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Peter Clitheroe first joined the print sector in 1997. Having finished university, he was based in South Wales and was planning a move to Scarborough. Before leaving, he went for a drink in a pub and got chatting to a local business owner. He mentioned that he would stay for the right job, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Starting his career as a Trainee Print Production Manager, Pete worked for the same company for eight years, learning all he could about the job and the industry he had joined.
Having moved back up North, he went on to work for another commercial printer before taking a position at K2 Group in Manchester. This was the first time that he had the chance to work with data and personalisation.
Following the acquisition of the business, which subsequently closed, he joined Adare SEC as an account manager for electoral clients. It was at this point that everything he had learned started to really come together.
Finding the passion in people and problem solving
Experience of working with people, of problem solving, and using data and personalisation to deliver time sensitive, critical communications to millions of residents became his passion.
After 3 years, Pete was promoted to Manager of the Electoral Division. Despite having the practical experience, he wanted to explore the theory and took the AEA certification. Completing the foundation course, he then went on to complete four assessments and an exam.
Now certified by the AEA, Pete had the qualifications and experience needed to work with councils and Local Authorities throughout the country, attracting the credibility deserved for his efforts.
Joining FDM Document Solutions
In 2023, Pete joined FDM Document Solutions as Head of Democratic Services. Now with years of experience and relevant certifications in place, he was a recognised and trusted figure in the electoral sector.
He comments: “My career hasn’t been without its challenges; however, I feel that I have ended up where I always should have been. Working in the electoral services sector is not for the faint-hearted. There are always challenges and problem solving is a big part of the job.
“With that comes the opportunity to focus on processes and putting in place the recommendations that will avoid any obstacles, expected or otherwise. Each project is a puzzle of many moving parts. No two elections are ever the same, there is always something new and exciting to work on.
“As someone that thrives on pressure, this is the perfect career for me. Relationships are so important, and this is often based on your ability to think on your feet and to come up with a solution to every hurdle.
“I think it’s the combination of finding new and innovative ways of doing things and knowing that you have to get it right that makes it so exciting. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.”
Commitment to the job
Having worked on some of the largest election campaigns in the UK, Pete says that one of the typical challenges is timescales. With just 19 working days from the close of nominations to turn around the printing and distribution of 1 million documents, as an example, there is no room for error.
Thankfully, with his background, experience and commitment to the job, we know that Pete will work with clients to remove the problems and deliver a consistent service that can be relied upon whatever the vote.
