'The Apprentice' is back!

The Apprentice is, in my opinion, one of the few contemporary programmes that makes the TV license worthwhile. I caught the bug part way through the third season last year, and it seems that this series could be as engaging as the last.

Using excellent casting, production and plenty of dramatic effect, the show does what any teacher, advisor or lecturer has failed to do; inspire me to be ambitious about my career. The first episode highlighted the contrast between Sir Alan Sugar's 'street smarts' attitude to entrepreneurship and the candidates impeccably presented professional composure.

Nicholas, you could argue, was fired for his unashamed admission of having problems working with 'less priveledged' people. Sir Alan offhandedly claims most of the professionals he has employed are 'clueless.'

Whether the show has a few clangers cleverly scripted for our entertainment, or Alan's prejudices are a little obvious, I still feel the show is achieving something very rare in today's prime time offering: getting young people of all backgrounds motivated to get some vocational skills. The pursuit of material wealth is not my meaning of life, but it is a reward most of us strive for.

I'm busy for the next 15 weeks; on wednesdays 9-10, BBC...

Fruits of our labours

Well done to all the team - we all grafted in February and smashed our targets for both new business and project delivery. We all celebrated this fact last night with a superb meal at 'The Little Sauce Factory' in Worcester, which has excellent service, tasty food and great atmosphere.

Highlights were Jorj not managing to finish his pudding (very rare!) and Jorj buying a round (unheard of!!)

Drunken Science

On April 18th we will be heading up to Birmingham to celebrate Andy's 21st Birthday. On that very night the band 'We Are Scientists' will be performing at the Carling Academy.

Cardigans are optional

New Addition to the Family

Some clients of BBS may well have already spoken, or even met me. For those who I haven't yet had the pleasure of working with, allow me to introduce myself! I began at Blue Box Software in Jan '08, since when they've got me working on a variety of interesting, and often challenging projects. I really enjoy writing code, and have worked with varied languages and technologies, in a variety of situations.

On a personal level though, I quite like to get outdoors. I have an addiction to fishing and many an hour has been spent in pursuit of the next monster. Once the weather improves I will be spending my weekends by the lake, fishing for carp, testing a new bait I have developed (fish nutrition being one of my side-hobbies! - yes, I know, Im sad...).

In future entries, I hope to keep you up to date with my progress, the projects I am involved in and (hopefully, time allowing) any nifty gizmos I get into action. And if Im lucky enough, maybe a whacking-great fish!

New Office Space

Our trusty handy man removed a partition wall today, giving us access to the office next door. This practically doubles our office space providing room for expansion and a nice meeting room.

Many thanks to Clive for a first rate job!

365 days

I’ve now been Business Development Manager at Blue Box Software for one year, and finally I have some time to reflect on it. It’s been an excellent year for the business with various challenges for the small team here. In the annual review with our accountant we enjoyed substantial growth on both our turnover and profit margins. We now employ three full time developers and with more staff starting soon we need to expand our office space. We no longer rely on the regional market for our business with clients up and down the country from London to Bolton, and international clients from Germany, Eire, France & the USA. We now offer a much wider range of services and add value with ideas, solutions and support.

Its now time to refresh both our website and offline marcomms and to decide where we want to be another year on.

Photographer For Hire

A good friend of mine is a budding photographer. Arron has been learning to use his Nikon digital SLR for several years and has now added lights and other portable studio equipment to his collection. Having not yet adopted a true artist’s attitude, Arron has an open mind to most things in life; especially ‘good photos.’ He is currently looking for personal or commercial projects with which to build a portfolio of his skills. He is great value and very helpful.

You can see some of his portfolio below.

Arron's Purestorm profile