17th December 2008 - Business in Berkshire News

It's Christmas time but it doesn't really feel like it yet... WHY?

We went to Charlie's School Christmas play yesterday and I enjoyed it more than previous years (he's 9 now). In some of the others he's had speaking parts which were potentially "more important" but this one had a bit of extra magic. And I think the difference was I know more of the lads now, not just through his mates hanging around the house but with my football coach (some would say bus) hat on. I also refrained from taking a camera of any description which meant I could relax and watch it not simply record never to see it again!

One of his mates played Angel Gabriel with magnificent golden wings and it made me smile because the 'Gabriel' I know is more like a Golden Eagle, fast, powerful and agile both on and off the pitch! 'Joseph' managed to take me out more times than I did him last week at Laser Quest and one of the wise men was boxing in our hall with a shepherd the other week and she's a girl!! I didn't recognise many of the younger kids as Charlie is our youngest but already in his last year at that school. Chloe at 13 is now at Windsor Girls, so no school play for parents, as far as we know! There was one little Santa who I recognised as he's the spit of his older brother who is always smiling... that'll be R Smiley Nialley's little brother Kian, who we hope to see over the Christmas season and enjoy a festive glass of coke or two.

This morning I'll be at Mary's breakfast, followed by a lunch, so only a pound or two being gained. Ali will be managing the production of today's news along with Barry who is the technology backbone to our world. Thanks Barry for all your help this year.

So the festive season is on us but we can't celebrate too hastily as we are waiting on some key accounts to pay their way before we can breathe a sigh of relief as another year's tax bill and end of year VAT is signed off and we can plan how to invest the £4.27 that's left over!

I'd like to make a plea on behalf of small businesses everywhere. If you owe money to another business then please settle the outstanding debt before you break up for Christmas and make the recipient's holiday a happy one!

I would really love to start 2009 with the landing of a significant deal. We have one of the most powerful online marketing solutions in the country and it is probably time we took it to those who are selling stuff online. They understand the value of the Internet and so the sales process should be simpler as they have gone through the learning curve to get to where they are. What we can do is significantly increase the levels of enquiry the retailer is getting... so they sell more stuff!

We'd particularly like to hear from businesses based in Berkshire who are selling stuff manufactured in the UK as this would have the most significant impact on the economy as a whole. If you know a local manufacturer of something then please connect us so we can get Berkshire on track and we can help Gordon save the world!

We're taking a break over Christmas so there will be no newsletters for a couple of weeks. We may send out random one's if we feel the vibe but essentially that's it for 2008. Below is a link to a couple of super special offers that you can take advantage of this month... thank you for listening... see you in the New Year!

December Super Special Offers