Our 2023 reflections and plans for a big year

After another busy year at Effective, our team reflects on their highlights of 2023 and their aspirations as we enter our 20th year!

Alastair

Alastair has once again guided the team through another successful year in preparation for a monumental year ahead.

Work highlight of 2023: Supporting some amazing clients who are doing some incredible things, utilising services which we continue to evolve and develop 20 years after I founded and launched the company.

What are you looking forward to in 2024?: 2024 is a big year professionally and personally. My wife Sara and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage in September; the company I created from a blank sheet of paper in 2004 will celebrate its 20^th birthday and 2024 will see it continue to go from strength to strength; and I will hopefully be taking part in the London Marathon in April, though I wish someone would give me a break from infections and injuries so I can start training!

Any plans for the festive period?: Time off relaxing with family and friends – oh, and a visit to the World Darts at Ally Pally. Always a memorable day. Though there could always be a crisis comms issue or two to sort for our clients.

 

Ffion

Work highlight of 2023: Welcoming back some previous clients and spending even more time together as a team as we increase the balance of office working as opposed to being mainly at home! I was also really pleased to be made account director earlier this year!

What are you looking forward to in 2024?: Personally, a big goal of mine is to spend more time running and improving my fitness, and I am looking forward to getting stuck into some fundraising with the team in honour of our 20th anniversary! Professionally, I’ll be working on some exciting projects and campaigns with our clients.

Any plans for the festive period?: I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with my seven year old son and two year old daughter, and lots of catch ups with friends and family. Also looking forward to our new year’s day tradition – spending the day in a beach hut at Barry Island!

 

Rhys

Work highlight of 2023: A highlight for me is our continued support of City Hospice, not only as a client but also as a local charity that we support. We are proud supporters of the annual Forever Flowers campaign and Light up a Life appeal and we look forward to supporting them in 2024 as our charity of the year.

What are you looking forward to in 2024?: Taking on some fundraising opportunities for City Hospice, and celebrating the success of Effective so far, with much more to come…

Any plans for the festive period?: Enjoying some time off and gearing up for the new year to welcome back current and new clients!

 

Catherine

Work highlight of 2023: This year I was very proud to become a certified proofreader and editor, and be promoted to account manager, allowing me to take on more responsibility and clients into the new year!

What are you looking forward to in 2024?: I’m looking forward to developing our already outstanding client relationships in the new year and continuing to progress, both personally and seeing Effective grow in our 20th year.

Any plans for the festive period?: Enjoying Christmas with family, food and good tv, as well as celebrating my birthday with my annual curry with friends!

 

Catrin

Work highlight of 2023: Organising Veezu’s new office launch event with special guest Jiffy! My first event experience and hopefully not my last; it was exactly how I imagined a career in PR.

What are you looking forward to in 2024?: Continuing to work with some fab, fast-growing clients like CES, Veezu and Premier Forest through exciting times. I am looking forward to seeing in 20 years in style with the rest of the team through a heap of fun activities, and hopefully getting out to Australia to visit some friends.

Any plans for the festive period?: Lots of food, drink and sparkles with family and friends!

 

Ciaran

Work highlight of 2023: What I have enjoyed the most about this year is work on client videos, which means going to new places and meeting new people. Making videos brings me joy, be that for Effective or clients. I have also enjoyed pushing my editing skills and improving.

What are you looking forward to in 2024?: Going to see where 2024 takes me but I am looking forward to getting the chance to learn to drive (finally!) and more creative projects, both personal and professional. I hope Effective have a better 20^th than mine and celebrates all our successes and hard work.

Any plans for the festive period?: Spending time with loved ones, focusing on healing, with a side of watching football, video games and hopefully Dungeons & Dragons.

 

Savannah

Work highlight of 2023: Being the newbie of the team, my highlight has been joining the team at Effective! I’ve loved and learnt so much from day one of my internship, and was over the moon to be welcomed in full-time as an account executive. I have thoroughly enjoyed working on client projects so far.

What are you looking forward to in 2024?: I am looking forward to getting stuck into more client projects and expanding our current relationships, as well as taking part in some exciting fundraising opportunities!

Any plans for the festive period?: I will be spending time with my family; enjoying lots of great food, music and company while gearing up for the new year!

 

Lisa Walsh

Work highlight of 2023: My most cherished experience was working on the City Hospice Forever Flowers campaign. The campaign holds a special place in my heart, especially after losing someone close to me this year. I find it touching how the flowers symbolise a celebration of someone’s life and hold significant meaning for so many people. Witnessing the metal daisies surrounded by my designs in the beautiful setting of Cardiff Castle was an unforgettable moment. Working on such a colourful and meaningful project was truly special.

What are you looking forward to in 2024?: I am eager to put all that I have learned this year into practice and see my designs for the 20th anniversary celebration come to life. This year has been rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. I look forward to new experiences, learning opportunities, and creating beautiful designs in the coming year.

Any plans for the festive period?: I am excited to spend the new year skiing with my family at Loon Mountain in Boston as we celebrate my son’s 21st birthday.