Down to a tea

Down to a tea

THE Bank of England's executive director for financial stability, Andy Haldane (left), demonstrated his mastery of figures in his speech to mark the 20th anniversary of the Bank's Commercial Property Forum.

Noting that it met for the first time on July 28, 1993, he said: "Since then, the forum has met around 80 times.

The Forum has drawn on around 300 experts from across various sectors.

"By my reckoning, they have drunk over 1500 cups of tea or coffee and eaten over 2000 biscuits.

"I cannot think of a Bank committee whose caffeine and calorific intake could surpass the forum's."

Nothing like coffee and biscuits to oil the wheels of commerce, eh?

Credit where it's due

SCOTT Williams (left), co-owner of micro brewer Williams Bros, feels Tennent's Lager sometimes does not get the credit it is due in terms of its contribution to Scottish brewing history.

Commenting on Williams' plans to develop a brewery and visitor centre in partnership with Tennent's in Glasgow's east end this year, he noted that brewing has taken place in the lager giant's Wellpark site since the 11th century.

But there is a limit to how much the co-founder of Fraoch Heather Ale and other craft beers is willing to promote Scotland's biggest lager brand.

Mr Williams said: "It's probably not considered with the respect it might be due... not that I'm advocating people drink Tennent's, of course!"

Crystal ball

AT the turn of the year, journalists like to turn to experts for insight into what to expect in the months ahead.

Paul Carter, partner at law firm Dundas & Wilson, seemed particularly confident about his thoughts on real estate.

"Commercial property transactions continued to increase during the last two quarters of 2014, and that trend looks set to keep going," he reported.

The Bottom Line wonders if he has any tips for the horse racing.