Arduous Byte Shop London board meeting and housekeeping issues at Comart before an evening meeting with Nigel Smith on microcomputer industry tactics as Cecil Parkinson gets caught out with his secretary
A dull day and early rendezvous at the factory with John Lamb for a drive down to London and the Byte Shop London Board meeting. The traffic was very heavy and delays frustrating but I had dropped my car off at Stevenage station so that John chauffeured me there. I caught up on a great deal of reading as a result. An arduous meeting with much confusion and complication over the Byte Shop administration systems with added personnel problems a complicating factor at London. Abruptly to finish the meeting before three and a fast train back to Stevenage and managed to write up the minutes on the way. They will never realise what clarity in minutes I manage to make out of the confused meetings I have to deal with.
A fast drive from Stevenage to the office and much concern over the poor standard of housekeeping and tidiness in the loading bay area. Derek Morgan was also having trouble in agreeing the terms for the agreement for taking over our new building lease and thus commencing work. An evening meeting Nigel Smith of Modus, the BMMG vice chairman, and to hatch up plans of several types. First to agree publicity on the BMMG victory we are encouraged to claim on the Duty Issue. Next to prepare a speech for Nigel to present on Alvey. Last to the future of the Federation and whether the BMMG has a role to play. Off to the Falcon for a drink together and I suggest to Nigel that he could take over the BMMG chairmanship when I have to retire in February.
To bed late and tired. News today of Cecil Parkinson’s affair with a former secretary who is now carrying his baby and of strong denials that he will have to resign which I am sure he will in the end.