Football Queens & Kings

Thompson & French's Printworks resides on Princes Street, four hundred yards from Eglinton Toll. I proceed discreetly to Alexander Campbell's office."So we have a problem?", I ask Alexander, who is nose deep in reams of paper.Alexander doesn't look up, "We have tried everything to lower production costs.""How long have you been sitting here?""Nine hours.""Would you … Continue reading Chapter 161 – Essential Lateral Thinking →

The question about the new tram system's repercussions for current transport methods hangs in the air. As if David Mackintosh had just witnessed the future and didn't like it. Glasgow Bridge provides an excellent vantage point to look up the Clutha, which bustles with ships traversing the globe, transporting their goods. Do they fear their … Continue reading Chapter 160 – Product Test Completion →

I return to my carriage and join David Mackintosh in the driver's seat, "Time to put this map to the test.", I said, handing over the map.The driving position reveals an entirely different perspective compared to the restricted view from the interior of the coach, "How long do you think the route will take?" I … Continue reading Chapter 159 – David Donald Mackintosh →

Robert MacLeod sinks back into the carriage chair, closes his eyes and exhales one long deep breath."The best part of my job is predicting problems and making contingency plans to mitigate them.", I said.The carriage stops, and David Mackintosh, our coachmen, jumps down and opens the door. We descend from the carriage on Park Road … Continue reading Chapter 158 – Ace of Diamonds →

In our carriage, Robert MacLeod stares at the guinea in my hand, tales side up, "We need to improve the cost side of the equation. You have the right intention by doing everything possible to reduce cost and not sacrifice quality. Quality is the boundary we will never cross.""You are going to help?", Robert asks, … Continue reading Chapter 157 – Commerical Success Equation →

Our carriage picks up speed along the city's greatest road, "Alexander Campbell and I have run the numbers, over and over again to no avail.", said Robert Macleod."I'll visit Alexander later to sort this. Time for a business lesson. On one side of the equation, you have the cost." I open back up the map … Continue reading Chapter 156 – Ultimate Business Dilemma →

The examination of Robert Macleod's new creation continues in the carriage. We have finally reached the start of Glasgow's Great Western Road. Robert shakes off the water from the map and hands it over, "The water doesn't penetrate. Alexander Campbell scoured the world for this material and combined it with his new printing techniques to … Continue reading Chapter 155 – Burning The Budget →

Robert Macleod retrieves the tramline map from the drawing office, and we walk out onto Hope Street, where my carriage waits."Take us to the corner of Park Road and Great Western Road, please?", I shout up to David Mackintosh, my coachman, who will take me anywhere I require, day or night.Robert pulls the map out … Continue reading Chapter 154 – Specification of Requirements →

The early start in my thinking vault is a success. I close my journal and return upstairs. Robert Macleod, Thompson & French's new Director bursts in, nose deep in his paper, and throws his jacket on the coat stand.Before he has a chance to turn around, I said, "Good Morning, Robert." Robert freezes and turns … Continue reading Chapter 153 – Wing Clipping Exercise →

I rise early, pick up my leather briefcase and travel to the office. There is an idea bubbling in my brain, which needs committing to paper.The office is in darkness and an image of the early days of Thompson & French floats into my head. Anyone who has started a business knows this feeling of … Continue reading Chapter 152 – New Path Idea →