Personnel day appointing Sales Secretary, approving Byte Shop managers pay packages and then briefing colleagues on John’s appointment when DTI called to confirm grants for the BMMG LAN standard initiative and PA tell me that Kode are putting a takeover offer in the post this week as Thatcher’s actions at the Brussels Summit are universally credited with sabotaging agreement by her intransigence but the Miners’ picketing gains support.

Up early and well prepared to the office to start the day. This morning to debrief June and John on the events of the last two days and discuss my plans to put John in charge of Comart Computers Limited and hear his considered reaction to the idea. Then to see David Fear and complete Netta’s review and promotion to Sales Office Administrator. The morning and lunchtime mails both produce their shares of orders and problems before I receive a phone call from the DTI confirming that they will support the BMMG plan on local area network standards up to a maximum of 50% of funding.

Lunch of sandwiches and chicken soup as normal and then most of the afternoon with Peter King agreeing the reviews and salary packages for the Byte Shop managers. Late this afternoon to return phone calls and complete the days efforts. I hear from P.A. that Kode International are putting the draft of a £3million offer in the post to arrive Friday or Monday. Home early at 6.00pm in time to help Diana put away the ducks and spend an easy evening catching up on home accounts and watching the television. Also to engage Diana earnestly in conversation about the disposal of the business, the reasons for which I will soon commit to paper. News tonight of almost universal disapproval of Thatcher’s actions at the Brussels Summit where she is credited with sabotaging agreement by her intransigence. Also of the increasing effectiveness of the miners picketing with midlands unions instructing their members not crossing picket lines.