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Messages from the archive of Rutherford Hall, critical communications strategist
WhatsApp to Stephen: The more I think about this the more I think we really should set up a Manchester office.
WhatsApp to Stephen: I know I was mocking this No 10 North as Andy Burnham’s WFH play but I think there are opportunities here. There is a cost — we’ll have to get an office (something small for now) and probably a couple of hires. One will have to be a local, someone with a good contacts book of Burnham’s MancMafia mates and an encyclopedic knowledge of New Order’s back catalogue.
WhatsApp to Stephen: I might even go up there myself once a week just to build relations, make sure our new hire isn’t hogging contacts before going off to form his own agency. The Manchester to Pennington Flash loop is meant to be a very nice cycle route. I’d have to get a new bike, not schlepping the S-Works SL8 on the Avanti from Euston every week. We should also look to send one or two of our own from London.
WhatsApp to Stephen: Also perhaps I can make a long weekend of it, my wife’s from around there as you know. Well not exactly Manchester but one of those nearby towns, Chester or Carlisle. Or maybe it was Stafford now I think about it.
WhatsApp to Stephen: No, I can’t spend too long there. Too many of our clients are working from London. But a small No 10 North offers real opportunities.
WhatsApp to Stephen: For one thing, when Burnham’s not there, it will be full of people missing the action and keen to gossip. For another, because it will be smaller, the people there will have more direct access to Andy and key figures like Louise Haigh and other ministers who will choose to work from there every Thursday and Friday. There may be some kudos if we move first, not much but a touch. And its economic unit will feed directly into the top table. You may be able to influence thinking far more if you can get closer than you can in London. We don’t really have to believe in this ourselves but they are calling No 10 North the “situation room for growth” so let’s get situated nearby.
WhatsApp to Stephen: Obviously we can’t be doing this in every city in England. But it can be a base to get around the North. It’s almost an argument for a high-speed rail link.
WhatsApp to Stephen: Also I think a lot of businesses will be boosting their North West presence. If we get in early we can make money by playing Sherpa. But mainly it’s just to show willing and get in with them. If this works out we can run breakfasts and lunches up there so our clients can meet No 10 North. Maybe a cheeky Chinese if they stay over.
WhatsApp to Stephen: OK, off to the frozen wastelands of the North to get this moving. I will see a few people to try to get a sense of things. Heading out now. I won’t be much time.
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
We have some very exciting news. In recognition of the new government’s devolution drive, we are opening Monkwell North, a new office in Manchester, which will focus on building relations with Burnham’s No 10 North and identifying opportunities in its policies. We see this as a major strategic move, which shows our commitment to moving where the action and investment will be. We are looking for a couple of people to start the team. It is a chance for promotion and to run your own office, though like Andy I’ll be working from there at least a day a week. We are open to discussing length of term but we initially see this as a one- or two-year gig.
I spent last weekend up there. It’s a really buzzing city with some beautiful surrounding countryside. It’s a great opportunity.
Let me know if you are interested, Rutherford
Winner Mobile d’Or, 2025.
Find me on Strava, London to Brighton 3 hrs 04 mins, Manchester to Pennington Flash Loop PB: 1hr 35 minutes.
WhatsApp to LouiseHaigh: Hi Lou, Rutherford Hall here. Firstly, congratulations on the new role. I’m sure you’ll be great. Secondly, we are very excited by the government’s agenda to shift power from Whitehall and I just wanted to alert you to the news that we are about to open Monkwell North. We are backing the Burnham agenda by opening our first UK office outside London in Manchester. We were wondering if you would be able to meet with the new team. We’d love to get you for a breakfast to talk about the new agenda with some of our clients looking to invest around the country.
WhatsApp to LouiseHaigh: Or we could do it in London if that’s easier for you
Messages recovered by Robert Shrimsley
