Really enjoyed my first trip to Cannes Lions 2019 the other week, not least because it indulged my love of sun, sand and super yachts! It was a great opportunity to celebrate the success of UK advertising as well as providing insight to our industry and what it takes to drive effectiveness and creativity on a global stage. Brexit is causing the UK much embarrassment, we are still internationally respected for being leaders in the creative industries and for producing the best advertising work in the world.
Key highlights of the week included being part of the Department for International Trade’s lunch to discuss the importance of developing business relationships between the UK and China; discussing how to lead world class creativity and run a business that strives to produce creativity at the highest levels; as well as joining Janet Hull of the IPA and Advertising Exports Champion James Murphy to discuss the UK createch industry and its focus on innovation. Seeing Steven Woodford lead the House of Commons debate inspired me at the Little Black Book beach and Google discussing its latest developments at Google Harbour was also highly informative.
Being part of the international advertising trade mission has not only introduced me to 20 new business leaders (and now friends) but opened my eyes to a whole new world of opportunities.
Creativity is great and we all need to keep reminding ourselves that the UK are the global leaders in delivering it.