousands of litres of their surplus beer which would have otherwise gone to waste following the shutdown of pubs and bars.

It was a great gesture that came at a critical time for the NHS. And then there’s SpeedQuizzing whose quizzing software is used to host quizzes in pubs and bars across the UK. When the first lockdown hit, they, along with the hundreds of entertainment professionals who host SpeedQuizzing events, lost practically all of their revenue. Necessity is the mother of invention and the team worked frantically hard to create a new app and online hosting platform that meant hosts could continue to run virtual quizzes, albeit remotely, providing them with a way to generate some income and continue to entertain the nation at a time when it was most needed.

What’s your oldest Christmas memory?

My earliest Christmas memory is eating all of the chocolate baubles that decorated our Christmas trees when my parents weren’t watching. I must have been about five. My two younger brothers weren’t happy about their loss and, if memory serves, neither were my parents.

What’s the one thing you could never be without, on your Christmas dinner plate?

Pigs in blankets – they are what I would describe as Christmas critical.

What’s your favourite Christmas tipple, film and tune?

I’ve drunk enough craft beer this year, so I’m looking forward to a glass or two of good quality white wine on the big day. My favourite Christmas film has to be Elf, and the festive-themed song I most enjoy listening to is River by Joni Mitchell.

What are you most looking forward to, about Christmas 2020?

Switching off and spending some quality time with my amazing wife and kids, Oliver and Emily. 2020 has been so full-on, so I’m really craving the break and an opportunity to recharge my batteries.

And a message to your friends, family, colleagues and peers as they welcome in 2021?

After what 2020 has thrown at us, we’re ready for anything in 2021 and I hope everyone has a happy, healthy and successful year.