James Butcher

James Butcher is the current Director of Policy at the National Federation of Builders. Prior to this, they worked as the Senior Campaign Manager and Public Affairs Lead at Spink, an independent healthcare public relations agency. At Spink, James was responsible for campaign management and delivery for client accounts, including pharmaceutical (regulated), consumer technology, medical and scientific societies, charities and trade associations. James also oversaw the creation and management of budgets, as well as campaign evaluation, reporting and analysis.

Throughout their career, James has demonstrated exceptional relationship skills, including client management and retention. James has also been instrumental in planning and executing national and global media drives, media strategies and key messaging. Their extensive copywriting experience encompasses press releases (consumer and specialist), reports, healthcare professional advice guides, consumer information, factsheets, white papers and briefing papers. In addition, they have considerable media relations experience and has regularly interacted with journalists on behalf of their clients.

As Public Affairs Lead at Spink, James was responsible for lobbying the UK and European Parliament on behalf of their clients. James has also personally delivered media training for client spokespeople. Other areas of expertise include social media strategy creation, tone of voice, content creation and live-tweeting. In addition to managing a small team of executives, James was also responsible for writing and implementing the company GDPR policy & training. Lastly, they have experience managing suppliers and partners, such as polling companies, media monitoring services, industry trade bodies, printing and distribution services, direct mailing providers, and advertorials.

During their time at Spink, James helped the company win several notable awards, including Best Use of Media Relations at the PR Week Global Awards for Microplastics & UEG, Communications Agency of the Year at the Third Sector Awards for work with Orchid – Fighting Male Cancer, and Excellence in Engagement Through Multiple Channels (Digital and Traditional) at the PME Awards for ‘FACE up to Prostate Cancer’.

They are on a team with Lucie Winship - Digital Marketing Executive, Nicole Hughes - Office Manager, and Rico Wojtulewicz - Head of Housing & Planning Policy. James Butcher reports to Richard Beresford, CEO.