Dear Members,
What a fabulous virtual dinner last Wednesday! I am sure you will agree that it was fantastic to hear some live festive music from the brass quintet of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra to get us in the Christmas spirit. We were then entertained by the brilliant Graham Norton, who demonstrated why he is indeed a national favourite, sharing some hilarious anecdotes from his career over more than 20 years. And well done to Kerris who skilfully managed the questions and didn’t skip a beat when we were temporarily challenged by the technology. A true professional! It was also great to see a number of you dressed up for the occasion and with a glass in hand.
We will be back on the 3 rd February, I am assuming virtually, when we will be joined by John Allan CBE, one of the UK’s top corporate leaders, the current Chairman of Tesco plc and Barratt Developments plc and Vice President of the CBI, having served as President from 2018 to 2020. John was also recently appointed as Chairman of the COVID Recovery Commission and will, without doubt, be able to bring a unique insight to the challenges facing the UK as we start to think about life after the pandemic.
In addition to John Allan, we have a great line up of speakers planned for 2021 including
– Alison Britain, CEO Whitbread
– Dame Sharon White, Chairman John Lewis Partnership
– Grant Reid, CEO Mars Inc.
Hopefully some of these will be able to take place in the surroundings of Claridge’s!
Finally, we continue to look at membership of the MGGB and will be reviewing possible intakes in January. The group is committed to being ardently meritocratic with members selected on the basis of proven value to the industry. We are also committed to being an inclusive and diverse group that reflects the makeup of the world in which we operate. If you have suggestions for potential members who meet these criteria, please can you send names through to Clare. It just leaves me to wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Best wishes,
Matt Barwell
Chair, The Marketing Group of GB