All of a flutter
THE Scottish boss of betting giant Ladbrokes, in the news this week over the company's possible merger with Gala Coral Group, believes the importance of having a flutter to cultural life is not as appreciated as it should be.
In his first interview since becoming chief executive in April, Jim Mullen said: "I genuinely feel that betting is part of popular culture. I think it is as important as other industries like the National Trust and the National Theatre, because more people actually come through our shops and engage in our products than [engage in] those other products. At the weekend it's such an essential part of our popular pastime.
"I'm absolutely proud to say it's that important to Scottish and British culture. And part of my legacy will be to grow that position, so people will say they are proud to work for Ladbrokes or even one of our competitors. That's how passionately I feel about it."
Science soup
WE sympathised with Mark Smedley, president of Europe, Middle East and Africa of Thermo Fisher Scientific, when asked by this unscientific correspondent to explain in very simple terms the pioneering drug manufacturing technology it employs at its new facility in Inchinnan.
The life sciences giant has invested £14 million to develop a facility in Renfrewshire allowing it to carry out Advanced Granulation Technology. The technique reduces the amount of components needed for cell culture manufacturing.
Mr Smedley said: "We make the tastiest powdered soup - just add hot water and you're off to cell factory."
Ainsley Harriot, you'd better watch out.
Computer love
HAVING worked in betting shops while a student in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Lanarkshire, and with betting part of his family culture, Jim Mullen admits "he could not have imagined" that he would one day rise to the top job at Ladbrokes.
But he admits his mother is not completely sure what he does for a living. Mr Mullen, who makes regular trips to Scotland to visit his mother and brother, said: "My mum actually still thinks I work in computers!
"She's always advising all my nephews "you should get into computers, look how well Jim does".
"It's funny when you distil it down [because] it is true - I did not bad."
Father's Day mishap
THE Friends of Classic Malts team at Diageo were left a little red-faced after running a competition for a "father and son" to win a trip to the Cardhu distillery on Speyside.
The initial promotional email for the Father's Day offer was quickly followed by another, clarifying that the offer was open to everyone - even daughters.
"We at the Friends of Classic Malts team can only apologise for any upset this has caused," the company wrote.
Ouch.
Witches' brew
BREWDOG co-founder James Watt is no fun of new age business philosophies, it would appear.
With characteristic honesty, and humour, the craft beer chief tweeted: "I don't like: motivational speakers, business advisors, management consultants & social media gurus. We should burn them all, like witches."
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