Business Eye: Salesman no thanks, commando is better
If you accept that being great at sales offers you a serious business edge over your competition, the question arises as to what it takes to become a ‘Sales A Player’, which we might define as being...
View ArticleMatt Adcock at the cinema: Fifty Shades Of Grey review
The worldwide mass selling, morally vapid cultural phenomenon about a messed up abusive relationship makes the jump from ropey novel to money-spinning movie.The plot of Fifty Shades Of Grey follows...
View Article“Government opposes Vale breakaway bid – so why waste money on business case?”
The government says it would oppose any move by Aylesbury Vale District Council to break away from the rest of Bucks, meaning taxpayers’ money could be ‘potentially wasted’ on developing the case for...
View ArticleChildren’s service still ‘significantly’ behind on key performance targets
There is still ‘significant progress’ to be made bringing Bucks’ failing childrens service up to scratch, according to the new man in charge of the department.In a report to county councillors, David...
View ArticleUnemployment rises in Vale for first time in a year
The number of people claiming job seeker’s allowance in Aylesbury has risen for the first time in a year, increasing by 66 to stand at 910, or 0.8% of the working-age population.However, the January...
View ArticleFarming Matters: Dangers of sky lanterns
Chinese New Year is celebrated today, but if anyone is thinking of releasing sky lanterns to recognise the event, the NFU is asking them to reconsider.Sky lanterns, which undeniably look so very...
View ArticleGeoff Cox’s DVD reviews: Mr Turner; This Is Where I Leave You; Serena; Love,...
Mike Leigh’s biopic of British artist J.M.W. Turner is a beautifully drawn portrait and some might even consider it his best film to date.MR TURNER (12: Entertainment One) focuses on the painter’s last...
View ArticleBusiness Eye: Conquering the art of sales mastery
In recent weeks we’ve been exploring the importance of selling. You were probably just re-selling yourself over Valentine’s weekend and a sales roadshow will be headed to your front door shortly in the...
View ArticleEducation Eye: Scholarships at independent schools
Queries that regularly come my way at this time of year are those surrounding the perceived mystery of scholarships at independent schools.What are they, what’s the difference and how do parents go...
View ArticleMatt Adcock at the cinema: Blackhat review
Hackers, eh? A very current threat, writes Matt Adcock.Not content with just irritating disruptors of gaming networks or dodgy thieving from financial institutions, what if they started blowing up...
View ArticleControversial taxi penalty points scheme to continue despite protests
A controversial penalty points system for taxi drivers introduced in November will continue despite protests from the trade.Points are given to drivers by Aylesbury Vale District Council for...
View ArticleUPDATED: Driver airlifted to hospital after crashing into tree
A 42-year-old man remains in hospital with head injuries after he was cut from his car after hitting a tree. Police, fire and ambulance services rushed to the scene on East Claydon Road, Winslow, just...
View ArticleGeoff Cox’s DVDs: Nightcrawler, The Imitation Game, The Hundred-Foot Journey
A cynical petty crook is inspired when he sees a freelance camera crew and decides to go into business filming crime scenes and accidents in NIGHTCRAWLER (15: Entertainment One).He sells the footage to...
View ArticleGrammar schools call for better funding
An alliance of grammar schools is fighting formore funding to relieve pressure on their teachers. Aylesbury High, Aylesbury Grammar, the Royal Latin and Sir Henry Floyd grammar schools have jointly...
View ArticleFarming Matters: New man at the cattle market
A new fieldsman and assistant auctioneer is coming to Thame Market, and his intention is to expand the area the market serves.Alex Moss, 36, currently works as a sales rep for Kent Wool Growers in...
View ArticleBusiness Eye: What makes a great leader?
I’m often asked what makes a great leader or a superb manager.The answer is simple and so often ignored. Recruit highly effective people and focus all your energies into helping smooth their way. Hire...
View ArticleEducation Eye: Bursaries can help your child when money is tight
In follow up to last week’s thoughts on scholarships, I thought it might be useful to address bursaries.Diversity across the state school sector allows more choice than ever. In Bucks we are lucky to...
View ArticleMatt Adcock at the cinema: It Follows review
Meet lovely young 19-year-old Jay (Maika Monroe). She’s scared for her life and for good reason, writes Matt Adcock. Jay has been ‘marked’ after having sex with her new boyfriend Hugh (Jake Weary) and...
View ArticleBusiness Eye: Bosses can learn a lot from Mozart’s genius
This week I’m writing to you from the heart of Vienna, renowned not only as the City of Dreams after Sigmund Freud but as the City of Music because of its musical legacy, including the wonders of...
View ArticleGeoff Cox’s DVD reviews: My Old Lady; The Skeleton Twins; The Hunger Games:...
Maggie Smith makes the most of the success of TV’s Downton Abbey by playing another wealthy dowager in comedy drama MY OLD LADY (12: Curzon).The stiff upper lip of her character, Madame Girard,...
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