Over and (almost) out
It seems that time has come. I knew it would one day.
This is my last issue of The Mover as its editor. Many of you will know that I sold the magazine two years ago and have been acting as editor (rather than publisher) since then. Now it’s time for the new editor to take over.
His name is Patrick Hicks. He’s a very good chap and will be working with his son James, to continue the industry’s only independent magazine, every month, just as before. Take a look at the interview on page ?? to find out a bit more about him. I will be staying on, mainly as an advisor, for a while and, more long term, will provide some stories. I also work for other organisations in the industry, so this is not goodbye: it’s just the last time I’ll write this column.
We started back in April 2011 and have published every month since. It’s been a blast. Every month we start with a clean sheet and try to write about everything and anything that’s topical. It’s been quite liberating. Our independence has also allowed us to pick up on controversial topics occasionally, ones from which other magazines would stay away. It’s got me in hot water sometimes, but has served to carve the magazine’s character and position in the industry. I know that those stories have sometimes caused upset. That was never my intention. I aimed only to tell the stories honestly. I know you understand that. Most of all I hope it’s helped. If our little adventure has made a positive difference to anyone over the last 14 years, that will do me.
My thanks to all the contributors and advertisers that gave us the resources to start and the inspiration to continue. Thanks too, to you, our readers, who made it all worthwhile. Most of all I want to thank the people along the way who made it happen, especially: my brother, David, who helped inspire the magazine and worked with me for so long; my daughter, Faye, who makes sure the social media stuff is up to date; Simon Taylor, our truly brilliant designer who astounds me every issue; and Nikki Roberts, without whom nothing would work.
Finally, I offer my sincere best wishes to Patrick and his team who take on the challenge from here. Please support him as you have supported me. I look forward to reading The Mover for many years to come.