Business Diary: September 21

MORE than a decade ago, the women of Rylstone WI started a trend by stripping for a charity calendar.

Now young business people from Yorkshire hope to emulate their success by disrobing for a good cause.

Members of JCI (Junior Chamber International) Leeds have decided to pose, wearing nothing but nets, to raise cash for a United Nations campaign to halt the spread of malaria.

The cheap nets can protect children from mosquitoes.

Julia Goodfellow-Smith, of JCI Leeds, told Diary: "At the moment, every 30 seconds, a child in Africa dies from malaria – a disease which is both preventable and treatable. That's the same number of children who die each year as the entire population of Leeds. Our message is simple; one calendar can save one life.

"For just $10, a family of four can sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net, safe from malaria, for four to five years. Nets are a simple, life-saving solution and for every calendar we sell, we can buy a net and save someone's life."

In 2008, Junior Chamber International (JCI) established JCI Nothing but Nets in partnership with the United Nations Foundation to provide JCI members with the chance to take action against malaria through education and fundraising.

For further details about JCI's activities, visit www.jcileeds.org.uk

The calendar is being launched on Wednesday, October 6, from 6pm, at O'Rourke Reid, which is based at 17-19 York Place, in Leeds.

Salt in the wounds

IT wasn't quite the publicity Asda was hoping for on the eve of its much-awaited "Food Quality and Innovation" briefing in the City today.

The launch of the "Crispwich" has been dubbed "the saddest product of the year" by shoppers on internet chatrooms.

The 60p snack consist of four slices of buttered white bread and a packet of ready salted crisps.

The Leeds-based supermarket has launched the limited edition product as part of its "old school offer".

But it could be worse. The other "retro favourites" on offer include corned beef and pickle or jam and fish finger sandwiches.

Perhaps this wasn't what new chief executive Andy Clarke had in mind for his innovative new take on quality food.

Wing and a prayer

THERE are many situations which can lead to people offering a quick prayer but taking to the skies is often top of the list.

Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA) has recognised this by introducing a new chaplaincy service at the airport.

The Rev Nick Baker of Guiseley Methodist Church will be coordinating this pastoral role for both staff and passengers at Leeds Bradford.

The Chaplaincy is available to anyone, regardless of faith or belief and will provide confidential support, care and counselling for the airport community.

Mr Baker, who worked in local government finance before becoming a minister 14 years ago, said: "I hope the new service will provide pastoral and spiritual care and guidance to all who work at the airport and for all those who travel through it, irrespective of faith or religious belief."

Flying high

AVIATION entrepreneur Bryan Huxford did not want to disclose how much he paid for Air Southwest, the subsidiary of Sutton Harbour Group.

"I'm a close to my chest card player," he told Diary. He did disclose his age though – a grand 71. He added: "If you think positively you will be youthful."

Crest of a wave

FOR many people summer is about lying on the beach and paddling in the warm sea – but not for one Yorkshire businessman.

Tom Bottomley, a director at specialist financial services insurance firm MMS, based in Farsley, near Leeds, decided to take to the North Sea instead and last week swam seven miles for charity to raise much needed funds for an independent lifeboat on the North Yorkshire coast.

He trained for a year to complete the solo open water swim and has smashed his target of 3,000 towards the annual running costs of the Runswick Bay Rescue Boat in North Yorkshire.

Mr Bottomley, 41, who is one of several volunteer helmsmen who crew the privately funded lifeboat, swam from the sands of Runswick Bay around the coast to Whitby.

He said: "The swim went really well on the day, achieving my best case expectation of just over three hours."

For more information, visit www.justgiving.com/runswickto

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