- HOME
- SERVICES
- ABOUT US
- PEOPLE
- Simon Lancaster is one of Britain's top speechwriters. He first became a speechwriter ten years ago, writing speeches for top Cabinet Ministers in Tony Blair's Government. He left Whitehall in 2007 to set up Bespoke, Britain's first ever specialist speechwriting agency. He has since written speeches for the CEOs of Britain's biggest companies including Cadbury and HSBC. He has a Masters Degree in Mass Communications and is a visiting lecturer at Henley Business School, Cass Business School and the University of Cambridge. His book, 'Speechwriting: the Expert Guide' was published by Robert Hale in 2010 and is widely regarded as the definitive text on the art of speechwriting. He is a guest columnist on Total Politics magazine and regularly appears on BBC News. 5 live and Sky News as a pundit, talking about speechwriting.
- Alice Wright is Bespoke's senior speech writer for social occasions. She first began her writing career ten years ago, producing features for magazines such as Cosmopolitan. Bella and Take a Break. She now writes speeches for wedding, funerals, birthday parties, anniversaries and many other celebratory events. She takes great care to tailor her speeches to the speaker, the occasion and the audience.
- Simon Lancaster is one of Britain's top speechwriters. He first became a speechwriter ten years ago, writing speeches for top Cabinet Ministers in Tony Blair's Government. He left Whitehall in 2007 to set up Bespoke, Britain's first ever specialist speechwriting agency. He has since written speeches for the CEOs of Britain's biggest companies including Cadbury and HSBC. He has a Masters Degree in Mass Communications and is a visiting lecturer at Henley Business School, Cass Business School and the University of Cambridge. His book, 'Speechwriting: the Expert Guide' was published by Robert Hale in 2010 and is widely regarded as the definitive text on the art of speechwriting. He is a guest columnist on Total Politics magazine and regularly appears on BBC News. 5 live and Sky News as a pundit, talking about speechwriting.
- SERVICE
- Time is short and standards are high for top politicians and business leaders. We will make the speechwriting process as profitable and painless as possible for you. We will have sleepless nights so that you can sleep easy.
- Time is short and standards are high for top politicians and business leaders. We will make the speechwriting process as profitable and painless as possible for you. We will have sleepless nights so that you can sleep easy.
- EXPERTISE
- Writing speeches is a specialist art which requires specialist skills. At Bespoke, we live and breathe speeches. Over the years, we have written speeches for a number of Cabinet Ministers, FTSE 100 Chief Executives, rock stars and Olympic Gold medallists. Our speeches have been delivered at Lord Mayor’s Banquets, Buckingham Palace investitures and Chatham House lectures. Our unparalleled practical experience is matched by extensive academic research into modern communications. Bespoke's Simon Lancaster is the author of 'Speechwriting: The Expert Guide', the definitive text on business and political speechwriting.
- Writing speeches is a specialist art which requires specialist skills. At Bespoke, we live and breathe speeches. Over the years, we have written speeches for a number of Cabinet Ministers, FTSE 100 Chief Executives, rock stars and Olympic Gold medallists. Our speeches have been delivered at Lord Mayor’s Banquets, Buckingham Palace investitures and Chatham House lectures. Our unparalleled practical experience is matched by extensive academic research into modern communications. Bespoke's Simon Lancaster is the author of 'Speechwriting: The Expert Guide', the definitive text on business and political speechwriting.
- PROFESSIONALISM
- Bespoke's approach is completely client-focused. We work in the way that best suits our client: no one else. We understand that flexibility is one of the most important attributes in a successful speechwriter. Some of our speakers want to work very closely with us over several weeks, ping-ponging draft back and forth. Others prefer that we craft the text working through their advisers, communications' departments or PR agencies. Either method is fine for us. What matters to us is that we create a great speech that our audience and speaker will love.
- Bespoke's approach is completely client-focused. We work in the way that best suits our client: no one else. We understand that flexibility is one of the most important attributes in a successful speechwriter. Some of our speakers want to work very closely with us over several weeks, ping-ponging draft back and forth. Others prefer that we craft the text working through their advisers, communications' departments or PR agencies. Either method is fine for us. What matters to us is that we create a great speech that our audience and speaker will love.
- HISTORY
- Bespoke is Britain's only specialist speechwriting agency. We were formed in 2007 by a group of top former Whitehall speechwriters determined to professionalise corporate speechwriting, following a model established in Washington over many years. We have since built up a client base that includes seven Cabinet Ministers, four FISE CEOs, six members of the Sunday Times Rich List, as well as a clutch of rock stars, TV presenters and Olympic Gold medalists. We have written hundreds of major speeches including the MacTaggart Lecture, the Lord Mayor's Dinner, major awards ceremonies, party conference speeches, leadership hustings, corporate events, annual report publications and global products launches. Bespoke continues to expand and has recently recruited new staff and acquired a speechwriting studio in Westminster.
- Bespoke is Britain's only specialist speechwriting agency. We were formed in 2007 by a group of top former Whitehall speechwriters determined to professionalise corporate speechwriting, following a model established in Washington over many years. We have since built up a client base that includes seven Cabinet Ministers, four FISE CEOs, six members of the Sunday Times Rich List, as well as a clutch of rock stars, TV presenters and Olympic Gold medalists. We have written hundreds of major speeches including the MacTaggart Lecture, the Lord Mayor's Dinner, major awards ceremonies, party conference speeches, leadership hustings, corporate events, annual report publications and global products launches. Bespoke continues to expand and has recently recruited new staff and acquired a speechwriting studio in Westminster.
- PEOPLE
- CLIENTS
- Bespoke’s clients include:
- Bespoke’s clients include:
- ENDORSEMENTS
-
"Simon¹s energy, vitality and sheer joie-de-vivre make him a great speechwriter. He has the rare ability to encapsulate in a speech all the central issues in an interesting and entertaining way.²
Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP
"Simon's a great speechwriter. He has a rare talent for really understanding what you want to say and helping you say it better."
Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt MP
"Simon is the perfectionist as speechwriter: not only a flair for the word and phrase, but also thorough research and an attention to detail and accuracy which comes from his past life as a senior ministerial adviser."
Lord Adonis
I've worked with dozens of Whitehall speechwriters and Simon is not only the best, he is in a league of his own.
Tom Clark, Editor of ³Great Speeches of the 20th Century² (Preface Publishing, 2008)
"This was a fantastic course - just the right balance between learning and doing. Having "been there and done that," Simon really knows what he's talking about. I went home with loads of ideas and contacts - and more importantly, a real confidence boost."
Lyndsey Jenkins, Speechwriter to Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP
"Simon gave me a fantastic introduction to the art of speechwriting. I use many of the techniques covered on a daily basis."
Andrew Kaye, Speechwriter to Rt Hon Vince Cable MP
"This was one of the best courses I¹ve ever attended. The calibre of speakers was excellent - we heard from people that had actually been there and done the job extremely well. The rhetorical tricks of the trade we learnt have been invaluable. And the course really gave me a chance to try them out in challenging, but fun and engaging practical exercises."
Sara Halliday, ex-Speechwriter to Rt Hon Peter Mandelson MP
Challenging, engaging and stimulating. A fantastic refresher for experienced speechwriters, and an eye-opener for the less-experienced. This course will change the way you think about communication.
Greg Simpson, former Speechwriter to Rt Hon Charles Kennedy MP
"Genuinely useful and very entertaining a revelation!"
David Tinline, Group Speechwriter, HSBC
"The Mansion House Speech Team prepares more than 800 speeches a year, more than any other Cabinet-level speech office, so we and other speech-producing colleagues in the City of London Corporation need to pull back from time to time to re-focus and re-energise ourselves. In our experience Simon Lancaster from Bespoke is absolutely ideal to help both seasoned and new speechwriters to get to grips with the essence of the art. His work is both imaginative and grounded and valued by all. Book early, book often."
William Beaver, Speechwriter to the Lord Mayor of London
"The course was invaluable. Every time I write a sentence that really nails it, it's because I've applied the techniques that Simon taught me."
ZZoe Mayne, Speechwriter to Trevor Phillips
" Great day. Great course. Great insights."
James Hampson, former Speechwriter to Lord Kinnock"Really inspiring."
Lynn Eccles, Speechwriter to Chris Grayling MP, Employment Minister
"Very inclusive generous tutelage. Amazing speakers. Unbelievably, feel excited about writing the next speech!"
Trish John, Speechwriter to Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP, Development Secretary
"This course has been a revelation: not just through appreciating the art, but by sharing experience and meeting interesting people. It has been thoroughly appreciated and enjoyable. Many many thanks."
Benedict Macon-Cooney, HM Treasury Speechwriter
"Thoroughly excellent. Best training I have ever done."
Oliver Rowe, Editor, Public Servant Magazine
"Very helpful. Covered all the things I wanted."
Danny Wilkinson, PR Manager, Which? Magazine
"Good combination of writing technique and strategy."
CG, Head of Corporate Comms, FTSE 100 company
-
- NEWS
-
Simon Lancaster appears on The Guardians's Politics Podcast, discussing speechwriting with Polly Toynbee and Martin Kettle
The Guardian -17th October 2011 Simon Lancaster writes for the Guardian: 'Of course David Cameron's not Obama, he's British!'
The Guardian -6th October 2011 Simon Lancaster writes for Total Politics: 'Why I'll be watching the conference speeches with the sound down.'
Total Politics -27th September 2011 Simon Lancaster is quoted in Marketing Magazine on 'crisis rhetoric'
Marketing Magazine -12th August 2011 The Independent reports on Bespoke's research into political language
The Independent -6th July 2011 Simon Lancaster writes for Total Politics: 'Do politicians campaign in poetry but govern in prose'
Total Politics magazine -5th July 2011 Simon Lancaster writes for Total Politics: 'Davespeak- How to talk like David Cameron'
Total Politics - 27th June 2011 Simon Lancaster writes for Total Politics: 'How to be a Whitehall Speechwriter'
Total Politics - 10th May 2011 Simon Lancaster mentioned by Alan Johnson in BBC documentary - 'The Secret World of Whitehall'
BBC1 - March 2011 Simon Lancaster is quoted in Media Week on the Big Society
Media Week - 21th January 2011 A journalist spots a copy of Speechwriting: The Expert Guide on the Shadow Chancellor's bookshelf
The Independent - 27th December 2010 Simon Lancaster is quoted in PR week on the Wikileaks scandal
PR Week 17th December 2010 Simon Lancaster is quoted in PR week on tuition fees debate
PR Week 10th December 2010Lessons on speechwriting by Aristotle, Cicero and Quintilian by Simon Lancaster
Mail on Sunday - 20th November 2010 Article about Simon Lancaster¹s “star-studded” book launch
PR Week - 5th November 2010 Four star review for Simon Lancaster’s book
Mail on Sunday – 24th October 2010 The Guardian's Politics Weekly podcast
The Guardian - 7th October 2010 Simon Lancaster quoted on David Cameron's Conservative Conference Speech
Channel 4 news - 6th October 2010 News Article on Bespoke's analysis of the Pope’s rhetoric
PR Week - 17th September 2010
BBC Radio interviews Simon Lancaster about speechwriting
BBC Radio - 19th August 2010 Editorial in praise of... the rule of three (penned by Simon Lancaster)
The Guardian - 15th July 2010 News article on Bespoke¹s analysis of Nick Clegg¹s rhetoric
The Guardian - 6th May 2010 News article on Bespoke¹s study of Conservative and Labour language
The Guardian - 21st April 2010 Expert analysis of the Leaders Debate by Simon Lancaster Guardian video podcast 16 April 2010
Simon Lancaster interviewed on The Art of Speechwriting
Five Live - 21st February 2010 The Guardian's Politics Weekly podcast
The Guardian - 11th February 2010
The Art of Political Speechwriting The New Statesman - 4th February 2010
Writing speeches for Parliament
The House Magazine - 9th November 2009
Should the prime minister employ professional Speechwriters?
The Week magazine - November 6th 2009
The value of speechwriting
The Guardian - 5th November 2009
Writing speeches for Alan Johnson
The Independent - 6th June 2009
Effective Speechwriting
Public Service Magazine – January 2009
The People Speak
The Guardian – November 2008 The Value of Speechwriting
PR Week – November 2008
Where Are They Now?
Feedback Magazine – October 2008
Speechwriting Podcast by Simon Lancaster
PR Week – 15th August 2008
Speechwriting – Take centre stage
PR Week – 15th August 2008
The Lost Art of Oratory
Whitehall and Westminster World - 6th May 2008
Bespoke Speechwriting Services
PR Week - 2nd May 2008
Whitehall Speechwriter launches own venture
Public Affair News - May 2008
In Praise of… American Rhetoric
The Guardian - 29th April 2008 Speechwriter quits to set up new agency
Whitehall and Westminster World - 22nd April 2008
Seeming is Believing
Guardian Article - 2nd December 2007
The Art of Persuasion
Guardian Article - 30th April 2007
In Praise of Oratory
Guardian Article - 23rd September 2006
-
Simon Lancaster appears on The Guardians's Politics Podcast, discussing speechwriting with Polly Toynbee and Martin Kettle
- CONTACT US
- Bespoke Speechwriting Services Ltd.
- 9 Adam Street
- Westminster
- London WC2N 6AA
- T: 020 7730 2883
- M: 07725 146770
- E: enquiries@bespokespeeches.com
The specialist speechwriting agency