Malt mates

DISTILLERY boss Mark Reynier is gone but not forgotten as far as his former colleagues at Bruichladdich on Islay are concerned.

Mr Reynier, whose team sold the Islay distiller to Remy Cointreau in 2012, recently bought two stills from Bruichladdich for the whiskey distillery he is setting up in Waterford, Ireland.

The purchase is a significant boost to Mr Reynier's plans, given the estimated three to six-year waiting list for those looking to buy new whisky stills.

Bruichladdich spokesman Carl Reavey said Mr Reynier remains in close contact with his old friends on Islay. "I haven't spoken to him since yesterday!" Mr Reavey quipped.

Say it with... a Post-it note

IT is often the simple things that count in business.

So says Bob Ferguson from public speaking body Toastmasters International, who has stressed how important it is for managers to give staff positive feedback in a written format.

Mr Ferguson quotes the wisdom contained in the book Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who suggests that staff are likely to smile, straighten their back and feel a sense of pride when someone conveys their thanks and appreciate on a post-it note.

One suspects the smile would be even wider if it's accompanied by a pay rise.

Setting sail

EVEN the most experienced public relations consultant can be subject to spin and speculation. Marjorie Calder's recent decision to leave BIG Partnership led to a rumour she was planning to sail the Atlantic.

While she does intend to do some sailing over the summer she admitted a major seafaring voyage may be a step too far and added: "They haven't seen the boat. I might make it to Rothesay."

Cool riders

NICE to see cycling clothing company Endura keeping a sense of humour about its technical innovations.

The Livingston based firm has provided the kit for the Movistar team at the Tour de France.

Endura quipped that "despite being based in Scotland, where it's a good summer's day if the outside world reaches room temperature" it has successfully found a new way to make sure the materials used were cooler for riders.

Days of decadence

WITH crowds of 6000, live music from Twin Atlantic, and more craft beer than you can shake a stick at, few companies roll out the red carpet for investors quite like BrewDog at their annual meetings.

But one investor has noted that other listed Scottish firms can be hospitable, too.

The veteran shareholder, who declined to be named, recalled that one business several years ago had handed out free ties, while another dished our miniature, branded rugby balls.

Decadent times indeed.