Very hot day of Comart Sales and London Review Meetings then executive interview before late home to eat and sleep as our competitor Torch microcomputer company is taken over by GEC and re-financed but will not be a threat
Another hot day with temperatures in Manchester at 86.6degF, being the hottest for 7 years. In Liphook, Hampshire, it reached 91degF. At the Comart factory, the temperature was uncomfortably hot all day with the new Portacabins not helping the flow of air through the sliding door. A quick review of the morning’s mail and then a Comart Sales meeting for the morning.
David Fear is steadily building up the Comart Sales team and the conference room now strains under its fill of executives. Sales forecasts are good for the summer with keen interest in the new multi-processor system. For the first time in many years we enter the July/August months with no concern now that government and OEM business plus a rising share of dealer business is underwriting our progress. A quick sandwich and review of paperwork at lunch and then to chair a Birmingham Review Meeting for which Jim Attfield has attended the office. Following August 1st , I will be reducing the frequency of these meetings to involve only the whole day sessions at the Branches, but life goes on until Peter King takes over. For Birmingham, good news of the July/August months with forecasts ahead of budget, stocks under control and bank account back in funds. Jim will earn about £3000 on profit commissions, which could swell to £5000+ next year on a good performance. Then to second interview with David Fear a new sales executive, Peter Wood, who being strong in motivation and empathy seems a good salesman type. Though his experience does not match our needs exactly we decide to take him on and thus complete David’s team. Today “Torch” were taken over by GEC following a meeting between Peter Vlienland-Body and Lord Weinstock. For 75% of the company they paid £2-3M and bought out Newmarket Capital. They (Martin and Peter) are thus back in control with their Marketing and Operations Directors defeated. This move will create a worthy competitor for Comart, but we can beat them on Management and freedom of action whilst they will squander finance. Their protestations that R&D require substantial capital investments is not true and is an excuse for poorly-planned product policy. A late return home, quick meal and then to bed.