“For a helping hand when entering awards”

www.Boost-Marketing.co.uk

See, if they all played like that, I might even watch a whole game.  Who am I kidding?  Of course, I’m going to be glued to the match.  Remind me, how many men are there on the pitch?

Was the current news output affecting our national psyche I asked?It was prompted by friends and clients all asking the same questions… "Why don’t we ever hear good news? Why don’t we hear about the kids or companies who are doing great things? The media isn’t reporting the news so much as creating a self-fulfilling, negative prophecy"

Journalists responded by saying “We’re only giving people what they want. Good news doesn’t sell. Only the sentimental want to hear good things."

Yet none of the people who responded could ever be described as sentimental. High achieving, driven, determined, caring, supportive, cynical even… .but definitely not sentimental.

From my 17 year old son to major business leaders, with a couple of working single mums and several professionals from across media, property and Government in between, the message was the same; we all want – and need – some good news.

To a man (and woman) you said you believed there already WAS good news out there – but that it wasn’t getting the same kind of coverage as all the negative stuff. Indeed, several people said they had stopped watching the news or reading newspapers altogether because it depressed them so much.

Martyn Denney of Broker Network said ‘I’m tired of watching the BBC (in particular) and Sky (less so) create news rather than report it. I also find it tedious that the news is almost always skewed to reflect pre-conceived views. The last hot day was a classic; as opposed to celebrating some warm weather at last, the papers scream “Heatwave! Probable deaths and traffic chaos".

On the same topic Jeremy Clarkson said “Anyone remember when sunny days were called ‘A Lovely Summers Day’ and not the cause of a Level 2 Government Alert?”

On the other hand, Ian Morris, Chairman of the BFPA defended the status quo by saying “I’m sure there are thousands of ‘good’ stories which are not covered because space is limited" adding “Unfortunately the headline ‘BA1234 didn’t crash’, is significantly less riveting than ’150 dead in tragic air accident’ .

However, a quick look at YouTube stats for the video of US Airways Flight 1549 safely landing – fully loaded with passengers – on the Hudson River earlier this year shows it received over 10 million hits.

As we already know it landed safely – why are we all still watching it? Maybe its because of a hunger to see others overcome challenges and beat the odds. Maybe it just feels good to see people – even complete strangers – surviving almost certain death. This linkhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZPvVwvX_Nc is a fantastically realistic reconstruction using original Emergency sound with technical wizardry to track the flight in its (short) entirety and showing the drama unfold. Brilliance on in the face of adversity – and on the part of the program designers who’ve created this amazing 3d version.

At the other end of the scale, why do all sorts of people giggle when they see the Cow & Gate advert of babies laughing uncontrollably? Try it for yourself and let me know… . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIlJw5h_eNc

Neil Smillie of Montpellier Estates has a theory about how the news coverage has reach this point “When you combine excessive, rolling coverage, with lazy, unimaginative, personality obsessed and ratings-driven editors, you have the perfect environment to produce the plethora of banal, over-hyped and over-sensationalised dross that masquerades as ‘news’ these days." No Neil, tell us what you really think!

He goes on to say "Against this background, it is hardly surprising that whatever good news stories are broadcast, are simply drowned out by this tidal wave of background noise."

Having started my Broadcasting career in News & Current Affairs for the BBC & SKY, where we had the idea we were keeping the nation, if not the world, well informed, its interesting to hear that he thinks IT is part of the problem “Get rid of ‘rolling 24 hr news’ and weaken Mr Murdoch’s grip on the news media. Sort out independent news funding so that hard working, talented and campaigning journalists can ply their trade without compromising their integrity. Give the viewers campaigning journalism that doesn’t have to pander to the perceived lowest common denominator."

Which brings us to the central question: What is the common thread that binds human beings in times of crisis? Is it hope for the future or constant analysis of failure?

Would pulling ourselves out of this economic crash be helped by evidence based news demonstrating the excellence of mankind and its achievements in sport, business, charity, environment? Would it be useful to be able to dip into that kind of news throughout the day, via our desktops, on demand?

Or are we doomed, aka Groundhog Day, to receive the same diet of – exclusively - bad news, failure and misery while muttering into our beer about how we wish things were different?

Clearly, there is lots of bad stuff going on in the world – not all of it ‘news’ but undoubtedly, by anyone’s measure – ‘bad’. BUT there’s also lots of good stuff going on too; things that make you feel good, that lift the human spirit, that inspire us to great kindness and unbelievable achievement.

For that reason, the last word has to go to lawyer Hilary Kenway who says “The more we concentrate on the good, the more likely it will be that it multiplies itself."

So L & G, in the nicest possible way… .go forth and multiply!

Never before have I had such an overwhelming – and consistent – response to a survey request.

The issue was the current news output and its effect on our national psyche. Prompted by friends and clients all asking the same questions… "Why don’t we ever hear good news? Why don’t we hear about the kids or companies who are doing great things? The media isn’t reporting the news so much as creating a self-fulfilling, negative prophecy" I wanted to find out if it reflected peoples’ actual mood.

Journalists responded by saying “We’re only giving people what they want. Good news doesn’t sell. Only the sentimental want to hear good things."

Yet none of the people who responded to my survey could never be described as sentimental. High achieving, driven, determined, caring, supportive, cynical even… .but definitely not sentimental.

From my 17 year old son to some of our topbusiness leaders, with a couple of working single mums and several professionals from across media, property and Government in between, the message was the same; we all want – and need – some good news.

To a man (and woman) you said you believed there already WAS good news out there – but that it wasn’t getting the same kind of coverage as all the negative stuff. Indeed, several people said they had stopped watching the news or reading newspapers altogether because it depressed them so much.

Martyn Denney of Broker Network said ‘I’m tired of watching the BBC (in particular) and Sky (less so) create news rather than report it. I also find it tedious that the news is almost always skewed to reflect pre-conceived views. The last hot day was a classic; as opposed to celebrating some warm weather at last, the papers scream “Heatwave! Probable deaths and traffic chaos".

On the same topic Jeremy Clarkson said “Anyone remember when sunny days were called ‘A Lovely Summers Day’ and not the cause of a Level 2 Government Alert?’

On the other hand, Ian Morris, Chairman of the BFPA defended the status quo by saying “I’m sure there are thousands of ‘good’ stories which are not covered because space is limited" adding “Unfortunately the headline ‘BA1234 didn’t crash’, is significantly less riveting than ’150 dead in tragic air accident’ .

However, a quick look at YouTube stats for the video of US Airways Flight 1549 safely landing – fully loaded with passengers – on the Hudson River earlier this year shows it received over 10 million hits.

As we already know it landed safely – why are we all still watching it? Maybe its because of a hunger to see others overcome challenges and beat the odds. Maybe it just feels good to see people – even complete strangers – surviving almost certain death. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZPvVwvX_Nc this link is a fantastically realistic reconstruction that uses original Emergency footage with technical wizardry to track the flight in its (short) entirety and watch the drama unfold. Brilliance in the face of adversity – including the program designers who’ve created this amazing 3d version.

At the other end of the scale, why do all sorts of people giggle when they see the Cow & Gate advert of babies laughing uncontrollably? Try it for yourself and let me know… . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIlJw5h_eNc

Neil Smillie of Montpellier Estates has a theory about how the news coverage has reach this point “When you combine excessive, rolling coverage, with lazy, unimaginative, personality obsessed and ratings-driven editors, you have the perfect environment to produce the plethora of banal, over-hyped and over-sensationalised dross that masquerades as ‘news’ these days." No Neil, tell us what you really think!

He goes on to say "Against this background, it is hardly surprising that whatever good news stories are broadcast, are simply drowned out by this tidal wave of background noise."

Having started my Broadcasting career in News & Current Affairs for the BBC & SKY, where we had the idea we were keeping the nation, if not the world, well informed, its interesting to hear that he thinks IT is part of the problem “Get rid of ‘rolling 24 hr news’ and weaken Mr Murdoch’s grip on the news media. Sort out independent news funding so that hard working, talented and campaigning journalists can ply their trade without compromising their integrity. Give the viewers campaigning journalism that doesn’t have to pander to the perceived lowest common denominator."

Which brings us to the central question: What is the common thread that binds human beings in times of crisis? Is it hope for the future or constant analysis of failure?

Would pulling ourselves out of this economic crash be helped by evidence based news demonstrating the excellence of mankind and its achievements in sport, business, charity, environment? Would it be useful to be able to dip into that kind of news throughout the day, via our desktops, on demand?

Or are we doomed, aka Groundhog Day, to receive the same diet of – exclusively - bad news, failure and misery while muttering into our beer about how we wish things were different?

Clearly, there is lots of bad stuff going on in the world – not all of it ‘news’ but undoubtedly, by anyone’s measure – ‘bad’. BUT there’s also lots of good stuff going on too; things that make you feel good, that lift the human spirit, that inspire us to great kindness and unbelievable achievement.

For that reason, the last word has to go to lawyer Hilary Kenway who says “The more we concentrate on the good, the more likely it will be that it multiplies itself."

So L & G, in the nicest possible way… .go forth and multiply!

My friend Ian Morris is a former Regional Chairman of the CBI and current incumbent of the office of Chairman of BFPA. He is a lovely man with many fine qualities but I have to be honest and say I wouldn’t have immediately twinned him with Barack Obama – or Stuart Rose – on many levels.

However, I sent a survey to a few of my friends to canvass their thoughts on the economy and his response to one particular question placed him squarely in Obama territory.

4 of my closest friends and acquaintances, who are all Business Leaders of note in their field, were asked if they believed we had reached the lowest point in our collective belief in ourselves and the economy. Ian’s reply was ‘No, but we are enjoying blaming others rather than accepting responsibility for our own rash behaviour with credit and so on.’

Sir Stuart Rose, CEO, Chairman and Chief Cheerleader for the beloved High St brand Marks & Spencer was more succinct with a simple ‘No.’ (With thanks to The Sun for revealing Stuart in a whole new light!)

Meanwhile, Henry Englehardt, CEO of Admiral Insurance and an American – which is now okay since the arrival of Saint Barack to save the free world from itself – says he thinks ‘we still have further to go before reaching the lowest point in our optimism, both about ourselves and our economy’ adding ‘it could be next year before we get to the lowest point.’

Worryingly, Miles Templeman, Director General of the IoD, gatekeeper for the wellbeing of Small Businesses, agrees with that forecast, which must be a bit of a challenge for him because he says that whilst the best of British characteristics is our individualism, the worst is that we are too pessimistic.

But how much of this pessimism is driven by the Media and its constant drip- drip of bad news? Indeed, I found myself wondering if Stuart’s slightly guarded responses were a reaction to what I might read into them so I asked the question ‘What role do you believe the media plays in the state of the Nation?’ Stuart told me he believed ‘the media’s negativity was playing a key role in the current state of the nation.’ Sadly, he was not alone. 3 of the 4 Leaders agreed that the media was a central factor in the climate of doom and gloom we find ourselves in right now.

The lone voice NOT laying blame at the media’s door is Ian Morris who said ‘While its good to have someone else to blame, the reality is that WE have ALL been living beyond our means.’ What? Not Robert Peston assuming the role of the 4^th Rider of the Apocalypse with unseemly glee? Surely not!

That almost suggests that the current crisis is err… of our own making. Whilst that thought might strike terror into the hearts of some, for those of us who are still fundamentally optimists (and not wearing those nice jackets with the wraparound straps) that might, and I only say might, mean we have the opportunity to turn things round. Individually and collectively.

So what do our 4 Super heroes think the prospects are for the future? Let’s first of all define ‘future.’ Interestingly, no-one was keen to commit thoughts on the next 12/24/36 months which perhaps tells you something about the level of uncertainty among even those who are the people with opportunity to shape the future. By contrast however, they did have thoughts on what the world would look like in the year 2012.

Always a man of few words, Stuart Rose simply says ‘Better.’ Well to be honest Stuart, some would say it couldn’t really be much worse could it? Henry meanwhile, thinks UK PLC will be smaller but stronger. There is a gag in there about size not being important after all – but I’ll leave that to all of you to make.

Miles also restricts himself to a one word answer (maybe it was the way I wrote the question?) but the good news is that word was ‘fine.’ Fortunately, Ian can always be relied on to flesh things out and expressed a hope ‘that the UK will be a well balanced economy with less greed and a desire to work for the collective good, be that in Banking, Agriculture, Engineering or general manufacturing.’ For those who read ‘Co-operatives with hairy workers’ in that statement… .you might be right because he goes on to say ‘It is an attitude which, for 30 years or more, drove the German economy to such strength.’

More important perhaps, are their thoughts on just how we’re going to turn things round. Not by chance (or at least that’s my story) it was right beside the question ‘What wish would you ask Government to grant businesses’ and indeed, it was this question that produced the most definitive and impassioned responses from all.

Stuart asked for less regulation – in capital letters – so it must be important. However, it’s not always easy to tell with Stuart so my advice to you; is never to play poker with this man.

But Henry didn’t want me to be in any doubt about his wishes for Government ‘Give Up! Go Away! Realise that Government is part of the problem, not the solution.’ Miles’ view reflected Henry’s but was brief and to the point ‘Stop interfering’ was his heartfelt plea. Meanwhile, Ian went a step further ‘Start handing out lots of large contracts.’ See, that’s why I like him, he’s a man with a plan.

So does that mean that Business itself should sit and wait to see how things pan out, or are there things they can do to survive the current crisis and go on to thrive in the next 12/24/36 months? ‘Those that are well managed, who don’t spend foolishly and take advantage of every opportunity to make profitable sales’ are the ones that Henry Englehardt is backing to win through these tough times.

Whilst Stuart Rose says that managing cash is going to be crucial and neatly links in with his answer about which companies are going to survive and thrive in the future – ‘Smart Ones.’ See, that’s why he’s CEO of one of most beloved High St brands whilst I just wear his knickers. And by that I mean… ..not… oh, you fill in the gaps. You know you already have.

But according to Henry, knicker sizes are going to have to change if businesses are to avoid the worst of the credit crunch ‘businesses will be obliged to get fit. This really will separate the truly good businesses – and business people – from those who get carried along on a positive economic wave.’

Of course, the thing we’re all wondering, is whether that wave will return to wash refreshingly over our toes or come crashing like a Tsunami through our lives.

Personally? I think we should keep the water wings on standby and learn to hold our breath.

With thanks to:

Sir Stuart Rose, Chairman & CEO Marks & Spencer plc

Henry Englehardt, CEO Admiral Insurance

Miles Templeman, Director General of the Institute of Directors

Ian Morris, Chairman of the British Fluid Power Association

The Sun

]]> http://www.nowyouretalking.com/?feed=rss2&p=694 0 http://www.nowyouretalking.com/?p=691 http://www.nowyouretalking.com/?p=691#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:37:49 +0000 Adrienne /?p=691

My friend Ian Morris is a former Regional Chairman of the CBI and current incumbent of the office of Chairman of BFPA. He is a lovely man with many fine qualities but I have to be honest and say I wouldn’t have immediately twinned him with Barack Obama or Sir Stuart Rose – on many levels.

However, I sent a survey to a few of my friends to canvass their thoughts on the economy and his response to one particular question placed him squarely in Obama territory.

4 of my closest friends and acquaintances, who are all Business Leaders of note in their field, were asked if they believed we had reached the lowest point in our collective belief in ourselves and the economy. Ian’s reply was ‘No, but we are enjoying blaming others rather than accepting responsibility for our own rash behaviour with credit and so on.’

Sir Stuart Rose, CEO, Chairman and Chief Cheerleader for the beloved High St brand Marks & Spencer was more succinct with a simple ‘No.’ (With thanks to The Sun for revealing Stuart in a whole new light!)

Meanwhile, Henry Englehardt, CEO of Admiral Insurance and an American – which is now okay since the arrival of Saint Barack to save the free world from itself – says he thinks ‘we still have further to go before reaching the lowest point in our optimism, both about ourselves and our economy’ adding ‘it could be next year before we get to the lowest point.’

Worryingly, Miles Templeman, Director General of the IoD, gatekeeper for the wellbeing of Small Businesses, agrees with that forecast, which must be a bit of a challenge for him because he says that whilst the best of British characteristics is our individualism, the worst is that we are too pessimistic.

But how much of this pessimism is driven by the Media and its constant drip- drip of bad news? Indeed, I found myself wondering if Stuart’s slightly guarded responses were a reaction to what I might read into them so I asked the question ‘What role do you believe the media plays in the state of the Nation?’ Stuart told me he believed ‘the media’s negativity was playing a key role in the current state of the nation.’ Sadly, he was not alone. 3 of the 4 Leaders agreed that the media was a central factor in the climate of doom and gloom we find ourselves in right now.

The lone voice NOT laying blame at the media’s door is Ian Morris who said ‘While its good to have someone else to blame, the reality is that WE have ALL been living beyond our means.’ What? Not Robert Peston assuming the role of the 4^th Rider of the Apocalypse with unseemly glee? Surely not!

That almost suggests that the current crisis is err… of our own making. Whilst that thought might strike terror into the hearts of some, for those of us who are still fundamentally optimists (and not wearing those nice jackets with the wraparound straps) that might, and I only say might, mean we have the opportunity to turn things round. Individually and collectively.

So what do our 4 Super heroes think the prospects are for the future? Let’s first of all define ‘future.’ Interestingly, no-one was keen to commit thoughts on the next 12/24/36 months which perhaps tells you something about the level of uncertainty among even those who are the people with opportunity to shape the future. By contrast however, they did have thoughts on what the world would look like in the year 2012.

Always a man of few words, Stuart Rose simply says ‘Better.’ Well to be honest Stuart, some would say it couldn’t really be much worse could it? Henry meanwhile, thinks UK PLC will be smaller but stronger. There is a gag in there about size not being important after all – but I’ll leave that to all of you to make.

Miles also restricts himself to a one word answer (maybe it was the way I wrote the question?) but the good news is that word was ‘fine.’ Fortunately, Ian can always be relied on to flesh things out and expressed a hope ‘that the UK will be a well balanced economy with less greed and a desire to work for the collective good, be that in Banking, Agriculture, Engineering or general manufacturing.’ For those who read ‘Co-operatives with hairy workers’ in that statement… .you might be right because he goes on to say ‘It is an attitude which, for 30 years or more, drove the German economy to such strength.’

More important perhaps, are their thoughts on just how we’re going to turn things round. Not by chance (or at least that’s my story) it was right beside the question ‘What wish would you ask Government to grant businesses’ and indeed, it was this question that produced the most definitive and impassioned responses from all.

Stuart asked for less regulation – in capital letters – so it must be important. However, it’s not always easy to tell with Stuart so my advice to you; is never to play poker with this man.

But Henry didn’t want me to be in any doubt about his wishes for Government ‘Give Up! Go Away! Realise that Government is part of the problem, not the solution.’ Miles’ view reflected Henry’s but was brief and to the point ‘Stop interfering’ was his heartfelt plea. Meanwhile, Ian went a step further ‘Start handing out lots of large contracts.’ See, that’s why I like him, he’s a man with a plan.

So does that mean that Business itself should sit and wait to see how things pan out, or are there things they can do to survive the current crisis and go on to thrive in the next 12/24/36 months? ‘Those that are well managed, who don’t spend foolishly and take advantage of every opportunity to make profitable sales’ are the ones that Henry Englehardt is backing to win through these tough times.

Whilst Stuart Rose says that managing cash is going to be crucial and neatly links in with his answer about which companies are going to survive and thrive in the future – ‘Smart Ones.’ See, that’s why he’s CEO of one of most beloved High St brands whilst I just wear his knickers. And by that I mean… ..not… oh, you fill in the gaps. You know you already have.

But according to Henry, knicker sizes are going to have to change if businesses are to avoid the worst of the credit crunch ‘businesses will be obliged to get fit. This really will separate the truly good businesses – and business people – from those who get carried along on a positive economic wave.’

Of course, the thing we’re all wondering, is whether that wave will return to wash refreshingly over our toes or come crashing like a Tsunami through our lives.

Personally? I think we should keep the water wings on standby and learn to hold our breath.

With thanks to:

Sir Stuart Rose, Chairman & CEO Marks & Spencer plc

Henry Englehardt, CEO Admiral Insurance

Miles Templeman, Director General of the Institute of Directors

Ian Morris, Chairman of the British Fluid Power Association

The Sun

The Telegraph

Dur.ac.uk

The Start Ups Awards in London is an event that combines them all. My client hires some of the most professional people in the AV sector (www.pspav.com) who manage to create a sense of calm and capable professionalism that immediately makes me exhale with relief as soon as I walk in the room.

The client (www.crimsonpublishing.co.uk) is something else. Self made, determined, committed… ..and charming! From Chairman David Lester who never fails to understand what his business is – people and their potential – to Editor in Chief Jonathan Carter – who is getting increasingly daring in his apparel, this year sporting a look that hinted at him being something of a Superman personality; ‘Clark Kent on the outside – muscular manliness in lycra underneath’. Of course, quite how big his ‘S’ is, is anybody’s guess!

But the real Superheros are ALWAYS the people in the room. The people whose minds dreamt of starting businesses in everything from Interactive Teddy Bears, through to Online Tailors – www.ASuitThatFits.com – (think how tough that one is as a business concept) with Trimega Laboratories in between. And if talking Teddy Bears & someone knowing your inside leg measurement wasn’t scary enough, the latter most definitely was because Trimega www.trimegalabs.co.uk offer a drug and alcohol testing service with frightening levels of accuracy – and simplicity – based round a simple strand of hair. Let me tell you, there were some seriously worried looking people in the room.

Diverse though these amazing businesses were, what they all had in common, was total commitment; to themselves, to the business opportunity and to delivering something special to the marketplace.

And in these tough economic times, if you asked me to bet on which businesses would thrive – and the choice was between a huge multi-national corporation or a start up with highly passionate stakeholders like these – I’ll have a fiver on the small but perfectly formed businesses please!

Newcastle – home to the worlds first train, The Rocket, was built in this great northern city in 1823 in the worlds first train factory. It also became the first street in the world to be illuminated by Electric Light when Mosley Street burst out of the night-time darkness in 1881.

Maybe its something in the water?
Maybe it’s being so far away from the London that drives its population to create their own, separately thriving environment.

Whatever the cause, I think its fair to describe it as a county with a long history of fulfilling great ambitions. And it continues today. The Entrepreneurs Forum (www.entrepreneursforum.net) is basically a ‘club’ for the regions Entrepreneurs, giving them a chance to share ideas, celebrate success and network voraciously. Through incredible events put together by the Great Eight (the Forum team) they are also able to listen to some great speakers, like the stunning Elle MacPherson. Fortunately for me, that was at their event a few months ago so I didn’t have to resort to wearing a bag over my head.

Mind you, after a shocking nights’ sleep, that bag was increasingly looking like a good idea. However, if I had been wearing it, I might not have heard people talk about a great new piece of software that allows you to accurately measure sales activity & success and more importantly, identify problem areas to overcome. (www.i-snapshot.com)

Nor would I have heard Fru Hazlitt, former CEO of Yahoo! tell the story of how the mighty can fall. And fall hard. And how, when you make yourself accessible to people by giving them your personal email address, they don’t always write ‘nice’ letters, thanking you for the redundancy notices you’ve just issued.

And then Ken Skellon used Military History to offer his view of sales and selling and wrap the whole event up with a bang. He said that ignoring the importance of selling was rather like General Custar telling the man with the Gatling gun to go away ‘because he was a little busy’.

Which reminds me… .it time I put the laptop away and started making some sales calls myself.

The 2008 Insider Dealmakers Awards for the North East saw an embarrassment of talent competing for each of the 12 Awards up for grabs.Excellence was standard in each and all of the categories, whether individual or company. So too was a constant flow of champagne.

In between mopping up spilt champagne from the dress…the floor….and me… ..I asked Chris Appleby of BTG McInnes Corporate Finance (lurking to my right, bottle in hand) how tough a year it had been. With a twinkle in his eye (only slightly helped by said Champagne) he told me that BTG had just completed a huge deal which he hoped would see him walk off with the title ‘Dealmaker of the Year’ (again) this time next year. Nuff said. Well to be honest, several bottles of champagne later, complex conversations on market conditions and the prevailing economy weren’t really an option at that point in the night were they?

This was only the 2^nd year Insider had run this event in the region and my first time hosting it. But what a night! There was a real buzz in the air, an upbeat sense of pride in the room and something else; a camaraderie about getting through tough times, despite the fierce competition between both individuals and companies.

All in all, as I reflected on the night (flannel in hand Chris, thanks) I found myself realising how true the old saying is ‘When the going gets tough, the tough keep going.’ On and on and on. Champagne at the ready – to drown their sorrows or celebrate their success.

The only disappointment is that I didn’t once hear the immortal words ‘Why-eye Man!.’ If I was cynical, I’d think the media made that kind of sterotype up!

And surprisingly, having not done as much work in the North East as I’d like to, I’m delighted to say that I’m due back up there in about 10 days time to host the Entrepreneurs Forum – a conference for 300 of the people who are driving our economy, both in that region and around the country.

If the Dealmakers was the entrée, I can’t wait to see what the main course offers up!