TV personality and industry figure Phil Spencer has received an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

The 56-year-old, who is best known for his 25-year stint co-presenting Channel 4’s flagship TV programme Location, Location, Location with Kirstie Allsopp, has been honoured for his work as Patron of charity St Mungo’s.

The organisation works with people facing rough sleeping and homelessness in Greater London including the provision of emergency housing, opportunities to learn new skills and also innovative accommodation projects.

Spencer became a patron of St Mungo’s in 2010 as has described receiving an MBE as “one hell of a thing and overwhelming”.

“This is the most enormous privilege…and also the most enormous shock,” he tells The Neg.

“Completely humbling and overwhelming to have been recognised in such a special way. I’ve been involved with St Mungos for over 20 years, but unfortunately homelessness is an issue that is getting worse rather than better. It’s a cause very close to my heart and so I am just pleased to be able to help draw closer attention to it.”

Finding homes

His relationship with St Mungo’s began when he had a home search business in the 1990s finding homes for the “very wealthy” and decided to put a percentage of every fee “back into the bottom end of the market”.

Over the years he has volunteered on various projects, events and fundraising activities for the non-profit organisation which supports people who are homeless and campaigns for change.

He is also patron of the charities Ellenor children’s hospice, The Country Food Trust, and property industry charity Agents Giving.

Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s said: “We’d like to congratulate Phil Spencer for this most amazing achievement. He’s been a St Mungo’s patron since 2010 and within that time, he’s shown incredible passion and dedication.

“Throughout the years, Phil has continued to support and engage with St Mungo’s work through visits and volunteering at various projects and services, and by supporting numerous events and fundraising activities which have people affected by homelessness at their heart.”