You're Fired!

Love him or hate him, Lord Alan Sugar certainly knows how to get his opinion across. I have to say that I am a secret fan of the man, I love his tenacity and sheer bloody mindedness when it comes to getting things done. I do think it was a wrong move for the last government to appoint him as the new 'Business Tzar' simply because he is not a diplomat.  Then again, of course, running a business is not always about diplomacy - but government it seems most certainly is.  I also disagreed strongly with his views on business bank lending that was so well covered in the press.
 
I do agree with him, however, on one particular thing. He was recently quoted in Real Business commenting on Vince Cable’s ability to act as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and his ability to dictate to the UK's SME's what to do.  Lord Sugar is quoted as stating “He has never been in business or run a business. He has been an advisor or politician all his life. He has never touched the coalface. Frankly what does he know?”
 
On checking his credentials it is clear that once Cable had finished university back in the 60's he took up various posts advising on economics and finance both here and abroad and has never been in business himself. I think this does raise an important point in any government - simply that considering SME's are the backbone of the UK business economy should we not have a Minister who does have experience of business at shop floor level? Someone who understands that smothering our businesses in red tape and bullshit is actually suffocating and preventing us from doing what we do best.
 
This is not a political agenda of mine simply a point to consider for any government that comes along in the future, get your hands dirty and do some basic training or you might well hear those immortal words on the speaker system … “You're Fired”!

Lloyd James - CEO