This month marks a great landmark in 21st century literature, and for Potterheads across the globe, the 26th was a day of celebration and pride. It is 20 years since the first Harry Potter book, The Philosophers Stone.

For a start, it is a scary thought that it has been a whole 20 years since Harry tumbled into our lives. To give some proportion of how long ago that was, this was the same year that Tony Blair took on the role of prime minister, Dolly the sheep was cloned and Diana died. As you can see, Harry Potter has been with us for a while.

In that time, Harry Potter has become an integral part of British culture, and seven books, eight films, two plays and several spin off books and plays later, Joanne Rowling has made her name as one of the most successful authors the world has ever seen. Indeed, she was the first author to achieve billionaire status, which makes sense given she has sold over 500 million copies of her books alone. Yet twenty years ago, at the release of her first book, she was a far cry from one of the most successful and influential women on the planet.

Rowling was a single mother living on benefits when her first novel was released; it was not long however before she was catapulted to wealth and fame with the unprecedented success of her children’s books amongst both children and adults alike.

As Harry Potter continued to go from strength to strength, it soon became obvious that Rowling was a both clever and thoughtful businesswoman. Despite achieving billionaire status, she soon lost it as she donated a large percentage of her income to charities, and now to her own charity, Lumos. Though she has given away large portions of her money, she still holds a position as one of the most financially successful women in the world. Predominantly I believe it is for her success in continuing to expand the Harry Potter world and franchise beyond the seven books and into so many sectors; the film industry in particular, but consider also the fact there is a theme park in America dedicated entirely to the world she has created in her own imagination.

Despite collaborating with many other very influential and powerful people in the expansion of the franchise, Rowling has remained in control of the path it has taken; it is her creation, her career and her success.

Here at ABPM we are committed to helping you follow your career path and achieve the goals you set out for yourself. Although we are on hand at every point to offer help and advice as you pursue your career path, we are sure to put you in control; your career path, goals and your successes.

Rej Abraham Managing Director