There is something special about Sunday morning, the Sunday Times, hot croissants with honey and butter, excellent.

Headlines, a Greek rescue is close according to the Business News Section. I knew that, have been saying it for weeks. The Greek word for mañana is pronounced av-ree-o, – it could be tomorrow.

Elsewhere, Lord Prescott struggled to name the next Labour Prime Minister – Er I think it will be Ed …… thats Mister Ed (Milliband) presumably.
Economics news this week, inflation falls, the Governor writes to the Chancellor again, unemployment rises slightly, retail sales rise, the numbers say be happy, according to Geoffrey Dicks, in the Economic Outlook. Check out the Saturday Economist for details. Just Google The Saturday Economist or download The Saturday Economist 18th February.

Back to the day job, Monday internal meetings then under pressure to complete the scripts for the Business Conference. Make good progress with a six hour stint. Have to make sure the anchors are in the right place, at the right time, saying the right things, before the right videos and speakers appear in the right spots.

Tuesday, the first Gateway of 2012, good turn out and lively breakfast. Later in the morning finish the scripts to be delivered to Kirsty Wark and Gavin Esler. Finally, brief in the video clips required on the day. All over by lunchtime. In the afternoon speak to the BBC about the bid for the Green Investment Bank. Had almost forgotten about that.

Wednesday John Leach from Winning Pitch is in the office. Having recently secured the BIS Coaching for Growth Programme, the effusive CEO is in good form. I agree to speak at a few WP events this year in exchange for some coaching for growth from the great man himself!

Prepare the papers for pre Board meeting, then a pleasant hour listening to the Bank  of England webcast. It is the Inflation Report – return of the fan charts. The Governor is upbeat – we are going in the right direction, on a difficult journey, difficult to predict the path which could be zig zag. Excellent.

Stephanie Flaunders ask a question, the Governor answers – then says, you look puzzled, let me explain : the paradox of policy monetary policy must not impede the adjustment to the new equilibrium. You can try to smooth it but there is a limit to what monetary policy can achieve if you have to make the adjustment to a new position. Stephanie smiles – next question? The girl passes.

Thursday, it is the corporate finance lunch with over 200 at the Hilton. Great panel line up with Jonathan Boyers, Andy Gregory, Mark Taylor and Andy Leach. Paul Lupton Chairman, chairs the session. He was great (his words). Actually he was excellent! (Mine.)

Following the lunch, it is a pre board meeting to brief the Chairman. Really great to work with Paul always relaxed, supportive and helpful. All passes well.

Thursday, the news breaks, I am to speak at the Business Conference on March 1st. Marked as a session on economics and growth opportunities in Manchester, it may well be a kiss and tell – the true story of life as CEO of pro.manchester. With eight lawyers, four accountants, three bankers on the board – there is no shortage of material. Buy a ticket – no buy two! Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking ………

Friday in for coffee with Angie Robinson in her new role as CEO of Manchester Central. Evident, Angie is enjoying the role, relishing the challenge and really getting on with the job.

From there, move to City Hall for a meeting with the leaders group, putting together an economics information pack for Sir Richard. Needs care to avoid KPIs and kippers and a real time dashboard that requires an airbag.

Friday the second of two interviews this week for my PA / research assistant. Decided it is impossible to continue without some support for my office. Looking forward to the new appointment, as are the rest of the team.

Eventually time to work on the Leaders information pack, the Saturday Economist and begin the Sunday Times and Croissant up date. Wrap up in the early evening.

Saturday, working in the morning, the day starts as usual with tea, the FT, and the Economist app. The Economist leads with Europe : the way out of the woods. On the front page, Little Red Riding Hood (with a basket of baklavas) is shadowed by an Aryan Lupine. Spooky.

Afternoon, off to play tennis. Pain stops play at 4-3 (mine) but a brief respite ruins concentration (not mine). Mary is concerned about my well being. It is a win 6-3. Second set is a 0-6 thrashing – so much for compassion.

Hope all is well with all. More news next week,

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