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A tough and busy day at the office tackling cash and asset controls as the factory is reorganised tonight and tomorrow all; as TV pictures show the extent of US arms used in invading Grenada. Tonight, planning industry political developments with Nigel Smith.
First television pictures are shown today of the Grenadian invasion. Heavy artillery, airborne strikes and full military operation was required to overcome stiff resistance from the Grenadian troops loyal to the previous military government. Arguments continue as to the true motives of the original Cuban presence and also as to the reasons for America’s response. Sir Paul Scoon, the Governor-General has been in touch with the Queen but political reconstruction will be a difficult and drawn out affair.
On time today to the office and a working day completing the overdue Annual Returns for the new Comart Company Limited. A struggle to catch up and keep on top of the work which seems to mount continuously. The factory area is being reorganised tonight and tomorrow to aid work flow and eventually improve housekeeping. Corrective action today to eliminate abuse of the petty cash facility and with it any reimbursements for expenses and other expenditures not authorised by cost centre managers. Also the implementation of a new system to closely monitor stock pools outside the finished goods stores which funds over £80,000 of stock which will now be charged over 24 months if the custodians do not submit it for refurbishment. Phone conversation tonight with Nigel Smith to discuss tactics over industry matters and the developments with the Computer Retailers Association.
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The day attending to domestic Comart Company management issues as a political furore rages about the US invasion of Grenada with counter claims and denials and lots more administration as I find time to watch the film, ‘Raise the Titanic’
Early to the office and first to tour the factory meeting the managers and overseeing the arrivals of the workforce. Some are late but overall not too bad on adherence to timekeeping. A day full of paperwork and moving the mail. Also signing the payroll and actioning some outstanding correspondence. This morning to help Ian with a customer problem with MPSL BOS that lead to a complete reassessment of the intercompany working relationship and channels of communication. This afternoon a couple of hours with David Fear discussing reviews, job offers and several key account problems. Late this afternoon to brief Derek Morgan and Carlton Lowe on the decisions of Tuesday’s Comart Board Meeting and the Comart name changes. Late home bringing a fair amount of company administration to complete.
This evening to watch an extended TV film entitled ‘Raise the Titanic,’ a most incredible tale. News today of American victory in Grenada but only after significant reinforcement and a greater than expected commitment of time and resource. The Whitehouse is claiming that the Grenadian Governor-General begged for US and British armed intervention. In the House of Commons, Margaret Thatcher came close to supporting the US action and was better received after yesterday’s rough ride of the Foreign Secretary Dennis Howe. The palace is denying that the Governor-General requested military assistance. In Beirut, the four-nation peacekeeping force has agreed to stay in position but, apart from the US, the numbers will not be increased.
On time to bed tired over recent exertions.
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Off to London and Westminster after two hours in the office to hatch up IBA plans for Hi-tech companies and then to the House to hear the Grenada debate but the queues were too long!
A little late to the office for two hours of desk work and sorting of the papers from yesterday. Also to create the deeds of floating charge between Comart Ltd and Comart Computers Ltd and review the mail as usual. Then to the car and Stevenage Station and by train to Kings Cross. On time at 12.30 to Sachville Street to meet Nicholas Owen, senior partner of Heming Son and Daw and on to a superb lunch of potted shrimps and smoked trout at a nearby restaurant. Together to hatch up a plan for a coordinated lobby of government on the I.B.A. (Industrial Building Allowance) and a plan to equalise its application to properties in favour of encouraging hi-tech building development.
On by taxi to the House of Commons but delayed 3 hours queuing and could only enter the Strangers Gallery in time to hear the results of the division at the end of the emergency debate on Grenada. By all accounts, a heated debate and an embarrassed Tory government, powerless to restrain the U.S. invasion.
Home by taxi, train and car in time for the 9.00pm news and on time to bed. Debbie was sick this morning but has been OK later today.
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All day Comart Group meeting, approving the new structure and accepting government grants. Confirmation of my personal entitlement to a Grant of Arms ‘with banner and badge) from the ‘Rouge Dragon’ but also of a US invasion of Grenada, which is poorer news!
Early to the office, beating Derek W. to the first Director’s parking place to his and my surprise. Then to work on slides and notes for the presentation to today’s Board Meeting and to gather up all the necessary comments to changes of Directorships and acquisition of Comart Companies Ltd. A tough all-day meeting starting with the formal business that from today makes Comart Ltd the proud owner of the new company to which all business activity will be transferred from January 1st next year. Also to approve, subject to obtaining the CAD DTI grant, a £70,000 capital investment in computer aided design. In all a full board meeting that lasted until early evening with implications and changes that will take some time to implement.
Dramatic news today of a U.S. invasion of Grenada which had taken place without British support. This in spite of its Commonwealth , with a Queen’s Governor-General in position. Opposition politicians have taken the opportunity to draw the comparison with European two-key control with the U.S. on nuclear weapons. On the island are already present Cuban and Russian advisors.
Good news today from The Royal College of Arms and in the person of the Rouge Dragon Pursuivant. It seems that I might well be granted arms as a gentleman with the distinction of a heraldic Badge and Standard, awarded only to grantees ‘with a large following.’ I am resolved to petition for such a grant even though the costs will be over £1000. This, as I am getting hints from ‘those that be’ that I might be considered for an honour shortly due to my computer industry contributions! Tired and slightly late to bed after a long day.