Digital Strategist

Chris Lacey

We like to put our team on the spot, so here's Chris' hot-seat responses!

Where did you start?

It all started the moment I could hold a pencil, drawing random characters. At the ripe age of 8, I entered my local garden centre art competition, I went on to win my first award along with a bag of sweets and a tenner. I was inspired by the possibilities to earn A LOT more sweets and dreamed of showcasing my work to the world. This was the beginning of my design journey. At age 12, I took my art GCSE early and things escalated from there!

I've always loved design and worked in roles from Junior Graphic Designer and UX Web Designer to Creative Director across leading advertising and brand agencies before founding Beyond Agency. I've worked with a wealth of leading brands, including The BBC, Holland & Barrett, Jägermeister and Barnardo's.

What are you passionate about?

The future of cryptocurrency. I'm a huge believer in what it stands for and I'm a big personal and business investor. Beyond accepts Crypto payments so if you want to pay for your website in BTC and ETH or any other Altcoin, give me a shout!

Tell us about a goal you'd like to achieve

Personal goal - I want to travel the world in a campervan.

Business goal - win a 'Website of the Day' award.

We're big fans of seeing the world - what's the best place you've visited?

Switzerland. The views are absolutely incredible and the whole country is just pristine. The goal is to return in the campervan and live in the Swiss Alps for a while!

What's your favourite food?

Focaccia and olives. Can't beat an Italian antipasti.

What are you reading/watching/learning?

I'm big audiobook fan while working, listening to everything from the world of finance to lifestyle. 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' was an eye opener and definitely worth a read.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself

I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit. While at school I used to go to the local shop each morning and buy all the sweets I could afford using my lunch money, then sell these to others at my school for a profit. I also started breeding hamsters to sell at my local garden centre along with wheeling and dealing Pokemon cards, Gotta Catch 'Em All!

I'm secretly a bit of a nerd - I took my art GSCE in year 8, was employed my college at age 16 to handle all of their design products and went on to win Student of the Year at university, graduating with a First Class Degree.