Sir Alan Sugar is to be made a Lord. Some say he will be terrific for championing small and medium sized businesses. Others are less keen. David Buik from BGC Partners joined me to discuss the big news stories of the week. He’s very keen on talent staying in business, so seems to think that Andy Hornby’s potential appointment by KKR, the owners of Alliance Boots is a good one. I’m less certain that bringing politicians back who have been disgraced or business people who have failed should be supported. I’m afraid it doesn’t set a good precedent. David is also encouraged that the markets - although they may be flat for a while - should recover towards the end of the year.
Then, with the European election results almost upon us, I was joined by Richard Hislop from the Federation of Small Business who is not only supportive of Sir Alan’s appointment but also hopes he will get business finance flowing. And Gareth Elliot from the British Chambers of Commerce www.britishchambers.org.uk joined me to discuss the impact of Europe on doing business. He thinks that gold plating of legislation and employment law needs to be tackled to help small businesses. And Simon Pitkeathley of Camden Town Unlimited www.camdentownunlimited.com thinks that red tape for small business needs to be removed.
By the way. If you are interested in business… “Cashpoint” is LBC 97.3’s monthly business podcast and this month’s guest is James Caan from Dragon’s Den. And on “Buy It Sell It Rent It” this month’s guest is George Clarke from Channel 4’s The Home Show.
OH! And if you wasn’t to hear an exclusive interview with Margaret Mountford… it will be posted on my page on Monday evening!