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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
From: [email protected]
Happy new year to everyone. I hope you managed to get a good break and spent it doing something you love.
After a hectic travel schedule that played havoc with my cycling, I was thrilled to get back on my bike, notch up a new personal best for the London/Brighton run and reclaim my King of the Mountain for Sydenham Hill. And it was while I was out defeating all-comers that I had a few thoughts for the year ahead.
I have to be honest, I did hesitate about a motivational cycling message. A certain nameless senior partner (Stephen) told me to lay off the “self-aggrandising cycling stories” this year. And this gave me cause to reflect. Do I perhaps overestimate your interest? And then I thought “stuff that”. This is the new year newsletter and Monkwell would not be Monkwell without thoughts from the saddle. In any case, I’m still the king of this mountain!
And that, in a way, is my first message for the new year. Be single-minded. Chase down those clients and be relentless. There are no prizes for still being in the Peloton as you cross the finish line.
Talking of breaking for the line, a highlight of my year was meeting the great Mark Cavendish. Cav did not know Monkwell but I like to think he recognised a fellow competitive spirit. What other interpretation could be put on the inscription he wrote in my copy of his book when I purchased it at Waterstones. “To Rutherford, keep on peddling” — a subtle play on both my hobby and my profession. That’s the kind of attention to detail that gets you to the top.
And there are always ways to bring your passion into your professional life — depending of course on what your passion is. (Some of us overdid our political activism last year. I respect your sincerity but we are communications professionals here).
So I’ve looked within for an example of how to do it right. As you know our work in Saudi Arabia has been a major boost to our bottom line this year and has the potential to be an even bigger earner in the months ahead. I see particularly important work around Saudi’s success in securing the 2034 World Cup, and expect to reap dividends from our experience in assisting Qatar with its tournament.
To that end I have just announced “Ticket to Riyadh”, a sponsored cycle around every host city in the upcoming tournament to raise money for two children’s hospitals, our own Great Ormond Street and the King Abdullah specialist children’s centre in Riyadh. This is not only a great cause but hopefully also shows our commitment to the Kingdom in ways that cannot but help deepen our relationship. I’m keen to hear any other ideas you might have that demonstrate our commitment to this vibrant and exciting new Arabian tiger. I know some of you expressed reservations about our work for Qatar — see my point about political activism — some of which caused a little embarrassment. This time, we are all in, even while we retain our commitment to making sure Monkwell is the most diverse and inclusive communications agency in town.
Elsewhere, Stephen and I see continued potential in steering clients through the net zero agenda. The British government remains committed to this but we can see a number of areas where the momentum is slowing. Shareholders are asking more questions about the march from profitable fuels. Car manufacturers are already pushing back on EV targets. We need to be there for our clients in maximising returns, resisting impossible and burdensome regulatory demands, even while we retain our commitment to making sure Monkwell is the greenest communications agency in town.
We will keep building up our AI practice. I admit we were winging it a bit this year, but this is a huge growth area for us as companies deal with the ramifications and regulations of this game-changing technology. Everyone needs to get across the issues in their sector and develop a basic understanding of generative AI. This will be a year of leaders and laggards. Don’t be in the pack. Break for the line and let’s make Monkwell the leader comms agency for AI strategy.
The great Dave Brailsford talked of the aggregation of marginal gains, constantly seeking the next 1 per cent improvement. Let’s all keep reaching for that extra 1 per cent, while never forgetting the extra 10 per cent, too.
Above all, as Cav said to me: keep on peddling.
Let’s have a great 2025
Rutherford:
Find me on Strava, KoM Sydenham Hill, London to Brighton 3 hrs 04m, Al Jubailah/Bawdah Loop — 42 mins.
Help support two world-leading children’s hospitals: gofundme.com/tickettoriyadh
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