SPEECHLESS

It's not often I've been lost for words. But last night at the MPA - Manchester Publicity Association awards, that's exactly what I was when my name was announced as the winner of this year's MPA Award - in recognition (I think) for contribution to the industry. For which I am absolutely gobsmacked and proud in equal measure.

Receiving the MPA Award from Host Mark Radcliffe and MPA MD Cindy Simmons

Massive apologies to those who had to witness my bumbling acceptance speech! My excuse? Well it was a total shock for one. And it was the last award of the night and I might have had a glass of wine or two. Now, in the cold light of day, I'll try again to say what I should have said last night....

I love Manchester - it's absolutely the best place on the planet to live and work in the creative industries. I am extremely lucky to have been able to work here for so long and my years with the MPA, particularly as Chair, have been so rewarding and I've a lot of people to thank for that.
What makes the Manchester media, digital and creative teams so special, and unlike any other city I've worked in, is the collective spirit - nowhere else seems capable of both competing and collaborating in the way that we do. I think that's because we have a unique attitude, built on 3 foundation pillars; ambition, commitment and creativity.

This was in evidence time and again last night from the very first award....won by team IF. - amazing start to the night! The Martyn Hett award was presented by Martyn's mother, Figen Murray - what an absolutely remarkable, inspiring woman. Her address to the audience quite rightly resulted in a long celebratory standing ovation. What a moment for Belinda Peach to collect that award.
Congratulations to all the winners and nominated entries last night, particularly Apadmi and TBWA/Mcr who picked up the Agency of the Year and 'Best of the Best' awards. Outstanding work from outstanding people.

Wrapping this second chance speech up, I've so many people to thank starting with my wife Karen who, quite rightly, has called me an idiot daily for decades and yet always pushed me to believe in myself.

Thank you to Mark Radcliffe for hosting our event so magnificently over the years and never ever letting us take ourselves too seriously!
And thank you so much to Cindy and the MPA team past and present for all your support and encouragement. Not just for me, but for everyone working in our industry in this amazing City.

So, when I mumbled a load of gibberish last night....the above is what I actually wanted to say!