Celebrate Lucky 13

I’ve had a blog holiday and it’s been great ! I just couldn't blog anymore. I had developed blog-phobia. Virtually a whole year without putting pen to virtual paper. I revelled in the Diamond Jubilee, dived into the TV coverage of London 2012, and even managed to go to the closing ceremony of the Paralympics at Stratford. It was a great year full of optimism . . . and rain. At the end of the year, work dictated that I should attend several trade-based exhibitions, a couple at NEC in Birmingham, and one in London. It used to be an adventure, but these days my aching feet tend to take the edge off things. Anyway after visiting the 100% Design Exhibition at Earls Court last year, I took up an open invitation to revisit the premises of Ella Jade Interiors in North London. They had a large stand in a central position at the show which was by all accounts one of the highlights of the exhibition. The latest project of long-time designer Paul Bitton (see previous entries), Ella Jade is an extension of the achievements of his well-known British Bathroom Centre. They have taken the core business and bolstered the design side of things to create a stylish new organisation with new displays, innovative design, and an enhanced client experience. That last sentence is their words, not mine, but from what I saw, it’s accurate. They have taken a former bank premises and turned it over several years into a stunning 3 floor showroom. You would struggle to not be impressed, especially with the kitchens on display. It’s vital for the economy that businesses like this which employ up to 100 people are actually moving forward, making investment and continuing to offer employment. It’s important that areas like Staples Corner in North London are used for a diversity of businesses to attract local employment, not just for cavernous warehouses with minimal staff. Businessmen like Paul Bitton are playing an essential role in bringing the country back from the brink, and there are small-medium companies throughout the land which haven’t given up, which are investing, which are optimistic. The “nation of shopkeepers” phrase is a bit of a stereotype but there is definitely a ring of truth about it. When economists are hinting at a triple-dip recession, we need something to bolster our spirits. Let’s seek out these people who are keeping us going as a country and give them all the honours, rather than the bankers and retired civil servants. Time for a bit more recognition for business acumen. It’s what puts money in your pay packet.