Evolution by stealth

Thought visitors to the site may like to read my words of introduction to the event we hosted in South Molton Street yesterday evening. It describes how MRM – and the environment in which our agency operates – is changing to adapt to a dynamic and complex communications landscape:

Many of you have been involved with MRM since I opened our doors and like many businesses, it started as a small enterprise.

Over time, it has evolved.

We’ve employed talented people along the way.

We’ve expanded the range of skills and expertise at our clients’ disposal.

And I don’t think it’s too big a claim to say it has become – not just a thriving young business – but one which enjoys a great deal of respect among journalists, broadcasters and…of course…business leaders across our industry.

Certainly we don’t lack loyalty among our clients.

Many of you here tonight helped lay the foundations upon which Andrew and I have subsequently built our business.

Some of you are still with the businesses that you were with when we first worked together; others have moved on.

What’s rewarding from my point of view – and I know it’s a view shared by the rest of the team at MRM – is that you have this habit of sticking with us, taking us with you and in some instances coming back.

And we like that.

Because it’s those kinds of relationships that we like to create…

And those kinds of relationships are priceless these days.

This year – of all years – I know how true that is.

Because – during the toughest trading environment many of us can remember – people in this room chose to continue to work with MRM and – in the case of Cofunds, GLG and Bankhall – chose to work with us for the first time.

I want to thank you for putting your faith in our team.

We know only too well that you always have a choice.

So tonight is our way of saying thank you.

But it’s also an opportunity to let you know that – just as we’ve evolved in recent years – we’re on the cusp of another phase in the evolution of our business.

More than a year ago, Andrew and I recognised that the communications landscape affecting our business and our clients businesses was shifting fundamentally.

The rules of reputation management were changing – and continue to change – at an alarming rate. I’m proud we spotted this shift very early and that we took the important decisions quickly and decisively.

I get the distinct impression that many PR agencies – like many journalists – are crossing their fingers and hoping that traditional media models will survive the onslaught of social media.

Clients deserve better than that.

The world of communications is potentially getting messy and you need people who can keep things tidy.

We want to help you understand why we no longer simply consider ourselves expert in traditional media relations but why our future lies in reputation management in a conversational world.

This isn’t a pitch. More an opportunity to give you a flavour of our thoughts on the future media landscape, how it’s already affecting the way you do business and how your brand should be adapting and responding to this new world order.