Business Diary: July 3

For example, it provided translators who were fluent in Haitian Creole following the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Throughout the world there are campaigns to save endangered languages, and Global Lingo supports them. It has now become a group member of the Yorkshire Dialect Society.

The society, which was established in 1897 by Professor Joseph Wright, aims to promote all that is great about Yorkshire’s dialect.

Richard Michie, the director of Marketing for Global Lingo, told Diary: “The Yorkshire Dialect Society is not a comedy group, akin to a Monty Python sketch. They do a very important job, ensuring that the heritage of Yorkshire and its people is preserved through its dialect. It’s a cause which is very close to my heart as a born and bred Yorkshireman.

“I’m from Sheffield originally and you only have to travel a few miles to Rotherham to notice a distinct change in the words and phrases used.

“Recognising and capturing these differences is just as important as saving what are thought of as more exotic languages. But because the Yorkshire Dialect is right under our noses, it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. By joining the Yorkshire Dialect Society we hope to help correct that.”

Here, from Global Lingo, is a classic, and timely example, of Yorkshire dialect: It strikes me as bein queer at fowk at’s allus buyin bargains dooan’t get rich hawf as fast as them at sell em.

Translation: It strikes me as odd that people that are always buying bargains don’t get rich half as fast as those that sell them.

Core values

THERE’s more to Yorkshire’s musical heritage than you might expect.

Bev Wills, the Leeds-born lead singer and lyricist for the Miami-based rock band Core Critical, is receiving support from a host of Yorkshire businesses for his eBook The Life Trilogy.

The book features the words from all 33 of the band’s original songs.

Although based in the US, Mr Wills is still proud of his roots. The Yorkshire Society is among those sponsoring the project.

Chairman Keith Madeley told Diary: “We are proud to support a great Yorkshire artist. We exist to showcase Yorkshire to the world and this fits our remit perfectly. Given the global following of his band, it is anticipated that the book will be downloaded in more than 20 countries.”

Other companies who are backing the project include The Insurance Partnership, Clarion Solicitors, Yoozoom Telecom, Intrinsic Technology and Bob Denman, the On Course Bookmakers.

The Greatest contract

A major exhibition is being held to celebrate the 70th birthday of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.

And a Yorkshire firm, Cause UK, has been commissioned to help promote and seek sponsors for the event. In the Rings with Ali will showcase photographs, paintings, audio and video installations, poetry and memorabilia from his life.

The opening private view later this month will bring together leading members of the British, American and Dutch Olympic teams.

Muhammad Ali’s brother Rahaman Ali will also make an appearance at the launch, and it is anticipated Ronnie Scott’s will provide entertainment with Tayo Hendrix – the daughter of Jimi Hendrix – and Joe Cang.

The exhibition will be open to the public from July 20-26 and August 13-28. It’s hoped, health permitting, Muhammad Ali will also attend.

Clair Challenor-Chadwick, managing director of Cause UK, which specialises in PR, event management and fund-raising for charities, social enterprises and ethical business, said: “It says a lot for Yorkshire talent when a major London event seeks our help to make such a globally important exhibition a success.”

Cold comforts

All the journalists used to laugh at Asda’s decision to hold its Christmas preview party in July.

Asda would have to ship in dozens of air conditioning units while the assembled hacks would quaff mulled wine and neck a full roast dinner with all the trimmings. Unfortunately, the vagaries of the British summer mean that tonight’s 2012 Asda Christmas Showcase might warm us all up a bit.

Asda’s chief executive Andy Clarke will be giving us an exclusive viewing of the Leeds-based supermarket’s plans to make this Christmas “extra special” with a “sumptuous tasting dinner”.

Diary just hopes they’ve left the air conditioners behind this year.