Gabby's Word 11 April 2013

“你 好”, we are live from Hong Kong. Yes, I can officially announce that LBB has launched its Asia Pacific hub and I am well and truly placed at its helm. The last four weeks have been anything but dull. In fact, since we became a ‘24 hour’ news channel, we have not only seen audience figures in the region triple, but the highest global audience ratings ever for lbbonline.com. It appears my hunch was right. Not only has the region welcomed us with open arms, but also as figures have proven, the rest of the world wants to know about this part of the globe. 

 

Like all things good, it takes a lot of hard work to achieve them. At present we still have an awfully long way to go before we even scrape the surface of my ambition here. With the support we’ve seen so far, it makes it all the more worthwhile. 

 

I shan’t be resting on my laurels out here – have you seen how big this place is?! And seriously, India, how many production houses do you need? To all those in the area that have not heard from me yet… I’m coming to get you. At some point, either in person, via email or by phone – Gabby Lott will appear in your life. Those in Singapore should expect to see me next month when I make a flying visit. I plan to spend three to four days visiting agencies, production and post-production houses. If you’d like to spend some time with me, please send me an email on gabby@lbbonline.com.

 

This weekend I’ll be flying into Tokyo with Great Guns founder, Laura Gregory, as the guest of McCann Health. They’re hosting a set of creative seminars, so check back next week to read about all that I see and hear. It’s set to be my first time in Japan, so I’m a teeny bit excited. 

 

Going forward, I’ve been discussing numerous events and opportunities for LBB to collaborate with some of the wonderful folk within Hong Kong’s advertising community. Also, at some point I hope to bring the LBB academy to the region. Lots afoot and many mountains still to climb. 

 

Personally, I couldn’t be happier. Hong Kong already feels like my home. Each day is an adventure. Swapping the Pret sandwich for a fresh bowl of Pho has been no big heartbreak. Neither has leaving London’s underground and replacing it with my daily walk on the escalator and my little quick trip on the MTR to the Adstream office. When it rains, it really rains. On the flipside I’ve rarely been cold and the people I encounter are warm, kind and open-minded. So far, so good. 

 

Until next week,

 

Gabby