BRANSON’S BOASTING OF A NEW LOVELY LADY
MY, oh my, how The Capitalist’s ears did prick up over the weekend on having a snatched peep at tycoon Richard Branson’s blog. “I have to announce that I have a new lady in my life,” Branson boasted, happily – before explaining that his lovely wife need not worry, because he’s talking about a yacht.
The catamaran, Necker Belle – which will set you back a hefty $88,000 (£55,250) to charter when she eventually launches – has spent the past two years undergoing an extensive refit after being sold by her previous owner, a gentleman “who spent his fortune building her” (read, went bust).
You’ve got to admire Branson’s unashamedly plugging of the yacht’s “tailor-made weekly charters”, though. Evidently even billionaire businessmen can use a little sales cunning sometimes.
CARD SHARK
It’s happened to the best of us when working the crowd at a party – suddenly deserted by a name on the tip of our tongue when confronted with a familiar face.
But here’s an idea to prevent such embarrassing moments in the future, courtesy of Knight Frank partner Richard White. White, I hear, employs the unusual tactic of sketching pictures of his contacts on the back of the business cards he picks up – focusing, naturally, on a feature that stands out. Those conscious of sporting a large hooter should steer well clear.
HEROES WELCOME
Finally, a huge thanks to our City readers who attended the Chefs for Heroes gala dinner on Friday evening at the Guildhall, to support Help for Heroes.
Chefs including Ainsley Harriott and Anton Mosiman turned up to grace the event, where over £120,000 was raised for the war veterans’ charity.