Nick Pickles’s blog

first proper week of self employment has taken in a photography commission in Westminster, writing an 800 word opinion piece on justice in an age of austerity and mojitos at lunchtime. also nearly finished the first book on the pile I’ve amassed that have sat unread for too long.

m83 -night

thom yorke - harrowdown hill

beck - motorcade

arcade fire - city with no children in

good shoes - morden

aphex twin - avril 14th

field music -them that do nothing

the shins - kissing the lipless

battles - race out

clint mansell - we’re going home

Well, Parliament is in recess but my own ‘break’ started a few weeks ago, when I was made redundant. I’ve not blogged much as I seem to have been ridiculously busy on the photography front, and I’ve obviously been thinking a great deal about what’s next.

I’ve been lucky to work with some incredibly talented people who have spurred a whole new range of interests and insights. I am more convinced than ever of the importance of SMEs as a key part of a vibrant economy, and the procurement minefield that currently hampers that endeavor. I believe that technology has the ability to transform beyond recognition public services, and that the current climate of faliure is a product of the people and processes (moreso the latter) involved, and not a flaw of the use of new methods. I have been heartened by the Coalition’s renewed determination to explore different ways of working and to drive an agenda of doing more for less by exploring innovation and lateral approaches.

Equally, I’ve built on my experience and skills as a communications professional, developed a far greater understanding of policy networks and enjoyed the kind of support for my political ambitions few can ever hope for. My success as a PPC in May, which I was told the other day was the 6th highest swing to the Conservatives in the country, was in no small part down to the support I received from those who were colleagues but remain friends.

And so, as they say, as one door closes, you notice how many others are slightly ajar, going off on a whole range of tangents and with exciting new opportunities and adventures that await.

This is the first summer I haven’t had to worry about campaigning every weekend since I left university, after starting work a few hours after my finals. I havent seen a beach for five years, and havent read on a sun lounger for an afternoon for the best part of a decade. So, first up I’m going to finish what is currently the best festival season (in terms of the quality of my work) I’ve ever had, then I’m going on holiday.

When I come back, it’ll be time to think about my next steps and then Conservative conference and the blogging will resume. I may post from time to time in between but it’s nice to draw a line under things for a while.

So, be well, and I’ll see you on the other side.

nckx