Happy retirement to an old friend

DHF has paid tribute to PR Consultant, Guy Ainsworth, who will retire following an almost 24-year involvement with the trade association.  Such a long and positive affiliation is rare in the PR industry.  Mr Ainsworth started working with DHF in 1993, during which time he has seen the steady growth and development of the industry’s oldest and most respected trade association (DHF’s heritage dates back to 1897).

Instrumental in introducing the power of PR in communicating with the audiences and markets of DHF’s members to provide commercial benefit, Mr Ainsworth can also be credited with the launch of the DHF initiative, ‘Gate Safety Week’, a vital campaign now in its fourth year. 

“When DHF was formed around 15 years ago via a merger between DHF and ABHM, it was a new brand with zero market recognition,” explains Mr Ainsworth.  “PR was the only means of raising the profile of the new name.  A poll of members carried out some years later, showed that they were satisfied with the penetration the DHF achieved in the marketplace at the time.  It’s always very satisfying when others can see the results of the process.”

Mr Ainsworth started life as a journalist with the local weekly and evening newspapers in the Manchester area for 10 years, before working for a number of PR and advertising agencies and then setting up Ainsworth Public Relations in 1989.  He specialised in providing PR services to the professional sector - lawyers, accountants, chartered surveyors - and in addition, a number of other trade associations, so an alliance with DHF was a good fit.

“I have really enjoyed the special relationship that has developed with DHF over the years,” he says.  “It’s been great to work for an organisation where your input is valued and appreciated and I’m going to miss the work tremendously.”

DHF will be sorry to see Guy go, but look forward to welcoming new PR consultant, Jo Spencer, who has been working with DHF on the Gate Safety Week campaign since 2014.  Ms Spencer is a PR consultant and freelance writer with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.  Starting her marketing career in Sydney, she has worked in corporate communications for ITV plc,  and launched her own PR consultancy in 2008, working with clients across a range of differing industries.  She is also a specialist consultant for the UK’s most successful awards experts. 

Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, DHF Marketing Manager, stated, “It’s sad to see Guy go, and we thank him for all he’s done, but we are thrilled that Jo has agreed to fulfil our press communications need.  DHF is moving onward with a strong new brand image that will take us forward for the next 10 years, and we are excited to have Jo join us for the journey ahead.” 

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