Charlie Spencer

Charlie Spencer founded his engineering company in 1989, with just two employees, and has built Hull-based Spencer Group into a specialist contractor operating across several sectors nationwide. He continues to lead the business as Executive Chairman.

Spencer Group developed the Energy Works power plant in Hull, the first facility in the UK to gain funding to pilot gasification technology turning household waste into green energy.

Charlie is a passionate advocate for Hull and was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2015 for services to business and the economy.

He was a member of Hull’s City Leadership Board and remains a prominent figure in the For Entrepreneurs Only group, which supports local start-up businesses. He has been a trustee of Hull Maritime Foundation, which is leading the Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City project; the CatZero charity, which uses sailing experiences to change lives; and the Humber Bridge Board.

Charlie has been an enthusiastic supporter of Hull’s employer-led school, Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC), of which Spencer Group is a Founding Partner.He spearheaded the bid to establish the school, as well as playing a leading role in developing its curriculum and recruiting an unrivalled network of employer partners.

In 2020 Ron Dearing UTC was rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted and has since received approval and funding for a major expansion, opening up 200 additional student places.

Charlie served as Chair of Governors from 2016 to 2021 and remains a member of the Governing Board.

In 2022 the University of Hull awarded Charlie a Degree of Doctor of the University, honoris causa for significant contribution to business and education in Hull, the regional community and dedication to the success of the Ron Dearing University Technical Collage.

'Charlie is also a Fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineers