latest brand licensing newsletter

Yes, once again a quarter comes to an end queuing up another flurry of royalty reminders and reports. For the latest exciting brand extensions, see the newsletter

negotiation workshops

Note: If you're about to go on a negotiation workshop, do not read this.


The red black game that all negotiation workshops use involves splitting the group into two teams, and getting both sides to try and achieve the maximum score by having them announce a vote of red or black. If one team votes red and the other one black then the red team wins 5 points and the black team 0, but if both teams vote red, then they both get 10 points. So after 10 rounds the score is announced and one team usually wins. At this point the facilitator will announce that both sides have lost because the aim was to achieve the maximum score which would have meant both teams voting red consistently.

As the dust settles, and the 'yes buts' get aired, it gradually dawns on the group that the purpose of negotiation is to work towards a common goal rather than get one up on an opponent.

been a while

Been a while since the last post. Mainly because i've been flat out whilst also having the entire house virtually knocked down and rebuilt. The cost of the building work is far outweighed by the inconvenience. Having nowhere to live and feeling like a refugee is uncomfortable enough for one person, never mind a family of four.

Delighted by my first legitimate comment after 4 years of blogging - a true reward for all the hard work.

Am about to launch Harry Ramsden's Deep Fat Fryers - with the Oil, Batter Mix and baking tray you may never need a fish and chip shop again.

The other hot topic is Heston Blumenthal who i met for the first time on Friday. Very modest and unassuming, almost bashful actually.

More to come no doubt....