Nelson's Column

Ask the average man (or woman, or gender-confused) in the street how much a one metre by one metre piece of glass costs and you get wildly ranging answers. Try it . . . I did. None of the prices where anywhere near as low as we allow ourselves to actually sell at. When are we actually going to stop under-selling our skills, knowledge and this great ‘in vogue' product and try and make some proper money from it?

. . . My fellow Scot (but not guru) Mr. Brown recently expressed the opinion that we should ‘embrace failure' (maybe practising the contents of his speech for the take-over day). However, in this context he was talking about business failure. All fine and dandy, but when does genuine risk-taking actually become p*ss taking? Loyal staff, solid suppliers and exposed customers seem to be shrugged off all too easily by some failures. Think about the Harry Potter film sequence - the cycle of a Phoenix is never ending - Once a Phoenix always a Phoenix.

. . . After my brief visit to Glassex a few weeks ago I found myself wondering why the organisers don't change the name to Windowex and stop confusing us all? Glassex is a strong brand of course - but why not give it to the Glass exhibition - currently called a rather less appealing Glass Processing & Technology Exhibition - and make sense of it all. Point is . . . it's me who gets the grief; customers say there's not any real glass at Glassex as if it's my fault. I might be a Scot . . . but I am not the Prime Minister in waiting and can't fix this by myself. If you agree with me - drop Glass Age a line and tell them.

. . . The Armstrongs-U-Fit. After watching one episode of this comedy, I have come to the conclusion that the owner's best bet would be to auction his wife on eBay and for him to audition for Celebrity Big Brother. These two must have learned their management skills from the Beano.

. . . It's celebratory curry time again, having been repeatedly told the UK glass market is still in difficulties, it's refreshing to report that Chand Modha has invested millions in setting up JAM Glass in Dunstable. I would like to wish Chand and son Neil all the very best, and of course to thank them for my order. But Chand, no vindaloo please.

. . . On a final note for this month, now that I have successfully negotiated my 60th Birthday - yes I know, you are AMAZED. I must ask for the forbearance of my many friends and customers as I may not be quite as nimble of feet and mind as I once was.