THING OF THE WEEK
UNLIKELY PAIRING… Not so many years ago, one wouldn’t have expected the names of Joe Anderson and Vitali Klitschko to appear together. Of all the Brit contenders lining up for a crack at the former world heavyweight champion, Mayor Joe was some way down the list behind the Tyson Fury types, one would think. But this week, with the big Ukrainian serving as Mayor of Kyiv, the pair have teamed up to try and sort out some landing slots so that three flights full of Liverpool fans can make the Champions League final after all. The battle seems to be ongoing. Judging by Mayor Joe’s Twitter timeline, there are several fans not entirely grateful for his efforts – efforts that really feel to be beyond the job-spec. There might be a Joe/Vitali buddy movie in this, if it all comes together.
ENDURING IMAGE… When it comes to pictures telling a story, it’s really hard to beat people pointing at things. An all-time favourite at Place Towers is the erstwhile “Glum Councillors” blog, featuring stern-faced highlighting of potholes and other blight by public servants. Pointing is also central to a good ‘deal completion’ image, as witnessed this week above right as Triton Construction acquired Liverpool firm Remstone. These are guys who are serious about pointing. The runner-up for pic of the week was Paragon’s photograph – on the left – to mark its merger with Bond Davidson, which put one in mind of the Goodfellas poster. “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a building surveyor…”
A simple guide to anyone mailing me re #GDPR
If I have dealt with you, registered with you or indeed interacted with you in any way, you are entitled and indeed welcome to keep talking to me under ‘legitimate interest’ (WITHOUT asking me to ‘opt in’ again)
To the rest of you.. pic.twitter.com/e8ef9cQy10
— Steve Oliver (@TheBlueMagpie) May 24, 2018
DATA PANIC… Is it all over yet? Email inboxes from Carlisle to Crewe and from Bangor to Burnley have been hammered this week, as the General Data Protection Regulations kick in and companies seek to either reassure their clients and contacts that everything’s as it should be, or look to get their houses in order. As with anything in the digital era that becomes a bit of a chore, a bit of levity can be found on social media. Christian Mancier, chair of the Stockport Economic Alliance, has offered some handy thoughts, while a tweet from Studio North boss Michael di Paola made us laugh but couldn’t possibly be published on a family newsletter. The above found a nice middle ground.
OBSTACLE COURSE… The Property Triathlon North has been something a staple of the industry’s diary for the last three years, but this year, it’s going to be a little different. Construction at the Quays has impacted part of the original course – Bouygues’ Lightbox the guilty party – meaning the event has undergone something of a change. Instead of a triathlon, there will be an “adventure obstacle course” – think Total Wipeout crossed with Ninja Warrior. There are two choices, either 3km or 6km, which can be tackled in relay teams of three or individually if you’re feeling brave. Place might not take part but the opportunity to see plenty of property people take a Takeshi’s Castle-style plunge into the freezing waters of dock nine might be too good to pass up. The event takes place on Friday 13 July and you can register your interest here.
SUMMER HOLIDAY… As we close in on Wimbledon fortnight, some Cliff Richard news seems appropriate. Rehearsals for Bolton Octagon Theatre’s summer production of Summer Holiday have been delighting/startling/alarming commuters at Bolton Interchange this week. The production starts next Thursday and will see the cast accompanying audiences onto six double-decker buses supplied by local firm Visio Buses, taking them on a musical journey from the Interchange to Victoria Square and onto the Octagon. Even for those who recoil at the music of his Cliffness, this seems to be far from the worst thing to happen to Bolton commuters this week, eh Northern?
