About

I work at the intersection of strategy, digital communications, and social impact. These form the foundation of my approach to creating engaging comms that drive measurable change.

My work spans strategic communications, digital campaign development, and organisational growth. I focus on translating complex social challenges into clear, actionable communication strategies.

I’m the co-founder of Empower Agency, a strategic digital communications agency for purpose-led organisations. We’ve worked with clients including UNICEF, Amnesty International, and the UN Refugee Agency, developing campaigns and strategies that achieve both reach and impact.

Before building Empower, I cut my teeth at Hotwire, a tech PR agency, working with the Financial Times, Microsoft, and O2. From there I stepped in-house to direct communications for FutureGov, a government-tech startup trying to fix how public services work.

I was previously the founder of Bright One, a volunteer-run communications agency for the Third Sector, whose client experience includes Amnesty International, Centrepoint, St Dunstan’s and the London Green Fair. That experience earned me PR Week’s Young PR Professional of the Year, but more importantly, it taught me how communications could amplify voices that matter.

I also spent time as a freelance social media strategist, juggling clients including London 2012, American Express and the World Wildlife Foundation, with each project teaching me something new about reaching people where they are.

I’ve previously served as a trustee for CharityComms, the membership organisation for charity communications professionals, and Camp Quality, who provides holidays for children with cancer and other life-limiting conditions.

Whether I’m plotting Empower’s future or digging into the details of a client’s toughest challenges, I’m always looking for that strategic thread that connects what needs to be said with how people actually listen.

Expertise

Agency Development: I’m committed to building Empower as a strategic partner rather than just a service provider. I focus on sustainable growth that prioritises client impact and team development over rapid scaling. I regularly share insights on building purpose-driven agencies and maintaining strategic focus in a competitive market.

Strategic Communications: I specialise in translating complex social and environmental challenges into clear, actionable communication strategies. I work with organisations to develop messaging frameworks that connect organisational mission with audience needs, ensuring communications drive both engagement and measurable outcomes.

Digital Campaign Development: Empower’s approach combines strategic thinking with practical implementation across digital channels. I lead the development of integrated campaigns that leverage social media, content marketing, and digital advocacy tools to amplify organisational impact and reach key stakeholders effectively.

Purpose-Led Organisations: I have extensive experience working with NGOs, charities, and mission-driven businesses to navigate the unique communications challenges they face. I understand how resource constraints, stakeholder complexity, and impact measurement requirements shape communications strategy in the purpose-led sector.

Now

• Director at Empower, a strategic digital communications agency. Clients include UN Refugee Agency, UNICEF, Amnesty International, WWF, GivePanel, Open University, Full Fact.

Previously

• Awarded Young PR Professional of the Year and is the youngest ever PR professional to be featured in PR Week
• Founder of Bright One, a volunteer-run communications agency for the Third Sector, whose client experience includes Amnesty International, Centrepoint, St Dunstan’s and the London Green Fair
• Founding member of Twestival, a series of fundraising events using Twitter, which raised over $2 million for numerous charities
• Founding member of 33 Digital, an international digital PR and marketing agency, where he managed accounts for O2, Microsoft, and the Financial Times among others
• Former board member of CharityComms, the professional body for charity sector communications
• Volunteer product manager at Sunday Assembly. We pitched to Y Combinator, read about my experience.

Side Projects

• Freelance in 30 Days, a book about freelancing, available now.
• Good Here, an open database of social impact startups and funding.
• A small website exploring the village I recently moved to, Forest Row.

Contact

My door is always open for a chat about making things that create real change. You can email me at benrmatthew@gmail.com