Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Michael T. Murphy, Director of Development, Kew Foundation, says:

“Our Board appointed More Partnership before I arrived. They were looking for people who could work internationally – something few other consultancies could do. And on a personal level, I felt reassured when deciding whether to accept the post that it was More they’d selected. I’d worked with the firm in my previous job and been very impressed.

“I came on board just as Ian, Liam, Paul and Adrian were reaching out to donors and prospects in the Americas, the Gulf, the Far East and closer to home for interviews. As I was building a fundraising board at the same time, we worked together – and it proved extremely effective. Today I think we have one of the best boards in the UK, which has given the Campaign great momentum.

“The feasibility study was an important reality check. We went in with a much bigger goal than the £100 million we finally decided on. In a scientific institution, it’s vital to make an evidence-based decision – and that’s what the interviews and the final report helped us to do.

“The report has been a constant point of reference. It’s helped my staff and our senior managers understand both the challenges and the potential of fundraising. The truth is that we’re at a critical point in the history of Kew and the planet. Our plant-science-based conservation work could help to solve major global problems – from food security to climate change. So the cuts in our government funding couldn’t have come at a worse time.

“So far, despite difficult economic times, we’ve been extraordinarily successful at fundraising. Ian did some extra training with our director and chairman just before they landed the major gift that enabled us to launch officially. Two years into Kew’s Breathing Planet Campaign and we have raised nearly £40 million. And Ian and Liam have remained my ‘wise men’, whom I can call on for independent advice and inspiration at any critical moment. We’re also in the process of printing a stunning Case for Support, which More Partnership helped us write. But that’s another story. Or, to be precise, many other stories! After all, storytelling is another of their special skills.”