Successful bank meeting as Barclays Manager and his assistant visit and agree to our demands before a have a lunchtime Byte Shop review meeting with Peter King and a difficult afternoon review and appraisal with Ian Nickson. Thatcher is now seeking to close the Scott Lithgo shipyard!

On time to the office and a fair job clearing the paperwork from yesterday. Early word that the Bank Manager and Assistant Manager wished to see me in mid-morning at the office which I agree to but first make preparations and clear the morning mail. When they arrive I keep them waiting a while to study reception copies of our Annual Report and Times Feature before inviting them up. Brian George, The Manager, straight to the point and concedes the securities issue, which will mean certain difficulty for them but less for us.

Then to pursue debenture formulae and rates of interest and commission which will be left for now, and lastly to agree that Birkinshaw can remain Comart’s day-to-day contact but I will discuss any matters concerning borrowing capacity or securities with Brian. A wholly satisfactory outcome; not only on the charges but also to make the point that we are the customer with alternative options open to us. Time to briefly touch base with John before lunch and then lunch with Peter King at The Anchor to touch base and discuss yesterday’s sales meeting. He is now settling down so well both domestically and at his new job. After to prepare Ian Nickson’s annual appraisal and then to discuss it with him. A difficult session, as ever, with Ian not liking the critical aspects one little bit. After work to touch base with Carlton and the other stragglers before home by 8.00pm after clearing my desk. A little calmer weather today with bright sun and less wind. News today of more national redundancies pending with the potential closure of the Scott Lithgo Shipyard.