OK, it’s not sex, though at least I have now grabbed your attention. But can pensions ever be fun? I have to admit that the thought of a pensions dedicated event did not fill me with enthusiasm. Fair play then to Melanie Stern, and her team at Financial Director magazine, who put together a...
Orchard Growth
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Cityzone
The Devil’s Deal
Brilliant, aggressive, flawed are words which only begin to describe the hero and the villain of Richard Lambert’s first brilliant novel. Weaving his extensive business experience into the story you are led through the exciting world of small company finance in a masterful way.
Calm Down Dave
In 2010 David Cameron lost an election which, according to the author, "he should have won hands down"
In 'Calm Down Dave' Tony Drury provides overwhelming evidence for his reservations about the Cameron led 'liberal lurch' of the Conservative Party.
Accountant’s perspective
The value of “experiences”……
The truly depressing statistic that emerged from unemployment figures released last week was that the level of unemployment for 16-24 years olds had almost reached one million. This growing number of NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) is a national tragedy in a number of ways. For the hard pressed Generation Xer though,...
Eastern Promise
“China and India are still full of opportunities and businesses, in both those countries, remain keen to work with companies in the UK.” So says Orchard Principal, Harby Janagol, and he should know as he regularly spends time visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzen, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Delhi and Chandigarh. During his most recent trip a...
AIM – Not enough liquidity, but plenty at Grocers Hall
Off to Grocers Hall in the City for the Growth Company Awards where we sip champagne in a beautiful red velvet room adorned by paintings of well known grocers of shopping days past, including er…. Lord Carrington. I’m not sure what his connection is; perhaps like me he worked at Sainsbury’s while he was...
Business planning – up in the clouds or down to earth……?
The two major news items of the moment, Nick Clegg’s apparent triumph in the televised election debate and the volcanic cloud that is currently playing havoc with the skies have brought to mind Harold MacMillan’s alleged quote when asked what was most likely to blow a government off course. The source of the ex...
Feeling good – for now…..
The latest business trends survey released this morning by BDO , the accountancy firm, reveals that business confidence has reached its highest level for four years. This pretty much fits with much of the anecdotal evidence that I have gleaned from clients and contacts over the past few months, and is a welcome antidote...
Job Creation vs Job Preservation…again…
It is jobs stupid! As the official election campaign finally gets underway and we prepare ourselves for a month of claim and counter claim, promises and pledges, and of course the obligatory carefully staged photo opportunities, the economy is likely to come under renewed scrutiny as the political parties endeavour to persuade us that...
An FD’s view of the Budget
Having been inundated with e-mails from various accounting firms providing both the highlights and the details of last week’s budget, I thought I would take a bit of time to digest them all before making any comment. That, and the fact that because of the Easter weekend, the last day to get anything done...
Chrystal ball gazing
I am often invited by banks to hear the latest views of their in-house economists, and this week was the turn of the Royal Bank of Scotland and David Fenton, Head of Microeconomics. In his opening remarks, David noted that it was St Patrick’s Day, and he hoped that the Irish patron saint’s ability...
Fundraising made simple…..
Tinchy Stryder, who is apparently something big in the pop world these days and therefore a suitable role model, has been advising young people to invest and save wisely. I think this is a great initiative, and personally believe that lessons in business and finance should be compulsory in all schools from as early...
Derigo Consulting
Goodbye Dave
Tony Drury's first book in the trilogy about the new direction of the Conservative Party, where Tony reveals his very personal reasons for leaving the party after 30 years of dedicated service to it.
In his own unique way Tony is able to capture the mood of many in the party and he has had the courage to put it in print. Along the way he adds many fascinating experiences and anecdotes.
"Goodbye Dave" is a 'must read' for anyone with any political interest.
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