Digby Jones

[Crusoe]

As “the face of big business”, I wonder if this programme was part of a “charm offensive”, although, since he’s leaving he CBI soon, perhaps it was more of a job application on his part, rather than a publicity piece on the CBI’s part.

I was certainly impressed by his energy and the attitude and determination that have seen him succeed. I was also impressed by his willingness to admit the level of his salary and how this compares to others (although he may have been slightly disingenuous, in that he probably has a number of other jobs). His admission that he has a weakness for food and drink was pleasingly honest (if fairly self-evident from looking at him).

For much of the interview, though, he came across as an over-zealous, jingoistic salesman. And I really didn’t like his musical choices: they seemed to be the choices of someone who doesn’t really have much love for music. The Elgar was OK if you like that sort of thing (although it reminds me a bit of television incidental music) and “Jerusalem” is a fascinating poem but it was all downhill from there: I had to leave the room during Bryan Adams.

Better than some businessmen but still pretty typical, I thought.

[Heather McGregor]

For some reason, I’ve always found it very difficult to become angry or stay permanently annoyed with Mr. Jones and I guess this is one of his great talents. It is, of course, ludicrous to appoint someone with a law degree as the head of an organisation that is supposed to be versed in the area of business and trade. It’s clear that the CBI doesn’t perform any useful role in respect of a nation in terminal decline as far as trade is concerned. A trade deficit comprising 4% of GDP is evidence of this. Also, failure of the CBI to condemn the impotent employment laws in this country suggests they’re not remotely interested in the growth of long-term businesses within the UK. Why doesn’t it condemn the current predatory behaviour of US conglomerate purchasing (profitable) English companies, followed by the mass redundancy of the indigenous employees and the export of these jobs and orders to China and eastern European countries?

It was clear that Sue Lawley had developed a very close rapport with him and her maternal instinct became very apparent when she uttered ‘Ahhhhhhhhhhh’ in a most protective and motherly manner. This is the first time I’ve ever heard her demonstrate such a trait to her character during a public broadcast. Another interesting observation – and an indication of a man at ease - was the change in Mr. Jones’s accent as the programme progressed. He’d almost transformed into Roy Wood by the time the programme had finished. What a great pity that Miss Lawley didn’t reciprocate and allow her rather delightful - and natural - Dudley working-class accent to surface as well?

The musical choices were utterly dreadful and I think many listeners were waiting to tick off ‘Annie’s Song’ and ‘Imagine’ as the programme progressed. I must say, though, this wasn’t surprising, given that members of the legal and medical profession rarely possess any interest or love of music. ‘Instant Sunshine’ was one of the worst groups the universe ever knew and R4 listeners had to tolerate them for years and years. Needless to say, the members were all doctors.

Mr Jones’s emotional barometer was difficult to gauge. On the one hand he spoke about the devastation he felt when his marriage broke down; his (implied) assurance that emotional equilibrium is restored relatively quickly appeared to dilute this sense of devastation. There are plenty of occasions (for both female and male) in life when the emotional dawn never materialises after such an event and one mourns the loss of a deeply loved partner for the rest of one’s life.

So the musical choices were rubbish and a penance for the listener, but his upbeat personality and ability to laugh at himself – and his names – were infectious and left this Scottish listener feeling reasonably content. I shall continue to listen and contemplate his views and opinions expressed on AQ. I think one useful suggestion for his next job would be an appointment as a non-exec. within a record company. I wonder if he has any friends within HMV?

Heather McGregor (Inverness contributor)

[Crusoe]

Hello Heather, thanks for your interesting comments.

Heather said:

For some reason, I’ve always found it very difficult to become angry or stay permanently annoyed with Mr. Jones and I guess this is one of his great talents.

Yes, I agree with you: I think that this is due to his enthusiastic, outgoing, boyish personality.

Heather said:

It is, of course, ludicrous to appoint someone with a law degree as the head of an organisation that is supposed to be versed in the area of business and trade.

That’s an interesting suggestion, Heather. I’m not sure who would be best placed to run an organisation for businesses: I suspect he was picked for his character, rather than his knowledge.

Heather said:

It’s clear that the CBI doesn’t perform any useful role in respect of a nation in terminal decline as far as trade is concerned. A trade deficit comprising 4% of GDP is evidence of this. Also, failure of the CBI to condemn the impotent employment laws in this country suggests they’re not remotely interested in the growth of long-term businesses within the UK. Why doesn’t it condemn the current predatory behaviour of US conglomerate purchasing (profitable) English companies, followed by the mass redundancy of the indigenous employees and the export of these jobs and orders to China and eastern European countries?

Gosh, you have touched on a lot of issues, there. I sometimes think that there are too many people whose careers are now in being directors of companies; as they move from job to job, their bonuses are dependent upon results today, which may well be at the expense of long term growth or even survival. I have heard of a number of firms that have closed their Research and Development departments, saving on “overheads” and so becoming more “profitable”. This is fine but what do they do in ten years’ time when they have no products that people want to buy? I've a feeling that the selling off of assets to overseas companies is part of the same tendency to look for the quick money and to be distant from the values, history and long-term interests of a business.

Heather said:

The musical choices were utterly dreadful and I think many listeners were waiting to tick off ‘Annie’s Song’ and ‘Imagine’ as the programme progressed. I must say, though, this wasn’t surprising, given that members of the legal and medical profession rarely possess any interest or love of music

Oh how true. Businessmen, lawyers and doctors often seem to make musically awful guests on DID and I fear that Mr Jones was no different.

Heather said:

It was clear that Sue Lawley had developed a very close rapport with him and her maternal instinct became very apparent when she uttered ‘Ahhhhhhhhhhh’ in a most protective and motherly manner. This is the first time I’ve ever heard her demonstrate such a trait to her character during a public broadcast. Another interesting observation – and an indication of a man at ease - was the change in Mr. Jones’s accent as the programme progressed. He’d almost transformed into Roy Wood by the time the programme had finished. What a great pity that Miss Lawley didn’t reciprocate and allow her rather delightful - and natural - Dudley working-class accent to surface as well?

Yes they both certainly sounded quite relaxed (although Ms Lawley is never entirely relaxed). Such a rapport doesn’t always develop, so it is pleasing when it does. Although I really didn’t like his musical choices, I wonder if they help develop the rapport and relax guests at times? I think that that could be one of the advantages of a musical based show above a more conventional chat-show format. I suspect that it was Mr Jones’s boyishness which appealed to Ms Lawley’s usually well disguised maternal side.

Heather said:

Mr Jones’s emotional barometer was difficult to gauge. On the one hand he spoke about the devastation he felt when his marriage broke down; his (implied) assurance that emotional equilibrium is restored relatively quickly appeared to dilute this sense of devastation.

I wasn’t sure what to make of this – was it a sign of the resilience of the bouncy Black-Country boy or of the callousness of the ruthless corporate lawyer?

Heather said:

So the musical choices were rubbish and a penance for the listener, but his upbeat personality and ability to laugh at himself – and his names – were infectious and left this Scottish listener feeling reasonably content.

Hmm, yes. Certainly not the worst guest.

Heather said:

I think one useful suggestion for his next job would be an appointment as a non-exec. within a record company. I wonder if he has any friends within HMV?

Hee, hee; I just hope he doesn’t go into the A&R department.

[Lux Interior]

webb said:

Hello Heather, thanks for your interesting comments.

Heather said:

For some reason, I’ve always found it very difficult to become angry or stay permanently annoyed with Mr. Jones and I guess this is one of his great talents.

Yes, I agree with you: I think that this is due to his enthusiastic, outgoing, boyish personality.

That’s an interesting suggestion, Heather. I’m not sure who would be best placed to run an organisation for businesses: I suspect he was picked for his character, rather than his knowledge.
Gosh, you have touched on a lot of issues, there. I sometimes think that there are too many people whose careers are now in being directors of companies; as they move from job to job, their bonuses are dependent upon results today, which may well be at the expense of long term growth or even survival. I have heard of a number of firms that have closed their Research and Development departments, saving on “overheads” and so becoming more “profitable”. This is fine but what do they do in ten years’ time when they have no products that people want to buy? I've a feeling that the selling off of assets to overseas companies is part of the same tendency to look for the quick money and to be distant from the values, history and long-term interests of a business.

Oh how true. Businessmen, lawyers and doctors often seem to make musically awful guests on DID and I fear that Mr Jones was no different.

Yes they both certainly sounded quite relaxed (although Ms Lawley is never entirely relaxed). Such a rapport doesn’t always develop, so it is pleasing when it does. Although I really didn’t like his musical choices, I wonder if they help develop the rapport and relax guests at times? I think that that could be one of the advantages of a musical based show above a more conventional chat-show format. I suspect that it was Mr Jones’s boyishness which appealed to Ms Lawley’s usually well disguised maternal side.

I wasn’t sure what to make of this – was it a sign of the resilience of the bouncy Black-Country boy or of the callousness of the ruthless corporate lawyer?

Hmm, yes. Certainly not the worst guest.

Heather said:

I think one useful suggestion for his next job would be an appointment as a non-exec. within a record company. I wonder if he has any friends within HMV?

Hee, hee; I just hope he doesn’t go into the A&R department.

[Lux Interior]

I found Digby Jones a refreshingly enthusiastic guest, especially since I was expecting Mr Cameron (I blame the BBC trail department) but as usual was distracted by something else at the time and didn't pay 100% attention.

I don't see why someone trained in law should not be a suitable person to represent british industry: just because one's main qualification is in one subject doesn't mean that one doesn't have an understanding of anything else.


May 25, 2006, 7:47am, Heather McGregor wrote:

Mr Jones’s emotional barometer was difficult to gauge. On the one hand he spoke about the devastation he felt when his marriage broke down; his (implied) assurance that emotional equilibrium is restored relatively quickly appeared to dilute this sense of devastation.

Apologies in advance if this sounds callous, but "Wind Beneath My Wings", "Simply The Best" and "Everything I Do" seem to me to be songs which conveniently and accessibly package emotions for those who don't investigate poetry or music which is harder to find. "Anthems R Us Volume VIII". Soapy, sentimentalist pap which makes things seem "nice".

[Heather McGregor]

Lux said:

I found Digby Jones a refreshingly enthusiastic guest, especially since I was expecting Mr Cameron (I blame the BBC trail department) but as usual was distracted by something else at the time and didn't pay 100% attention./quote

I wonder, though, about the real nature of this ‘enthusiasm’ and – after listening to the repeat of the programme – agree with some of Crusoe’s comments and feel that it’s a saleman’s enthusiasm. This isn’t to denigrate salesmen, but I’ve lost count of the number of UK industrial projects that have been destroyed because of misplaced and unrealistic ‘enthusiasm’ exhibited by sales and marketing departments. The Collapse of GEC can be attributed to misplaced and reckless enthusiasm. How many ‘extrovert’ CEO’s did you hear preaching – with the fervour of Mr. Paisley – the doctrine of ‘The New Paradigm’, prior to the collapse of the stocks contained within the NASDAQ index?

I don't see why someone trained in law should not be a suitable person to represent British industry: just because one's main qualification is in one subject doesn't mean that one doesn't have an understanding of anything else.

All I can say is the most highly respected CEO’s that I’ve ever worked with have actually been very quiet and thoughtful people and they have most certainly not come from a legal background. I don’t know about your own sixth form experiences, but I always noticed that it was the exhibitionists who would suddenly announce in the upper-sixth year, their intentions to read either medicine or law at university. The mystery here was they’d never demonstrated the slightest interest or talent for these subjects; they could, however, quote the salaries for barristers, consultants and GP’s. I think you’ll agree post Shipman that a significant proportion of the medical profession should never have been allowed near a medical school.

Mr. Jones didn’t describe during the programme why he chose to read law at university – there wasn’t even any reference (apart from his connections with Longbridge) to suggest a lifelong interest in industrial history/ economics. However, it was clear from the reference to the Volkswagen Sirocco in the programme - and the picture of him in yesterday’s Sunday Times wearing an extremely well-tailored suit - that he is a bit of a notice box.

The other points I forgot to mention – and I find rather puzzling - were his references to rejection from Trinity and expulsion from school. I’m certainly no supporter of upper-class universities, but there are rare occasions when pupils without southern, posh and wealthy parents have gained entry to an Oxbridge university. Concerning his expulsion, head boys and girls are the ultimate conformists and are usually total goodie goodies. Consequently, the streaking story seemed hard to believe. I can’t believe a ‘misdemeanour’ such as this would result in expulsion. I was caught in a bus shelter with a school lover once when I was a sixth former and the teacher stated with a rather severe voice: ‘Heather, stop being silly’ – and that was the end of the matter. There wasn’t any question of expulsion.

Apologies in advance if this sounds callous, but "Wind Beneath My Wings", "Simply The Best" and "Everything I Do" seem to me to be songs which conveniently and accessibly package emotions for those who don't investigate poetry or music which is harder to find. "Anthems R Us Volume VIII". Soapy, sentimentalist pap which makes things seem "nice".

Surely the infinite number of times these records are played either in pubic or via the airwaves erases any potential emotional significance or value? Isn’t there a certain uniqueness about a record with romantic associations for a couple and isn’t rarity of air-play part of this romance? I can only guess you’re a male and must conclude that the female interpretation is different. Anyway, if he’s such a keen listener, then how come he doesn’t appear to have ever listened to the radio on any regular basis? Didn’t Tony Blackburn, John Peel, Pete Drummond, Bob Harris and Annie Nightingale ever enter his life? Further evidence that Mr. Jones likes to talk and not listen. Incidentally, I’ve noticed that Anne Peacock is now producing the programme and I seem to recall that she usually produces Woman’s Hour. I don’t think anyone within Woman’s Hour are interested in music are they?

Heather McGregor (Inverness contributor)

[Crusoe]

Lux said:

I was expecting Mr Cameron (I blame the BBC trail department)

There are very few things which can’t be blamed on the BBC trail department. I suppose they were trailing this Sunday’s guest before the Friday repeat had been played. Actually, I think it was one of their favourites because I heard “Ernie” a number of times during the week.

Lux said:

"Wind Beneath My Wings", "Simply The Best" and "Everything I Do"… "Anthems R Us Volume VIII". Soapy, sentimentalist pap which makes things seem "nice".

Oh how true, Lux. But truly affecting: there’s not much that can make me want to turn the radio off…
;D

[Crusoe]

Heather said:

the streaking story seemed hard to believe. I can’t believe a ‘misdemeanour’ such as this would result in expulsion.

Me, neither. I must say, I’d always thought such behaviour, far from being punished, was seen as almost obligatory at Public School.

Heather said:

"Wind Beneath My Wings", "Simply The Best" and "Everything I Do".

Surely the infinite number of times these records are played either in pubic or via the airwaves erases any potential emotional significance or value

Very true. They may have had some emotional weight to start with (if you like that sort of thing) but are just clichés, now.

Heather said:

Didn’t Tony Blackburn, John Peel, Pete Drummond, Bob Harris and Annie Nightingale ever enter his life? Further evidence that Mr. Jones likes to talk and not listen.

You could have a point: there is not much sign of enjoying listening, at all. Although I didn’t enjoy Chris Evans’ interview, in the last series, as much as some, his love of the radio was evident.

Heather said:

I don’t think anyone within Woman’s Hour are interested in music are they?

Although, as Radio 4 won’t let us forget, Martha Kearney did attend a recording of “Top of the Pops”.

[Larry Jones Jnr]

webb said:

Although, as Radio 4 won’t let us forget, Martha Kearney did attend a recording of “Top of the Pops”.

Sorry to intrude into this discussion with Miss McGregor, but I’m glad that I wasn’t the only one to pick up on this Martha Kearney Top of The Pops incident. They even repeated it on POTW! I have a suspicion that she’s been nominated – along with Elizabeth Barclay - as the only R4 presenters with the potential to suggest that they do own some pop records. Ms. Kearney’s told WH listeners many, many times how she’s seen Wreckless Eric live. However she couldn’t identify – on University Challenge - Perry Como’s Magic Moments when played back-to-front which was concerning. Did you hear Ms. Barclay make a reference to ‘Talking Heads’ on Sunday’s POTW? She also chose a Rory Gallagher extract on her previous POTW, so I think I’ll vote for her.

There’s something strange going on within R4 at the moment: Torquill Macleod appears to have been given the boot from POTW and I didn’t even recognise the name of last Sunday’s producer. Lisa Jenkinson produces AQ and Leanne Buckle has vanished from DID. I suspect they’ll all turn up in an episode of Dr. Who – possibly as Avon sales girls? I hope they all smell nice.

[Crusoe]

Float, float on, Larry

Larry said:

I’m glad that I wasn’t the only one to pick up on this Martha Kearney Top of The Pops incident. They even repeated it on POTW!

And “The Now Show”. I’m sure there’s an agenda to prove how young and trendy they all are (it’s easier than trying to make some programmes which might attract some younger folk).

Larry said:

Did you hear Ms. Barclay make a reference to ‘Talking Heads’ on Sunday’s POTW? She also chose a Rory Gallagher extract on her previous POTW, so I think I’ll vote for her.

I missed that but her credentials sound best for the “youthful voice” of Radio 4. On an entirely superficial note, I prefer her voice.

Larry said:

There’s something strange going on within R4 at the moment: Torquill Macleod appears to have been given the boot from POTW and I didn’t even recognise the name of last Sunday’s producer. Lisa Jenkinson produces AQ and Leanne Buckle has vanished from DID. I suspect they’ll all turn up in an episode of Dr. Who – possibly as Avon sales girls? I hope they all smell nice.

It’s strange the way these producers move around: certain producers have always been associated with certain programmes and I would have thought this chopping and changing must be a bit disruptive. I can’t say I’m too bothered by the idea of Torquill Macleod being moved from POTW: doesn’t he generally do Loose Neds, as well?

As for smelling nice – it’s what I’d expect from R4 ladies. Surely they’re all fragrant?