I was devastated when Stacey went on Saturday! So down to earth, and so talented without an ounce of arrogance. She was completely naive to her abilities and I expect to see so much more of her.

In the end though, Joe – The voice of X Factor 2009 – What a guy – What a winner – WHAT A VOICE – Took it! And he deserved it… Well done little lad!

This year has seen much doom and gloom, but every now and then we see little ’sparkles’ to give us hope. To give us a good kick up the backside. To get back in the saddle and plug on, with the hope/aim of reaching our goals!

My goal: To be comfortable enough to say no to my children, to teach them the value of money. Not because I can’t afford to put gas on the meter or food in the fridge.

A good friend of mine (we’ll call him Bob) was working as a sales exec for a local printer.

Bob came from humble beginnings… hot-wiring cars in the backstreets of Essex. Getting into trouble because he had something to prove, being the skinny, lanky one. He didn’t do well at school, but he wasn’t un-intelligent.

2 Weeks before Christmas 2007, Bob lost his father. Devastated, doesn’t cover the anguish he felt. His dad was his idol… He’d got Bob back on the straight and narrow. His mother is a long term sufferer of Parkinsons. She requires constant visits, help and trips to the doctors etc… This was now down to Bob.

So Christmas came, Christmas went – and Bob was knackered. Life itself became a real struggle… He visited his mum on the way to, & from work… But Bob doesn’t work normal hours – in the office before anyone else – usually pre-7am, and doesn’t leave until late… 8, 9, 10pm – if his clients need help, he’ll never say no! Bob really would do anything for anyone. He’s the mate that everyone wants.

He also manages to dive away from work midday to take his mum to the doctors, shopping, hospital etc…

Early 2008, the company he worked for are struggling. Bob’s scared of losing his job… he’s got his wife to support, plans to start a family & needs to pay the rent etc… How is he going to find another job in a recession? He has so much to do in the house, so little time, and not enough to support it.

The company agree on a CVA… (an agreement of funds – a portion of every pound the company earn, goes against it’s debt).

Then one day in April 2008 he rings and tells me the company is folding… he’s at his wits end… he’s dealt with so much in the past year and a half that he doesn’t know where to turn. He takes a day off to get his head around things.

A few days later he called me in…
“We’re buying the company!”
Bob, the lowly print salesman – got together with the production manager… and bought the company out of administration. All staff keep their jobs, Bob is hailed a hero and the local papers flood the business to hear of this mid-recession bravery.

Today… Bob is living with his wife, who is now nearly 7 months pregnant in the beautiful house they’ve managed to buy. The business is thriving and I’ve never seen him so happy.

Over a beer last week, “I wish my dad were here to see me now!”

I’m proud of him… his employees are proud of him. Everyone that knows him must be SO proud of him. He is the hardest working, most inspiring, nicest guy I’ve ever met – and one of those guys that give you that sometimes needed, kick up the backside.

Whenever I see him, he can always do with a little more work. But I think that’s more force of habit, than an essential need!