A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS

When I was a young man it was considered a compliment for someone to be described as being ‘a safe pair of hands’, it being viewed favourably to be dependable, reliable and comprehensible (and, yes, sometimes even boring). Then along came the ‘masters of the universe’ and their conceit and ignorance led us to the horrible mess that we are in today.

The problem with Supplier of Choice (as rolled out by Gareth Penny) was not so much the aims but the methods. What the industry doesn’t need is more talk of robust transformation. It is an industry which is already confused and disorientated by constantly tumultuous and testing events over the last few years and the sale by the Oppenheimer family following close on the announcement of the move to Botswana does little to make the industry at present feel particularly reassured about the future however much they are urged to embrace it.

However, it is encouraging that Cynthia Carroll made particular mention in her interview with CNBC ( http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000055512 ) that they will be ‘moving forward with the Sightholders’ and also she mentioned the word ‘respect’, which I believe is essential to all successful relationships and what was always the vital ingredient lacking in the one-sided ‘masters of the universe – we know what’s best’ approach.