WHAT can you give the man who has everything?

It's a question that might have vexed the organisers of Cobbetts Young Professionals' Hallowe'en Ball, which was held at the Alea Casino, in Clarence Dock, Leeds.

The guest list included Carl Hopkins, the former managing director of direct-mail group JDA, who has recently achieved national fame as one of the stars of Channel Four's Secret Millionaire series.

The Brighouse-based millionaire joined other guests in making a donation to The Alzheimer's Association for the chance to win a suit from Yorkshire tailor Hemingway Tailors.

Carl couldn't believe his luck when his name was pulled out of the hat.

Toby Luper, of Hemingway Tailors, said: "Having watched
Carl live on £63 per week and donate £42,000 of his personal fortune on Secret Millionaire, this suit is well-deserved."

Numbers game

Chartered accountants could find themselves in demand during a recession as firms pay closer attention than ever to their
cash flow.

But it seems some accountants may be a little reluctant to come out of their shells.

A Leeds marketing consultancy has been invited to address
the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales on the perils of failing to market themselves effectively.

Brighter Marketing, based in Thorpe Park, Leeds, will today
hold a workshop called How to Maximise Your Marketing Potential, at the Red Rooms, West One, in Leeds.

Partners Siobhan Lees and Jo Morley will be helping the members of the ICAEW to become more adept at selling themselves.

"Our aim is to help members increase their marketing knowledge and discover what marketing can – and can't – do for them," said Siobhan.

"We will help them save time by learning how to use marketing tools to their advantage, connect effectively with their clients and prospective clients and ultimately gain confidence in this vital sector of their business."

Hooked on Peter Pan
As the panto season draws closer, many people dream of treading the boards.

A senior member of staff at property firm Bruntwood really got into the festive spirit last week.

Bruntwood is sponsoring West Yorkshire Playhouse's production of Peter Pan. To show his support, Bruntwood's head of sales and development, Craig Burrow, stepped into Captain Hook's boots – quite literally.

He raised a few eyebrows as he strode around the Leeds theatre while dressed as a pirate, but visitors should have been grateful that he didn't try to emulate the murderous Macbeth. "The Scottish play" was one of the productions sponsored in the past by Bruntwood at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

If you have a story for the
Business Diary, email: bernard.ginns@ypn.co.uk