Having met a few entrepreneurs over the years, it is interesting to hear their views on planning.  Some of which are quiet dismissive: What is the point of planning, something different always happens Planning just ties you down – these days you need to be quick to react and adaptable. Accountants plan – I’m an.. read more →

I think it is fair to say that, for many businesses, 2011 has not been the best of years. The recession has been long and hard.  The recovery stills seems as distant and intangible as it did three years ago.  In fact, the experts are saying that likelihood of a ‘double dip’ has increased and.. read more →

03 Oct 2011
October 3, 2011

What about the cash, Duncan!

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Like most people reading this, I’m a bit of a fan of Dragon’s Den.  So I was pleased to see that last night (October 3rd) the BBC was running one of the spin-off programs – “How to Win in the Den”.  This particular episode featured, amongst others, Ling of Ling Car Leasing fame. As I.. read more →

Have you just been promoted to Finance Director? Or perhaps this is your career ambition for the future? If you’ve made it, then congratulations for completing your studies, and your training, and for landing your great new role. If you’re not there yet, then keep at it and you will make the grade in no.. read more →

10 Apr 2011
April 10, 2011

Be the blade of grass

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So, I’ve been mowing the lawn this morning and it got me thinking: Nobody told each and every one of these blades of grass to grow so tall and green – they just did it – and what a great job they have done too!  So why is it so difficult for a human being.. read more →

08 Feb 2011
February 8, 2011

National Apprentice Week

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It is very appropriate that the final of Michel Roux’s Service should be followed by National Apprentice Week.  Although it is a bit of an overused phrased, we need to remember that the young people of today are the wealth creators of tomorrow. I am personally very passionate about apprenticeships and non-university education streams.  I’ve.. read more →

04 Feb 2011
February 4, 2011

Michel Roux’s Service – The Finale

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What can I say, but what a fabulous close to such an excellent series?  I am referring of course to the wonderful Michel Roux’s Service. Which came to a close last night with a little twist at the end of the tale:  Michel didn’t hand out the two apprenticeships as he promised.  He produced three!.. read more →

Let me tell you another story: Many years ago I went to work at an organisation as a factory accountant (I love factories) for a technology company.  Part of the role involved the cross comparison of large tables of data to find discrepancies between the factory systems and the financial systems – Yawn!  My predecessor.. read more →

28 Jan 2011
January 28, 2011

Fred Sirieix

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Something that I always find inspiring is seeing passion and great achievement emulating from an unlikely source. And so, over the last week or so, our house has been spell-bound, mesmerised and overjoyed as we watch the TV.  The program that has had this amazing effect has been Michel Roux’s Service. Take a bunch of.. read more →