Business Diary: October 1

Perhaps his body language provides the answer.

Apparently, there are commercial benefits to be derived from gaining an insight into the fine art of neuro-linguistic programming – or NLP.

According to author Jeremy Lazarus, intelligent use of NLP can help you get a head start in business.

In a new book – NLP for Business Success – he describes how everyone can unleash their potential at work by being aware of what they say, how they say it and how they listen to what others say and do.

Diary believes that there’s much to be said for keeping an eye on your colleague’s behaviour, especially if you want to safeguard your milk supply in the fridge.

Where there’s a will...

THE perils of life in 21st century Britain can, it seems, be brought to life by a costume drama from a vanished age.

According to a press release that arrived in Diary’s inbox, the plot of the ITV drama Downton Abbey would have been very different if somebody inside the stately home had dispatched their butler in search of a lawyer.

Lady Mary Crawley’s husband Matthew – the hero and heir to the family estate – died in a car crash at the end of the last series of the ITV drama without having made a will.

The new season of Downton Abbey has shown some of the difficulties facing his widow as she struggles to get her affairs in order.

It might have been a very different story, if somebody at the Abbey had spoken to the legal team from Higgs & Sons, or perhaps their early 20th century equivalent.

Ian Bond, a partner in Higgs’ private client team, said although rules had changed since the 1922 setting of Downton, the central message remained the same.

“Mary received only a portion of what she might have otherwise expected to inherit because Matthew died without a will. And although rules have changed significantly since 1922, it is still a major problem when it happens today,” he said.

When it comes to managing your affairs, some lessons are timeless.

The winning formula

GETTING the right blend of experience, enthusiasm and motivation is the recipe for successful teamwork, both in sport and business, according to Bantams boss, Phil Parkinson.

The Bradford City manager faced questions from Bradford Professionals’ Network at Valley Parade.

Parallels were drawn between running a business and a football team. One of the toughest parts of the manager’s job, said Phil, was delivering short-term results while also building a long-term legacy – a challenge which can exist in business as well as sport.

The event was chaired by Linda Hollings, from architects Rance Booth Smith. She said: “It was good to hear from those directly involved just how well the club has bounced back from some of its recent bad and sad episodes.

“The knowledge and enthusiasm for the club came through from both speakers, while the responses to questions provided a deeper insight into the club and the challenges faced.

“People are keen for more success now, of course, and it will be interesting to see the club’s progress going forward.”

Flying on the edge

As the poet Philip Larkin observed, Hull is on the edge, always facing out- wards.

So it was hardly surprising that the latest Hull & Humber Chamber Speed Networking and Network Lunch was devoted to global trade.

Sponsored by Humberside Airport and SAS Airlines, the airport’s commercial director, Paul Litten, told members about the new services to Denmark, Sweden and Norway which Scandinavian Airlines are starting on October 28.

Mr Litten said: “Humberside Airport is looking forward to more holiday flights and more scheduled flights as it continues to expand.

“If Hull’s City of Culture bid for 2017 is successful, the airport will also play its part in bringing business and tourist travellers into the region.”

Mr Litten said that 9,000 people flew to Shanghai and Beijing from the airport last year, so there are significant opportunities for growth.

There’s a good chance that more consumers will head to Hull, with big spending plans.

He told the audience: “We are seeing a big increase in business traffic and lots more tourist traffic, and with the airport being only 25 minutes’ driving time from Hull, it’s far more convenient than travelling to some larger airports – and if you book in advance, it can be very inexpensive”.