Living in the ‘80s

IT sounds like the concept behind a reality television series. John Scott, managing director of Scottish recruitment firm FPS (First People Solutions), is challenging staff at its Glasgow and Edinburgh offices to go back to the 1980s today – and that means no internet, email, social media or mobile phones.

Mr Scott, who began his career in the ‘80s, is running the experiment to encourage staff to be more imaginative and creative in their roles – and less reliant on technology.

We’d love to write more about it, but we’re too busy looking at Twitter.

Wid’ ye believe it

HE spent more than a decade working with numbers. Now former finance manager Ewan Ogilvie is turning his hand to an altogether more artisanal career – literally.

After holding roles such as principal finance manager at the City of Edinburgh Council, Mr Ogilvie withdrew from the rat face to study at the prestigious Chippendale International School of Furniture in East Lothian. In 2013 he qualified as a cabinet maker and then launched his own business, hand crafting kitchens and furniture from natural wood. Ogilvies of Haddington is now working in collaboration with Jeffreys Interiors, providing woodwork and restoration services to its client base.

Mr Ogilvie, pictured, said: “I have been working with clients across Scotland since I launched Ogilvies of Haddington but this new collaboration with Jeffreys Interiors is expanding my business into new horizons. It’s already become a very positive and creative working relationship.”

Bah humbug!

WHAT’S the surest sign that the Christmas preparations are starting too early?

Why it’s the arrival of a press release telling us what people dislike most about Christmas, of course.

Research released by technology provider First Data this week informs us that the top bugbears for Scots shoppers are long queues and loud festive music. Others voiced their concerns about the service provided by independent stores. Nearly half (44 per cent) of those surveyed said they prefer not to shop in independent stores because they fear they will not have the item they are looking for in stock, or will be able to get as good a deal as they might in bigger shops.

But it’s not all bah humbug. Almost three-quarters (71 per cent) said they like seeing businesses get into the Christmas spirit, though 23 per cent hate hearing the same song on repeat.

The bad news for disgruntled consumers is that there are still more than 40 days of this to endure.

Little helpers

STILL on Christmas, Evans Halshaw is doing its bit to get festive.

The car dealer has launched a “Check and Treat” service for drivers in the Falkirk area. Not only is the “25 point visual health check” designed to assurance motorists their cars are equipped for the winter, drivers can also choose from coffee cake, cinema tickets or headphones as part of the £25 offer.

It is unclear whether the mechanics will be dressed as elves.