in Europe with a strong worldwide export market. The family had been ahead of its time in developing a bond between the company and its workforce, promotions to board and senior management level were always from within, while recruitment was usually from relatives of current employees. With a pension fund and excellent working conditions, vacancies occurred only on death or retirement, at which time someone would move up a grade and a new apprentice recruited to ensure continuity in the future. The standards expected were high and the workforce did not disappoint the company.
The key personnel had been trained by Simon’s father and knew the business inside out, so when he was appointed managing director on his father’s retirement there was very little for him to do. At times Simon did wonder if the situation had been deliberately planned. His attendance at the factory although welcomed did slow down production, something he was aware of. His remedy was to tour the factory and adjacent offices only on the first Monday of the month when the board members discussed past results, putting any shortfall in either production or sales under the microscope. If necessary they revised the company’s approach to the forthcoming trading period, but it was only rarely that plans had to change.
Being just a figurehead did not bother Simon at all. His attendance at work made no difference to the end result. The staff at Colbournes still respected him, not just because of his name, or being managing director. He was liked for his personality and apparent interest in each individual. To Simon it was an enjoyable game, played with consummate ease. Prior to any factory visit he would call the company secretary for an update on all he needed to know about the state of the business and relevant personnel issues. Using his computer, he would tap into the company’s financial files from home so could talk knowledgably with the senior managers on turnover, profit levels, and stock holding. This always came after his enquiries about their families had been answered. This interest also extended to the general workforce. If he heard of an individual with a problem which he could help resolve, he would do it as his father, grandfather and great grandfather had done in the past. There were no personnel problems at Colbournes with this working atmosphere. The company was a safe ship progressing well on a calm sea, even though the captain spent very little time on the bridge. The highly skilled crew knew their jobs, and interference free, were happy and contented. So the business and its committed workforce continued to enjoy success.
One piece of company business Simon never missed was the annual trade fair at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham where Colbournes always had a stand, the results contributing to both the annual turnover and the company’s reputation.
The appeal to Simon was not furniture, but Sonia Breckmayer, an attractive American Buyer making her annual visit to restock her company’s stores. They had established a relationship over a five year period which always led to mutual pleasure and an exhausting three days. To the company’s advantage, she always filled her order book which Simon accepted as an additional bonus.
Bridget’s meal was its usual cordon bleu standard as he knew it would be. In the morning he would mention it to Dan who would be sure to pass the message on to Bridget. Moving into his study, he poured himself a gin and tonic and relaxed. It had been a good day at work. With the second gin and tonic his thoughts turned to Sonia. Less than two weeks to go before he would see her in Birmingham. It wasn’t necessary to book a room, he would share hers as he had done on previous occasions.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The e-mail had come as a blow. Sonia Breckmayer would not be coming to the U.K. for the exhibition as her mother had been taken ill and had been rushed into hospital. This had happened on the day
The key personnel had been trained by Simon’s father and knew the business inside out, so when he was appointed managing director on his father’s retirement there was very little for him to do. At times Simon did wonder if the situation had been deliberately planned. His attendance at the factory although welcomed did slow down production, something he was aware of. His remedy was to tour the factory and adjacent offices only on the first Monday of the month when the board members discussed past results, putting any shortfall in either production or sales under the microscope. If necessary they revised the company’s approach to the forthcoming trading period, but it was only rarely that plans had to change.
Being just a figurehead did not bother Simon at all. His attendance at work made no difference to the end result. The staff at Colbournes still respected him, not just because of his name, or being managing director. He was liked for his personality and apparent interest in each individual. To Simon it was an enjoyable game, played with consummate ease. Prior to any factory visit he would call the company secretary for an update on all he needed to know about the state of the business and relevant personnel issues. Using his computer, he would tap into the company’s financial files from home so could talk knowledgably with the senior managers on turnover, profit levels, and stock holding. This always came after his enquiries about their families had been answered. This interest also extended to the general workforce. If he heard of an individual with a problem which he could help resolve, he would do it as his father, grandfather and great grandfather had done in the past. There were no personnel problems at Colbournes with this working atmosphere. The company was a safe ship progressing well on a calm sea, even though the captain spent very little time on the bridge. The highly skilled crew knew their jobs, and interference free, were happy and contented. So the business and its committed workforce continued to enjoy success.
One piece of company business Simon never missed was the annual trade fair at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham where Colbournes always had a stand, the results contributing to both the annual turnover and the company’s reputation.
The appeal to Simon was not furniture, but Sonia Breckmayer, an attractive American Buyer making her annual visit to restock her company’s stores. They had established a relationship over a five year period which always led to mutual pleasure and an exhausting three days. To the company’s advantage, she always filled her order book which Simon accepted as an additional bonus.
Bridget’s meal was its usual cordon bleu standard as he knew it would be. In the morning he would mention it to Dan who would be sure to pass the message on to Bridget. Moving into his study, he poured himself a gin and tonic and relaxed. It had been a good day at work. With the second gin and tonic his thoughts turned to Sonia. Less than two weeks to go before he would see her in Birmingham. It wasn’t necessary to book a room, he would share hers as he had done on previous occasions.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The e-mail had come as a blow. Sonia Breckmayer would not be coming to the U.K. for the exhibition as her mother had been taken ill and had been rushed into hospital. This had happened on the day
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