Grumpy day in the office correcting staff laxity before I start the anti-IBM campaign and the Russians call off the strategic arms limitation talks in Geneva
Up early and to the office, telling off three employees for lateness and June for not securing the reception area. Also to lecture her for not supporting me as well as I needed to bring the company round. I have decided that firmness will be the order of the day from now on as next year will be a tough challenge and 8.30-5.00pm will be no good.
The mail and other paperwork before the arrival of Alistair Jacks, MD and Chairman of BOS Software. A long session including lunch to create rapport and unity of purpose in tackling jointly the opportunities that the future can provide. Afternoon phone calls to all manner of contacts to start the lobbying process. I am set against IBM joining the CCTA preferred list because that development would foretell the end of many British Manufacturers in early 1984. I intend to harness the help of the CCTA contacts, DTI, NCC and anyone else I can to keep the UK industry alive. A busy session with Derek Morgan in late afternoon to brief him on the Business Plan and our campaign for survival. A late evening clearing my desk and paperwork. I checked the petty cash and vouchers today as the first occasion of many. Home tired and not very well and another evening of duck husbandry, haste and correction of Daniel’s borrowing habits. A much milder day today thankfully with light rain in the evening. Early to bed. News today of further concern on the Irish murders and in Geneva, the Russians have called off the strategic arms limitation talks as well.