With one month to go until the New York City Marathon, I am about to enter what is often called the “Monster Month” – the month that involves the most intense, grueling and critical final weeks of training. It is said that a runner’s efforts during their “Monster Month” can make or break their success come marathon day.
Meanwhile, here at the Consulate in New York, we are just catching our breath after what has been a different type of “Monster Month.” September is always one of the busiest periods for both the Consulate and the UK Mission to the United Nations as New York plays host to global leaders during the UN General Assembly gathering. This year was no exception.
In between bilateral meetings, our Consulate team had our ministers running all over town meeting business contacts and key stakeholders and giving media interviews. Foreign Secretary William Hague opened Standard Chartered’s new offices in Manhattan; Cabinet Office Minister Frances Maude met with new and potential UK investors at a business reception graciously hosted by Cunard, on board Queen Elizabeth; Home Secretary Theresa May hosted a lunch with women business leaders; Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley hosted an event for pharmaceutical and healthcare companies; and Minister Alistair Burt led discussions with the British American Business Chapters, just to name a few.
Without a doubt, the highlight of the month was the launch of the GREAT campaign by the Prime Minister at the iconic New York Stock Exchange. The GREAT campaign has been very well received on this side of the Atlantic, and it is a fantastic platform for promoting Britain’s strengths to the rest of the world. As the UK warms up for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Diamond Jubilee, there has never been a more crucial moment to shout about our successes and showcase the very best of Britain.
In the meantime, I need to start warming up for the marathon. September was a Monster Month for the Consulate, and in the end, our preparations paid off. I better make sure I do the same with my training!