Business Diary: March 15

Networking in the City (NITC) is holding its first Leeds event next month. The lunch, at the Aagrah restaurant, is sponsored by Leeds-based Ford & Warren Solicitors, and follows similar sessions in Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh.

Steve Kettle, NITC director, who built the foundations of the curry club in the North-West, said the lunch would be a chance to network in a relaxed environment.

“Our aim is to bring together key decision-makers with local businesses to raise awareness of opportunities, encourage discussion and help keep business thriving.

“Our events attract key speakers from throughout the construction, finance and property sectors, allowing our members to discuss key topics and issues while socialising and having a good time.”

The first event is on Wednesday, April 6, and future lunches will be held on the first Wednesday of every month.

To book a place, go to www.networkinginthecity.co.uk or call 0161 613 9183.

Naked truth for anglers

Spare a thought for the Yorkshire printing firm who had the most ghastly of apologies to make when a reader of a fishing magazine telephoned to complain that the latest issue contained images of naked men in a variety of, shall we say, provocative poses.

Naturally, the images came as quite a shock to a gent more interested in the noble pursuit of angling.

It turns out that the rogue pages were destined for a magazine aimed at the gay community.

We’ll spare the blushes of the printers, but just one thought – were readers keen on seeing pictures of blokes in the altogether disappointed to find themselves looking at fish?

Simon’s happy days

A RETURN to Hull University this week brought back lots of memories for Simon Calver, chief executive of online DVD rental firm Lovefilm.

Calver, who graduated from there with a degree in computer science in 1985, visited the business school to deliver a lecture as part of the university’s World of Work week.

Some memories were rather more blurred than others, however. “I remember my initiation into the rugby team,” he said, but declined to go into detail. He added: “I was a rugby and sports player. It was an incredibly friendly place and I think of the time I had at Hull with great fondness. It’s a great university.”

Banker wields axe

NEW Lloyds Banking Group chief executive is fast making a name for himself as a ruthless operator.

Just days after the departure of chief executive Eric Daniels, his replacement, Antonio Horta-Osorio, announced the bank’s insurance and retail bosses are following Mr Daniels out of the door.

Archie Kane is retiring, and retail director Helen Weir, who is responsible for the Halifax brand, is leaving for pastures new.

In a note entitled “The Axeman Cometh”, Exane BNP Paribas analysts highlighted the speed at which Mr Horta-Osorio, the former Santander UK chief executive, has moved to replace the old guard.

At Lloyds’s recent 2010 results briefing, where Mr Horta-Osorio was conspicuous by his absence, Mrs Weir was spotted clutching a large Halifax mug. But that wasn’t enough to prevent her becoming Mr Horta-Osorio’s latest victim just days later.

Flights of fancy

With April Fools’ Day round the corner, flight price comparison website Cheapflights.co.uk has drawn up a list of the top most comical airline April Fools pranks of all time.

Nadine Hallak, at Cheapflights, said: “Travellers pay attention; when it comes to April Fools, some airlines are notorious for their practical jokes, so be on the lookout for fantasy flights, false fares, and other foolish fun.”

At the top of the list is Virgin, which ran ads for on-board tanning services along with half-price fares for standing room only, which more than 1,000 people attempted to book.

American Airlines claimed to be launching a solar-powered aircraft that produced zero emissions for transatlantic flights.

This miracle craft was even pictured, resembling more of a spaceship than a plane, offering a range of bars, restaurants, private suites, and even a golf course.

British Airways has claimed that boss Willie Walsh would serve as a specialist flight attendant, providing shoe-polishing services to passengers.