London City

Another trip to London last week for a progress meeting with international client. They have just moved into brand new HQ offices in the city near the famous Gherkin building. It forms part of an office consolidation strategy and reinforcing of their brand whilst presenting a positive and optimistic message to both the 'city' and their clients. Contemporary city centre buldings are fortified with intense security measures that makes our small Edinburgh office even more appealing.

Weekends away

We are just back from a long weekend spent with good friends in a most environmentally friendly house located on directly on the shore of Loch Ailort. The house truly makes the most of its setting and was enhanced by the amazing daily sight of a family of three sea otters playing on the rocks, eating fish and swimming past. We resembled a paparazzi of five people clicking on cameras, awing in the privelage of what we were experiencing.

What do you do when a Conference is poor?

I rarely go to a Conference these days. They are usually expensive and difficult to gauge what benefits will be gained by attending. The Conference in Glasgow yesterday - "Enterprising Scotland: Challenging Times" was just that. DVD's to replace keynote speakers is not acceptable as are poor presentations and lacklustre peformances. An empty slot "due to snow" is a lame excuse in Scotland in February - especially with no stand in. As usual with these events there is the chance to catch up with colleagues and chums which was good, especially over an acceptable buffet. I now have to decide whether or not to send in my scathing evaluation form!

1% interest rate

So, it has just been announced, interest rates are now 1%. Will it make us who are in business spend more or ask for more from the bank? I'm not sure. With uncertainty all around I get the feeling that the smaller business is avoiding risk by holding onto what little cash reserves they have to avoid the vagaries of dealing with banking sector. Everyone in business I talk to has a negative tale about the banks at present. Getting an overdraft is anything but straight forward and the charges and securities involved out of touch with reality. A reduction in bank rate is one thing, a drastic change in the banks operational practices and attutde is another.