Many famous people do a Christmas message and indeed there are also many alternative messages these days.
We at CIOBS will not join the masses. This is indeed a time for looking back and reflecting (Oh no I am falling into the trap!) I hope that 2007 has been good for you. Here at Drumsheugh it has certainly been a year of change with the appointment of our new Chief Executive and the appearances of the Grim Reaper from time to time.
The results of the Chartered Banker examinations did appear on Friday. Well done to the many successful candidates.
Congratulations also go to the many students sitting online examinations here at Drumsheugh on Friday. We had a full house at both the morning and afternoon sessions.
2007 saw the beginning of this blog and it is remarkable and pleasing to know that there are people from all over the globe visiting us online
On behalf of everyone here at CIOBS I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2008.
Feliz Navidad
Nadolig Llawen
Nollaig chridheil huibh
Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia
Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa
Joyeux Noel
Michael (It is nice to be multilingual from time to time)
Monday, 24 December 2007
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
It's getting nearer
Well hello to all you bloggees out there and trust that I find you well. The hectic end to the year continues here at CIOBS as I am sure it does with you also. I am doing this blog just before meeting with our Chief Executive this morning. I am sitting here smartly dressed of course with my shoes polished as always.
It has been a strange couple of weeks with no travelling around the U.K. Last Thursday was a highlight I must say. 10 potential Chartered Bankers arrived here at Drumsheugh and it was a delight to meet with you all. In fact it turned out that I had met some of you before in Leeds of all places.
I remember doing a talk in Grangemouth a few years ago and as I started two of the organisers left the room. "Are you not staying " I asked " No Michael" came the response"We have heard you before!" So it is nice when people come back and stay!
From Grangemouth to Greece and that is where you will find Colin Morrison this week. He is attending a conference in Athens and returns to CIOBS on Friday.Be prepared for the change in temperature Mr.M it was -6.5 Celsius in Edinburgh on Monday morning. He might read this and decide not to return.
Where is Raymond? I hear you cry. Well he is working hard and he has on his plate at present another set of revision notes. Currently he is producing revision notes for Retail Banking, the English and Welsh Law version. I am sure that he is having fun with those. I would imagine that he is also plotting to get me away from this blog and take it over once again.
Our weekly podcasts continue and another one is about to be released. Keep an eye on the website.
I can exclusively reveal that the Chartered Banker, incorporating all specialist and bespoke qualifications, results Should be available on the website this Friday 21st December. Good luck to you all with this.
Just a mention for our magazine Scottish Banker. The December/January edition is now available. This is sent to all current members. Any non-members out there who wish a copy please get in touch and I will get you sorted.
Thursday of this week brings the monthly staff meeting. This is where the CIOBS staff meet on a monthly basis funnily enough!
Enjoy the rest of the week and keep warm wherever you are.
Michael (Staying warm in Edinburgh)
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
You were warned!
Yes, I am back as Raymond predicted. Delighted to be back of course to the world of CIOBS. It was certainly a busy week while I was away. A busy week for Mr.Brown with, among his many other tasks, the Apex course, Podcasting and of course getting a blogg in without me.
This week has been very interesting so far. Our esteemed Chief Executive, Simon Thompson, met with David Cameron this week during the Leader of the Opposition's visit to Scotland. Simon and David had a chat about the Financial Services Industry.I am told that a few observers were heard to say " Who's that guy with Simon?" apologies to Annabel Goldie if you are reading this. Please don't tell her where I live if she asks.
If that was not enough there have been enquiries about our courses from many places this week, in fact I took a call from someone in Mauritius. I started dreaming about visits and courses, but then I looked out of the window at our dreary December weather. I know that G.Reaper visited Mauritius on business a couple of years ago, so it looks as if he hasn't put them off!
Our ever so popular podcasts continue. I would recommend last week's very highly. Raymond was in great form and no, he didn't mention football at any stage.
Tomorrow brings yet another batch of new students to Drumsheugh Gardens for an Introductory day. A warm welcome to all you prospective Chartered Bankers - The journey begins tomorrow.
The only downside to this event is that I will be running it. This session is the last course scheduled to take place in Drumsheugh House in 2007. Will we be in a festive mood? I am not dressing up that may happen later on in the week!!!
Well on that bombshell I must get on because I know that Mr B will be calling me from a secret location soon. He is out and about on his travels today and will very shortly be appearing at a venue near you. Oh no he won't ( Right! cut out the panto stuff Michael. This is a serious Blogg)
Have a good day and a great week
Michael (Dressing up is a festive thing. Honest !!!)
This week has been very interesting so far. Our esteemed Chief Executive, Simon Thompson, met with David Cameron this week during the Leader of the Opposition's visit to Scotland. Simon and David had a chat about the Financial Services Industry.I am told that a few observers were heard to say " Who's that guy with Simon?" apologies to Annabel Goldie if you are reading this. Please don't tell her where I live if she asks.
If that was not enough there have been enquiries about our courses from many places this week, in fact I took a call from someone in Mauritius. I started dreaming about visits and courses, but then I looked out of the window at our dreary December weather. I know that G.Reaper visited Mauritius on business a couple of years ago, so it looks as if he hasn't put them off!
Our ever so popular podcasts continue. I would recommend last week's very highly. Raymond was in great form and no, he didn't mention football at any stage.
Tomorrow brings yet another batch of new students to Drumsheugh Gardens for an Introductory day. A warm welcome to all you prospective Chartered Bankers - The journey begins tomorrow.
The only downside to this event is that I will be running it. This session is the last course scheduled to take place in Drumsheugh House in 2007. Will we be in a festive mood? I am not dressing up that may happen later on in the week!!!
Well on that bombshell I must get on because I know that Mr B will be calling me from a secret location soon. He is out and about on his travels today and will very shortly be appearing at a venue near you. Oh no he won't ( Right! cut out the panto stuff Michael. This is a serious Blogg)
Have a good day and a great week
Michael (Dressing up is a festive thing. Honest !!!)
Friday, 7 December 2007
Another Week in the Life of......
Hi there,
With the inimitable Mr Downey on his hols this week, there's a window of opportunity (small!) to get to the blog desk and quickly scribble a few notes before he returns on Monday.
As always, a busy and interesting week at the CIOBS. On Monday and Tuesday, eight delegates sampled the delights of the ApEx 1 Revision Course - that's the Regulatory qualification subject UK Financial Services, Regulation & Ethics, for those who don't know! As always, a couple of intensive days, but everyone seemed to enjoy it and take something away from it. Here's hoping that they will do well when they sit their exam.
What else has been happening? Well, work continues on the Revision Notes for the English law version of Retail Banking and of course podcasting continues too. A number of assignments have also come in for the now totally replaced Associateship subjects, So Mr D and I will be getting on to these ASAP.
Elsewhere in the office, the Customer Service Team are preparing to deal with the annual influx of CPD cards and the imminent mailing of associated information to our members. Talking of CPD, did you know that we are launching a new CPD scheme? To this end, we have arranged a secondment from RBS Group and John Grierson will join us next month to take this forward. All being well, the new scheme should be up and running for the 2009 CPD year!
Have you have heard that in addition to the four new subjects being added to the Chartered Banker qualification, that even further exciting changes are planned? If not, I can exclusively reveal that 2008 will see a major change to our premier professional programme, with a new compulsory subject being added. The subject will be Professionalism & Ethics and should be ready by late Summer 2008, so watch out for that!
Anyway, that's enough excitement for one day - it was good while it lasted!
Have a great weekend but beware next week - he's BACK!!
Raymond
With the inimitable Mr Downey on his hols this week, there's a window of opportunity (small!) to get to the blog desk and quickly scribble a few notes before he returns on Monday.
As always, a busy and interesting week at the CIOBS. On Monday and Tuesday, eight delegates sampled the delights of the ApEx 1 Revision Course - that's the Regulatory qualification subject UK Financial Services, Regulation & Ethics, for those who don't know! As always, a couple of intensive days, but everyone seemed to enjoy it and take something away from it. Here's hoping that they will do well when they sit their exam.
What else has been happening? Well, work continues on the Revision Notes for the English law version of Retail Banking and of course podcasting continues too. A number of assignments have also come in for the now totally replaced Associateship subjects, So Mr D and I will be getting on to these ASAP.
Elsewhere in the office, the Customer Service Team are preparing to deal with the annual influx of CPD cards and the imminent mailing of associated information to our members. Talking of CPD, did you know that we are launching a new CPD scheme? To this end, we have arranged a secondment from RBS Group and John Grierson will join us next month to take this forward. All being well, the new scheme should be up and running for the 2009 CPD year!
Have you have heard that in addition to the four new subjects being added to the Chartered Banker qualification, that even further exciting changes are planned? If not, I can exclusively reveal that 2008 will see a major change to our premier professional programme, with a new compulsory subject being added. The subject will be Professionalism & Ethics and should be ready by late Summer 2008, so watch out for that!
Anyway, that's enough excitement for one day - it was good while it lasted!
Have a great weekend but beware next week - he's BACK!!
Raymond
Friday, 30 November 2007
No man is an island
A very happy St.Andrew's day from Ciobs here in Scotland to all our bloggees throughout the world. Today is the feast day of our patron saint. He is also the patron saint of Greece and Russia I am sure that our bloggees in these places will be celebrating today.
What a week it has been once again. I managed to get to Jersey and the Isle of Man at the beginning of the week. A big thank you to all who attended the courses in these lovely islands and a very special thanks to Sarah and Angie for their warm welcomes.
I must use some of the Manx language that I picked up "Mora Mey" to all of you in Douglas this morning! I hope that I have used the correct spelling and that there is no hidden meaning in this phrase!
Once again colour seems to be absent today. Please sort this out head of blog wherever you are.
Here at Drumsheugh we await candidates for the various on line examinations scheduled to take place here today. Good luck to you all.
I also await a bulb for our super smartboard system. I am promised that it will be here today. I will fit it between exams. I am sure that students would not be in favour of someone trying to fit a bulb into a wall mounted projector during their examinations. On the other hand...........
Monday and Tuesday of next week brings another Apex 1 revision course. Yes folks you are very lucky Raymond will be running this and I am sure that you are in for a fantastic experience over the two days. Remember folks this course and many others are run on a regular basis. Please check www.ciobs.org.uk for further details.
While I am typing this Raymond will be hard at work on this week's podcast.What a talented man he is. This will be uploaded very shortly. So if you want to start the week in an enlightened way then go to http://www.ciobs.org.uk/about/what_podcasts.cfm.
I have just been interrupted in mid blog. A student has arrived to hand in a pile of assignments which reminds me today is the last day for submission of assignments for those students who recently sat the very last Associateship examinations. Farewell to the Associateship exams. These have now been replaced by Chartered Banker.
I better get on and get marking some of these assignments. There will be a tear in my eye as I say goodbye to the old ACIBS.Those were the days handwritten assignments all the way!!
I wish you all a very pleasant weekend and look forward to catching up with you again soon.
I will be away for the next week. So please be kind to MR. Brown.
No man is an island as the saying goes except for Michael Madagascar!!!
Michael (Where is Madagascar? Is it near Mull?)
What a week it has been once again. I managed to get to Jersey and the Isle of Man at the beginning of the week. A big thank you to all who attended the courses in these lovely islands and a very special thanks to Sarah and Angie for their warm welcomes.
I must use some of the Manx language that I picked up "Mora Mey" to all of you in Douglas this morning! I hope that I have used the correct spelling and that there is no hidden meaning in this phrase!
Once again colour seems to be absent today. Please sort this out head of blog wherever you are.
Here at Drumsheugh we await candidates for the various on line examinations scheduled to take place here today. Good luck to you all.
I also await a bulb for our super smartboard system. I am promised that it will be here today. I will fit it between exams. I am sure that students would not be in favour of someone trying to fit a bulb into a wall mounted projector during their examinations. On the other hand...........
Monday and Tuesday of next week brings another Apex 1 revision course. Yes folks you are very lucky Raymond will be running this and I am sure that you are in for a fantastic experience over the two days. Remember folks this course and many others are run on a regular basis. Please check www.ciobs.org.uk for further details.
While I am typing this Raymond will be hard at work on this week's podcast.What a talented man he is. This will be uploaded very shortly. So if you want to start the week in an enlightened way then go to http://www.ciobs.org.uk/about/what_podcasts.cfm.
I have just been interrupted in mid blog. A student has arrived to hand in a pile of assignments which reminds me today is the last day for submission of assignments for those students who recently sat the very last Associateship examinations. Farewell to the Associateship exams. These have now been replaced by Chartered Banker.
I better get on and get marking some of these assignments. There will be a tear in my eye as I say goodbye to the old ACIBS.Those were the days handwritten assignments all the way!!
I wish you all a very pleasant weekend and look forward to catching up with you again soon.
I will be away for the next week. So please be kind to MR. Brown.
No man is an island as the saying goes except for Michael Madagascar!!!
Michael (Where is Madagascar? Is it near Mull?)
Friday, 23 November 2007
Normal service is resumed
Well we have a bit of colour today. It's not just Raymond's cheeks (see previous blogs for further details) Someone in blogland must have been listening. I write to you today from the West of Scotland. A day of blue skies and a bit chilly too.
Once again a busy week with the Introductory course in Edinburgh on Wednesday and the visits to Leicester and Birmingham on Wednesday and Thursday.
One of the great things about this role is meeting so many people. Both Raymond and myself have met a great number of new students this week and it this is always a pleasure. The enthusiasm of the new students has been quite overwhelming over the last few days.
I would like to thank the people in Leicester and Birmingham for the very warm welcome that I received in both cities.
Of course I have been delighted this week that all my travel plans went like clockwork. Planes, trains and even a bus have all been on time.
Next week sees visits to Jersey and the Isle of Man at the beginning of the week. Once again this trip has been planned with military precision. I will let you know how it all goes. Will I arrive on time? Will there be students waiting? This is all part of the excitement at CIOBS.
Please check out this week's Podcast at http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads.cfm This is a solo performance from Raymond and it is well worth a listen. He even manages to mention football this week!Yes folks we cover it all in the Podcasts.
Well another week nearly at an end. I better get on now. I wish you all a wonderful weekend and hope you get everything that you wish for.
No doubt there will be more blogging next week from a location as yet to be decided.
Michael ( What size of plane will it be next week?)
Once again a busy week with the Introductory course in Edinburgh on Wednesday and the visits to Leicester and Birmingham on Wednesday and Thursday.
One of the great things about this role is meeting so many people. Both Raymond and myself have met a great number of new students this week and it this is always a pleasure. The enthusiasm of the new students has been quite overwhelming over the last few days.
I would like to thank the people in Leicester and Birmingham for the very warm welcome that I received in both cities.
Of course I have been delighted this week that all my travel plans went like clockwork. Planes, trains and even a bus have all been on time.
Next week sees visits to Jersey and the Isle of Man at the beginning of the week. Once again this trip has been planned with military precision. I will let you know how it all goes. Will I arrive on time? Will there be students waiting? This is all part of the excitement at CIOBS.
Please check out this week's Podcast at http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads.cfm This is a solo performance from Raymond and it is well worth a listen. He even manages to mention football this week!Yes folks we cover it all in the Podcasts.
Well another week nearly at an end. I better get on now. I wish you all a wonderful weekend and hope you get everything that you wish for.
No doubt there will be more blogging next week from a location as yet to be decided.
Michael ( What size of plane will it be next week?)
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Nothing ever stays the same
The only constant is change so they say. Well one thing hasn't changed from last week, the lack of colour and lack of boldness. The powers that be in Bloggland seemed to have withdrawn this function at the moment. Hopefully Colour will return to us soonest. Talking of colour, yes Bloggees, Raymond is back with us and he has a bit of colour on his cheeks. I will not go for the obvious next line here! You can work it out for yourself!
Tomorrow sees the arrival of 12 new students to Drumsheugh Gardens for a Chartered Banker Introductory day. Raymond will be running this and is looking forward to introducing you all to the delights of Ciobs ( The oldest Banking Institute in the world. Not one of the oldest or anything like that, but the oldest) A very warm welcome to you all.
I am off on my travels again tomorrow with a visit to Leicester followed by a short trip to Birmingham on Thursday.(Well a short trip from Leicester that is) I am meeting various people from a particular organisation all of whom are embarking on studies with CIOBS ( The oldest etc. etc.........)
Of course not just the oldest but the best! So if you or any of your colleagues are interested in taking one of many courses please take a look at www.ciobs.org.uk for further information.
Our physical Academy for Chartered Bankers is currently running at Napier University, Sighthill Campus Edinburgh. This week will be the last ever week at this particular place as it is being demolished at the end of the month! with effect from January we shall be moving to Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton Campus, Edinburgh.
A big thank you to all the staff at Napier for all your assistance over the last three years.
The work on revision notes continues with Apex 1, Retail Banking (England and Wales) and Business Law (England and Wales)all currently in production and hopefully nearing completion in some cases. Keep watching this space.
Have a great week
Michael ( Have I stayed the same?)
Tomorrow sees the arrival of 12 new students to Drumsheugh Gardens for a Chartered Banker Introductory day. Raymond will be running this and is looking forward to introducing you all to the delights of Ciobs ( The oldest Banking Institute in the world. Not one of the oldest or anything like that, but the oldest) A very warm welcome to you all.
I am off on my travels again tomorrow with a visit to Leicester followed by a short trip to Birmingham on Thursday.(Well a short trip from Leicester that is) I am meeting various people from a particular organisation all of whom are embarking on studies with CIOBS ( The oldest etc. etc.........)
Of course not just the oldest but the best! So if you or any of your colleagues are interested in taking one of many courses please take a look at www.ciobs.org.uk for further information.
Our physical Academy for Chartered Bankers is currently running at Napier University, Sighthill Campus Edinburgh. This week will be the last ever week at this particular place as it is being demolished at the end of the month! with effect from January we shall be moving to Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton Campus, Edinburgh.
A big thank you to all the staff at Napier for all your assistance over the last three years.
The work on revision notes continues with Apex 1, Retail Banking (England and Wales) and Business Law (England and Wales)all currently in production and hopefully nearing completion in some cases. Keep watching this space.
Have a great week
Michael ( Have I stayed the same?)
Friday, 16 November 2007
You will be fine
Friday may sometimes be a day for reflection. In my case this week my first thought this morning was what day is it? Where am I? Do I need to get on an aircraft at any stage? Now that I have recovered from all of that I glad to say that it is Friday.
I am back in Edinburgh and it has been a very interesting week and a memorable Friday so far. All sorts of interesting things are going on and the Academy will be going ahead next week in spite of certain "events" that have taken place!!!
My esteemed Colleague Mr. Raymond Brown returns on Monday and I am sure that he is looking forward to that. Welcome back Raymond we have all missed you. (Thought I should put that in just in case he is having a peek at the blog!) I was chatting to a regular reader of the blog earlier, you know who you are Mr. X of Kirkintilloch. He was fully aware of my movements this week in fact he knew more about me than I do! I must say to you mystery man thank you very much indeed for keeping things afloat next week. You are indeed a Legend (Or so he keeps telling me)
My other esteemed colleague Martin Fishman is all tied up with the graduation ceremony tomorrow. Many of you will know of Martin from CIOBS events. This is his biggie tomorrow and I am sure that he was talking to himself earlier. Get well soon Martin. This time tomorrow it will all be over. As the phrase goes “You will be fine"
So as another week draws to a close I would like to say thanks to everyone that I have met over the last five days, lots of new faces beginning what I hope will be a very rewarding relationship with CIOBS.
p.s. Our podcasting continues check it out at
http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads.cfm
p.p.s. No colours or bold bits today. I think someone is trying to sabotage things.
(I might be fine but the colours they are not!)
A great weekend to you all
Michael (I think I am in Edinburgh)
I am back in Edinburgh and it has been a very interesting week and a memorable Friday so far. All sorts of interesting things are going on and the Academy will be going ahead next week in spite of certain "events" that have taken place!!!
My esteemed Colleague Mr. Raymond Brown returns on Monday and I am sure that he is looking forward to that. Welcome back Raymond we have all missed you. (Thought I should put that in just in case he is having a peek at the blog!) I was chatting to a regular reader of the blog earlier, you know who you are Mr. X of Kirkintilloch. He was fully aware of my movements this week in fact he knew more about me than I do! I must say to you mystery man thank you very much indeed for keeping things afloat next week. You are indeed a Legend (Or so he keeps telling me)
My other esteemed colleague Martin Fishman is all tied up with the graduation ceremony tomorrow. Many of you will know of Martin from CIOBS events. This is his biggie tomorrow and I am sure that he was talking to himself earlier. Get well soon Martin. This time tomorrow it will all be over. As the phrase goes “You will be fine"
So as another week draws to a close I would like to say thanks to everyone that I have met over the last five days, lots of new faces beginning what I hope will be a very rewarding relationship with CIOBS.
p.s. Our podcasting continues check it out at
http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads.cfm
p.p.s. No colours or bold bits today. I think someone is trying to sabotage things.
(I might be fine but the colours they are not!)
A great weekend to you all
Michael (I think I am in Edinburgh)
Monday, 12 November 2007
Flying High
Good Morning to you all and welcome to the new week. Mr Brown is on leave this week so there is no one to stop me blogging ha ha!!!!
What a week it is going to be today I am in Edinburgh and rather chilly it is too. Tomorrow Southampton, Wednesday Edinburgh, Thursday Manchester and back to Edinburgh on Friday. I just thought I would mention this to remind me of where I should be.
I am really looking forward to meeting with you all on the various courses and indeed to the very early starts on Tuesday and Thursday. I am sure it will be fun.
The podcasts that Raymond mentioned last week are now in place and the news podcast will become a weekly feature. That's something else that I will fit in over the next few days.
This Saturday sees our annual graduation ceremony taking place at the Bute Hall, Glasgow University. This is always a wonderful day for all who attend.
Glasgow seems to be the place to be at the moment. The Scotland v Italy world cup showdown takes place on Saturday. I notice that the kick off is at 5.00 p.m this is obviously to avoid a clash with the graduation.
As I am sure everyone is aware the Commonwealth Games are coming to Glasgow in 2014. Once again I am sure that the city will make sure that their events do not clash with any CIOBS events. If not then I am sure that they will have Martin Fishman our Events Manager to deal with.
Next Monday sees the return of our students to the CIOBS Academy at Napier University, which is in Edinburgh and not Glasgow.
All in all it is all happening over the next week or so. I wish you all a good week and hopefully I will get back in touch at the end of the week with an update.
Michael ( Am I coming or going?)
What a week it is going to be today I am in Edinburgh and rather chilly it is too. Tomorrow Southampton, Wednesday Edinburgh, Thursday Manchester and back to Edinburgh on Friday. I just thought I would mention this to remind me of where I should be.
I am really looking forward to meeting with you all on the various courses and indeed to the very early starts on Tuesday and Thursday. I am sure it will be fun.
The podcasts that Raymond mentioned last week are now in place and the news podcast will become a weekly feature. That's something else that I will fit in over the next few days.
This Saturday sees our annual graduation ceremony taking place at the Bute Hall, Glasgow University. This is always a wonderful day for all who attend.
Glasgow seems to be the place to be at the moment. The Scotland v Italy world cup showdown takes place on Saturday. I notice that the kick off is at 5.00 p.m this is obviously to avoid a clash with the graduation.
As I am sure everyone is aware the Commonwealth Games are coming to Glasgow in 2014. Once again I am sure that the city will make sure that their events do not clash with any CIOBS events. If not then I am sure that they will have Martin Fishman our Events Manager to deal with.
Next Monday sees the return of our students to the CIOBS Academy at Napier University, which is in Edinburgh and not Glasgow.
All in all it is all happening over the next week or so. I wish you all a good week and hopefully I will get back in touch at the end of the week with an update.
Michael ( Am I coming or going?)
Thursday, 8 November 2007
What's Going On?
Hi all,
It's been a long time since the last blog - pressure of business, honest!
Anyway, what's happening at the CIOBS? Quite a lot actually.
Firstly, this week we welcomed a couple of new staff members to our team. Shona and Sandra joined the Business Development team in their role as Customer Relationship Managers - best wishes to the two S's.
As mentioned previously, we have now made some changes to Chartered Banker, our premier qualification. Now available are UK Financial Services and Investment. For further details, just go to the Chartered Banker section of our website!
Visitors to this humble blog had the 'privilege' of hearing our first podcast when we showcased our new Chief Executive. Now, after weeks of highly technical training at the finest recording studios known to man (and woman!), a further two podcasts have been developed. Don't all gasp with excitement at once, please!
Firstly, there is a podcast to explain the changes to Chartered Banker (Downloads section) and we have produced the first of our regular Newscasts. Have a listen - you may even learn something! The podcasts are short (deliberately so!) so downloading should be OK for most.
The lovely and talented Mr Downey, my esteemed colleague, in addition to assisting with the podcasts has been working on the English law version of Business Law - he really is so multi-talented (so he says!). These and the English version of Retail Banking, which yours truly will be starting later this month, will be ready in good time for student revision for the next exam diet in April / May 2008.
Talking about exams, the Autumn diet has just finished, so lets hope that everyone who had that 'pleasure' has acquitted themselves well.
There is so much going on at the moment, I've hardly had time to crush a grape or box Michael's ears - maybe tomorow!
We will also be publishing a list of the Introductory and Regulatory courses (ApExes) for 2008 very soon - again, check the web for those.
Listen, I'm really sorry but I have to go, I think Mr D's gone into a state of depression as he hasn't blogged for a few days - I really must attend to him - on the other hand..................
Speak to you anon and take care.
Raymond
Thursday, 1 November 2007
The Mocks are back!!!
Good morning to you all just a very quick message this morning. I can exclusively reveal that the ever so popular mock examinations on our website www.ciobs.org.uk are available once again.
A bit of good news for a new month and something to do during the long dark winter months!
Michael (Always the first with the good news)
A bit of good news for a new month and something to do during the long dark winter months!
Michael (Always the first with the good news)
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Is it safe to come out yet?
Wooooooooooo as some might say on this Halloween day. Well thanks to Val our latest guest blogger. Val or the Wicked Witch from the Dungeons as she is now known!!! The dungeons is a scary place, with Val and the Grim Reaper lurking about down there, Say what you wish about myself and Raymond and many people do, but we are not scary - you have seen the pictures folks. I have included a picture of Val on this blog and of course you all know the Grim Reaper, I rest my case.
It's been all go over the last few days or so. The Glasgow District Centre annual dinner took place last Thursday at the Radission Hotel and was enjoyed by the many attendees. Our chair for the evening was Grant Stott of Radio Forth (As he mentioned once or twice!!) and Scotsport fame. Speakers included our president Miller McLean of RBS, our Chief Executive Simon Thompson, Alastair McManus of Lloyds TSB and Alan Rough of Real Radio et al.
I was advised that Donovan was staying at the hotel. Yes, indeed the 60's superstar himself and not Jason Donovan the 80's icon and friend of Kylie. Younger bloggees are probably saying who? Well Donovan a Glaswegian and indeed a Maryhill man was hailed as Britain's answer to Bob Dylan. ( Don't worry folks I am not going down that road again) What a night it would have been if we could have got him to sing a few of his hits. Mellow Yellow, Catch the Wind, Jennifer Juniper or Cosmic Wheels! Groovy!!
Chartered Banker exams are continuing to take place this week in the various locations throughout the U.K. keep going folks it will be worth it.
A revision session in Apex 5 also took place this week here at Drumsheugh Gardens. I was delighted to meet you all and well done in the final examination. Please take the time to look at our website http://www.ciobs.org.uk/ and take advantage of the courses/ revision sessions on offer.
The revision notes for the new version of Apex 1 have now been checked and will be available shortly to those students enrolling for this new version. This applies to those doing MAPC, CIP and Lifetime Mortgages. As with previous version the revision notes will include mock questions. I am sure that these revision notes will prove to be popular as always.
The week after next sees the return of our Academy students to Napier University and after that I am off on my travels around the UK with a bit of offshore thrown in for good measure. I will be visiting a few orgainisations and hope to meet some of you bloggees along the away. I will not be bringing Val or the Grim Reaper. I will have enough to carry.
Michael (watch out for those witches)
Monday, 29 October 2007
A Blogger from the Dungeons
Greetings from the Dungeons
Hm…Where shall I start? (Best answer to that is “near the end”).
Thanks to Raymond and Michael for the invite to blog - Raymond extended the invite some time ago but seeing Michael has gone “blogger hunting” has scared me into action. (Do not answer your door.)
I am unable to comment on our courses or exams (I need this job) but never tire of talking about the Financial Education Partnership, so thought I could use this blog of an opportunity to say a few words of thanks to all the volunteers that make up the FEP (who happen to read this) and have helped to make it such a success over the years. For those of you not in the know, the FEP is a volunteering initiative supported, and funded, by a number of the financial organisations that we work with. Administered here at the institute, it’s been running since ’98 and is doing exceptionally well (if we don’t mind saying so ourselves). However, that success is down to the people who give up their time to go into schools to chat with pupils about a number of topics - from personal budgeting and running your own business to communication skills and team working. A HUUUGGGEEE thank you to everybody who has ever been out to a school and been involved with this initiative – we hear, day in day out, just how much the schools and pupils appreciate the workshops you deliver. There is a definite demand for your services out there….
Did I mention to get in touch at any time should you be interested in hearing a little bit more about the FEP? Please do – we are ALWAYS needing more and more volunteers to meet the ever increasing demand (a whopping 640 workshops delivered last year – and we’re looking like we will easily increase on that this year). There is no experience required at all and no pressure to cover any particular workshops – our volunteers help out as and when they can, simply because they enjoy it.
Well, that’s it for now. I wonder what our previous Chief Executive would have made of blogging… (Apparently he has taken to walking 5 miles a day since his retirement. Nobody has seen him since.)
Val
PS We prefer our name for the Grim Reaper down here in the dungeons at Drumsheugh Gardens (where all the work gets done). We like “The Examinator”, catch phrase “You’ll be back” (thank you Martin – keep ‘em coming)
Hm…Where shall I start? (Best answer to that is “near the end”).
Thanks to Raymond and Michael for the invite to blog - Raymond extended the invite some time ago but seeing Michael has gone “blogger hunting” has scared me into action. (Do not answer your door.)
I am unable to comment on our courses or exams (I need this job) but never tire of talking about the Financial Education Partnership, so thought I could use this blog of an opportunity to say a few words of thanks to all the volunteers that make up the FEP (who happen to read this) and have helped to make it such a success over the years. For those of you not in the know, the FEP is a volunteering initiative supported, and funded, by a number of the financial organisations that we work with. Administered here at the institute, it’s been running since ’98 and is doing exceptionally well (if we don’t mind saying so ourselves). However, that success is down to the people who give up their time to go into schools to chat with pupils about a number of topics - from personal budgeting and running your own business to communication skills and team working. A HUUUGGGEEE thank you to everybody who has ever been out to a school and been involved with this initiative – we hear, day in day out, just how much the schools and pupils appreciate the workshops you deliver. There is a definite demand for your services out there….
Did I mention to get in touch at any time should you be interested in hearing a little bit more about the FEP? Please do – we are ALWAYS needing more and more volunteers to meet the ever increasing demand (a whopping 640 workshops delivered last year – and we’re looking like we will easily increase on that this year). There is no experience required at all and no pressure to cover any particular workshops – our volunteers help out as and when they can, simply because they enjoy it.
Well, that’s it for now. I wonder what our previous Chief Executive would have made of blogging… (Apparently he has taken to walking 5 miles a day since his retirement. Nobody has seen him since.)
Val
PS We prefer our name for the Grim Reaper down here in the dungeons at Drumsheugh Gardens (where all the work gets done). We like “The Examinator”, catch phrase “You’ll be back” (thank you Martin – keep ‘em coming)
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
What's New?
Good luck in the final examination to the attendees at the Apex 1 Revision Days this week. I know that Raymond certainly enjoyed himself and I am sure that you did too.You know Apex 1 is a tough old exam, however the consolation is once you have passed it that is it! Myself and Raymond have got to teach it again!
Some news on the Regulatory examinations. The new books for Apex 1 and Apex 2 are with us at CIOBS and all new applicants for these courses will be getting the new syllabus. Some old favourites return such as Taxation, including Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax and of course the very topical Inheritance Tax.
These books will be so up to date it is incredible, as the ink was drying the updates were being made.
Of course revision notes will be available and are being checked as we speak. As always they will include mock questions, indeed exclusive mock questions not available anywhere else on this planet.
Some good news also for those students of Business law and Retail Banking who are studying the syllabus applicable in England and Wales. Revision notes for these subjects are being worked on and will be ready in plenty of time for the Spring 2008 diet.
The final examinations are under way for the Autumn diet of Chartered Banker and best wishes to you all. I am sure that all the hard work will pay off. You will be glad that you have done the assignments, attended the revision days and maybe even joined in a Chat Room session. Please see previous postings regarding when the results will be available.
A bit of a factual posting this time. I am sure that we have all got G. Reaper out of our system and a bit of normality has returned.
Now where are those other guest bloggers that we promised you? I better go and find out.
Michael ( Away blogger hunting - very sporting!)
Some news on the Regulatory examinations. The new books for Apex 1 and Apex 2 are with us at CIOBS and all new applicants for these courses will be getting the new syllabus. Some old favourites return such as Taxation, including Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax and of course the very topical Inheritance Tax.
These books will be so up to date it is incredible, as the ink was drying the updates were being made.
Of course revision notes will be available and are being checked as we speak. As always they will include mock questions, indeed exclusive mock questions not available anywhere else on this planet.
Some good news also for those students of Business law and Retail Banking who are studying the syllabus applicable in England and Wales. Revision notes for these subjects are being worked on and will be ready in plenty of time for the Spring 2008 diet.
The final examinations are under way for the Autumn diet of Chartered Banker and best wishes to you all. I am sure that all the hard work will pay off. You will be glad that you have done the assignments, attended the revision days and maybe even joined in a Chat Room session. Please see previous postings regarding when the results will be available.
A bit of a factual posting this time. I am sure that we have all got G. Reaper out of our system and a bit of normality has returned.
Now where are those other guest bloggers that we promised you? I better go and find out.
Michael ( Away blogger hunting - very sporting!)
Friday, 19 October 2007
Has that bad man gone away?
Phew as they say. Having served my two blog ban it has been over a week now since since I last had the opportunity to chat and what a week it has been. The chickens are all back in their boxes and G. Reaper is back in his. What a character he was! Did he frighten you? He certainly gave me a fright! Let's sort him out and the way to do this is to pass the forthcoming Chartered Banker exams and spoil his Christmas.
Talking of Christmas I heard that G.Reaper gave his nephew an empty box for Christmas last year and told him it was an Action Man deserter! Also on Christmas Eve last year he said to his wife "Put your coat on dear I am going to the pub". " Oh good she said am I coming with you?". "No" he said "I am switching the central heating off" What a character!
Let's hope our guest presenters in future will be like that nice Colin Morrison.
Sticking to today's niceness theme the very nice Raymond Brown is taking the Apex 1 revision course on Monday and Tuesday next week. I am sure that this will be a nice experience for all the attendees.
The following week sees the now legendary and ever so popular Apex 5 revision days with the opportunity to sit the exam on the Tuesday afternoon right here in Drumsheugh Gardens. There may be a couple of places left on this one. If you are interested in attending then please call Gillian Muir on 0131 473 7796. I am sure that Gillian will be very nice and will book your place in a very nice way. The niceness will continue at the Apex 5 sessions. I will be taking this one and I promise to be very nice indeed. G.Reaper will not be around. he will probably be away casting his spells on some poor people somewhere.
I cannot let today pass without mentioning the Hollywood legend Deborah Kerr who passed away on Tuesday aged 86. She was born in Helensburgh in the West of Scotland the same place as John Logie Baird who invented Television. We Scots are wonderful and of course very nice. Well most of us!
A final mention must be made of G.Reaper I am told that he can be found in the Edinburgh Dungeons at the weekend or in Mary King's close. So if you are in the capital this weekend. Watch out Reapers about.
After the trauma of this week I wish you all a very pleasant weekend.
Michael (it's nice to be nice)
Talking of Christmas I heard that G.Reaper gave his nephew an empty box for Christmas last year and told him it was an Action Man deserter! Also on Christmas Eve last year he said to his wife "Put your coat on dear I am going to the pub". " Oh good she said am I coming with you?". "No" he said "I am switching the central heating off" What a character!
Let's hope our guest presenters in future will be like that nice Colin Morrison.
Sticking to today's niceness theme the very nice Raymond Brown is taking the Apex 1 revision course on Monday and Tuesday next week. I am sure that this will be a nice experience for all the attendees.
The following week sees the now legendary and ever so popular Apex 5 revision days with the opportunity to sit the exam on the Tuesday afternoon right here in Drumsheugh Gardens. There may be a couple of places left on this one. If you are interested in attending then please call Gillian Muir on 0131 473 7796. I am sure that Gillian will be very nice and will book your place in a very nice way. The niceness will continue at the Apex 5 sessions. I will be taking this one and I promise to be very nice indeed. G.Reaper will not be around. he will probably be away casting his spells on some poor people somewhere.
I cannot let today pass without mentioning the Hollywood legend Deborah Kerr who passed away on Tuesday aged 86. She was born in Helensburgh in the West of Scotland the same place as John Logie Baird who invented Television. We Scots are wonderful and of course very nice. Well most of us!
A final mention must be made of G.Reaper I am told that he can be found in the Edinburgh Dungeons at the weekend or in Mary King's close. So if you are in the capital this weekend. Watch out Reapers about.
After the trauma of this week I wish you all a very pleasant weekend.
Michael (it's nice to be nice)
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
EXAMINATIONS START NEXT WEEK
I have been persuaded by my colleagues to do a blog.
Having seen some of the contributions made by others I am not sure that I can maintain the low standards set by them but here goes.
I am sure that most of you are beginning to get a little nervous about your exams over the next fortnight - good! I can't stand students who waltz into exams having studied the night before and then make claims to have written pages of relevant answers. Perhaps they will fail.
Talking of failing (and this really cheers me up!) some of you will do so and even better some of you will be doing a re-sit and will fail again.
Unfortunately, most of you will probably pass and that depresses me!
BUT sticking to the theme of failing, results are due out week commencing 7th January 2008 but I will try to tell everyone who has failed their result by Christmas Eve.
Who's saying Bah Humbug?
G. Reaper
Deputy Examinations Manager
SENSATION - Mystery Man Promises Blog!
Warning to all bloggers and bloggees!
I am advised that a powerful and dangerous entity will do a blog very, very soon.
Students - only read the blog if you are not of a nervous disposition!
WARNING ENDS
Raymond
I am advised that a powerful and dangerous entity will do a blog very, very soon.
Students - only read the blog if you are not of a nervous disposition!
WARNING ENDS
Raymond
Thursday, 11 October 2007
I may as well do one
Sitting here at the PC enjoying a chat room session in Financial Management is an exciting way to spend the evening so some might say.Others may say do you not have a T.V. Michael? Whilst more may say you should get out more.
The outdoors can be dangerous place you know.Witness this morning's news in Central Scotland Major roads in Central Scotland were brought to a standstill after a lorry containing 1,800 chickens crashed on the A80, leaving birds running loose.. This news brought out every chicken joke known to man and I even found myself singing Chick,chick,chick Chicken ............. as I drove along the A80,in the opposite direction I may add.I am sure that some of you bloggers out there were caught up in the chaos. No cluck as they say or was there fowl play involved?
Tonight's revision session is the final one for the upcoming examination diet.
Good luck rather than cluck to one particular student who is sitting an online examination tomorrow and thank you for your kind comments on the 'phone today.This particular student was very complimentary about the revision notes that CIOBS offer the word brilliant was used. Check out the website for availability.
This student was very complimentary about our website www.ciobs.org.uk especially the tutorials which can be found here http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/os_tutorials.cfm
Yes, you can actually hear Raymond's soothing tones and my own ramblings.
Indeed good luck to everyone doing online examinations tomorrow in the various locations.
There is so much going at CIOBS at the moment and with examination time coming up we are all being kept very busy.I would advise students to utilise the expertise of their subject tutors and mentors.These folks have a wealth of experience.Some are academics,some practitioners and some are a mixture of both. There may even be a Pracademic in there somewhere.
I am sure that Raymond will be blogging again very shortly in fact I think a two blog ban or a fine for excessive blogging could be coming my way. Our guest bloggers are also primed I am sure. They will be worth waiting for. Remember the build up we gave Colin?
Have a good weekend
Michael ( I am sure that the ban will start shortly)
The outdoors can be dangerous place you know.Witness this morning's news in Central Scotland Major roads in Central Scotland were brought to a standstill after a lorry containing 1,800 chickens crashed on the A80, leaving birds running loose.. This news brought out every chicken joke known to man and I even found myself singing Chick,chick,chick Chicken ............. as I drove along the A80,in the opposite direction I may add.I am sure that some of you bloggers out there were caught up in the chaos. No cluck as they say or was there fowl play involved?
Tonight's revision session is the final one for the upcoming examination diet.
Good luck rather than cluck to one particular student who is sitting an online examination tomorrow and thank you for your kind comments on the 'phone today.This particular student was very complimentary about the revision notes that CIOBS offer the word brilliant was used. Check out the website for availability.
This student was very complimentary about our website www.ciobs.org.uk especially the tutorials which can be found here http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/os_tutorials.cfm
Yes, you can actually hear Raymond's soothing tones and my own ramblings.
Indeed good luck to everyone doing online examinations tomorrow in the various locations.
There is so much going at CIOBS at the moment and with examination time coming up we are all being kept very busy.I would advise students to utilise the expertise of their subject tutors and mentors.These folks have a wealth of experience.Some are academics,some practitioners and some are a mixture of both. There may even be a Pracademic in there somewhere.
I am sure that Raymond will be blogging again very shortly in fact I think a two blog ban or a fine for excessive blogging could be coming my way. Our guest bloggers are also primed I am sure. They will be worth waiting for. Remember the build up we gave Colin?
Have a good weekend
Michael ( I am sure that the ban will start shortly)
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Sorry Raymond. I couldn't resist it
Well as this evening's chat room in Management Strategy and Leadership closes,I thought well I am in the CIOBS website,so why not have a quick blog.The chat room sessions have not been very popular at this examination diet,however the face to face Revision courses have been very popular indeed. How are we going to squeeze 40 people into that room on Thursday? I had better get the shoehorn out.
There are two opportunities left to join in a chat room session, Business Banking at 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday 10th October and Financial Management at 8.30 p.m. on Thursday 11th October. You may be the only student and you may get the benefit of one-to-one assistance! The hosts are Alan Swankie on Wednesday and Neil Wilkinson on Thursday. These two fine gentlemen are known to many of you so go on, go on, go on give it a try.
At this time of year I must once again mention assignments. I know this is becoming very repetitive and I sure annoying but please remember Wednesday 10th October 2007, yes, Tomorrow is the final day for submission of that all important second assignment. ( O.K. Michael I think we get the message - Students)
Today at CIOBS saw three revision sessions taking place with a further three taking place tomorrow.
I must also mention the Apex revision sessions, yes indeed the MAPC stuff. The next Apex 1 revision session takes place on 22nd and 23rd October and the Apex 5 session will be happening on 29th and 30th October. There is an opportunity to sit the final examination for Apex 5 H/2 on the afternoon of 30th October.A few places remain on each course. Please call 0131 473 7777 to book your place.
I am glad that the exam is not taking place at Halloween. there are enough ghosties and ghoulies around at the best of time. You may have read Colin's blog the other week.I think we shall call him a ghostie!
Michael (Better go before I turn into a pumpkin)
There are two opportunities left to join in a chat room session, Business Banking at 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday 10th October and Financial Management at 8.30 p.m. on Thursday 11th October. You may be the only student and you may get the benefit of one-to-one assistance! The hosts are Alan Swankie on Wednesday and Neil Wilkinson on Thursday. These two fine gentlemen are known to many of you so go on, go on, go on give it a try.
At this time of year I must once again mention assignments. I know this is becoming very repetitive and I sure annoying but please remember Wednesday 10th October 2007, yes, Tomorrow is the final day for submission of that all important second assignment. ( O.K. Michael I think we get the message - Students)
Today at CIOBS saw three revision sessions taking place with a further three taking place tomorrow.
I must also mention the Apex revision sessions, yes indeed the MAPC stuff. The next Apex 1 revision session takes place on 22nd and 23rd October and the Apex 5 session will be happening on 29th and 30th October. There is an opportunity to sit the final examination for Apex 5 H/2 on the afternoon of 30th October.A few places remain on each course. Please call 0131 473 7777 to book your place.
I am glad that the exam is not taking place at Halloween. there are enough ghosties and ghoulies around at the best of time. You may have read Colin's blog the other week.I think we shall call him a ghostie!
Michael (Better go before I turn into a pumpkin)
Monday, 8 October 2007
Another fun packed week
Good morning to one and all and welcome to the Monday morning blog. As I type many are gathering at Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh for a revision session in the Chartered Banker subject Management Strategy and Leadership. This week sees various sessions taking place both here in Drumsheugh Gardens and at Napier University.
Revision chat room sessions are also taking place this week and further details can be found here http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads/ChatRoom.pdf Thursday's session in Financial Management will now commence at 8.30 p.m. and not 7.00 p.m. All other sessions will commence at 7.00 p.m. as previously intimated.
At the risk of being repetitive, who me ? The 10th October is only two days away. So those Chartered Banker students who have assignments to submit, you have until midnight on Wednesday to submit them. Please check those p.c.'s check out those email accounts and please please please keep a copy of both your assignment and the actual email sent. I am pleading with you on this one in light of previous experiences!!!!
After all that excitement I hope that the week ahead is good to you and I hope it is good to me too. My email is not working at the moment and I am waiting on our I.T. expert to get it sorted. Come on Mark where are you.? How did we ever manage without email? What excitement is waiting for me in those emails? How many will there be? Who are they from?
Michael (Waiting patiently)
Revision chat room sessions are also taking place this week and further details can be found here http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads/ChatRoom.pdf Thursday's session in Financial Management will now commence at 8.30 p.m. and not 7.00 p.m. All other sessions will commence at 7.00 p.m. as previously intimated.
At the risk of being repetitive, who me ? The 10th October is only two days away. So those Chartered Banker students who have assignments to submit, you have until midnight on Wednesday to submit them. Please check those p.c.'s check out those email accounts and please please please keep a copy of both your assignment and the actual email sent. I am pleading with you on this one in light of previous experiences!!!!
After all that excitement I hope that the week ahead is good to you and I hope it is good to me too. My email is not working at the moment and I am waiting on our I.T. expert to get it sorted. Come on Mark where are you.? How did we ever manage without email? What excitement is waiting for me in those emails? How many will there be? Who are they from?
Michael (Waiting patiently)
Friday, 5 October 2007
I must also do one It's Friday!
Hello to Raymond and indeed to all you blogees. As the great man said what a week it has been. I was in Leeds yesterday visiting two organisations including a presentation to 40 new graduate students at one particular organisation. It was great to meet everyone and thanks go to my partner in crime Sharon Allan. We met at 5.15 yesterday morning for the early flight to Leeds what a nice early start.
I must wish Sharon well. Walking towards the airport saw poor Sharon fall to the ground. No I did not push her!and she ended up grazing her knee.However a very large plaster did the trick and I did not mention the incident during any of the presentations. This is because Sharon said she would cut my leg off if I did. I am sure she said leg.
Now next Wednesday is the 10th October so what you may say. As all Chartered Banker students sitting examinations in the Autumn diet are aware this is the final date for submission of your second assignment. Remember anything received by your subject tutor after this date will not count towards pass compensation.
I see that The Bank of England yesterday kept benchmark UK interest rates at 5.75%, sticking firmly to its inflation-targeting objective.
The European Central Bank yesterday also held its line and kept benchmark interest rates in the 13-nation eurozone at 4%.
Well that was the busy week that was.
A good weekend to everyone
Michael (I have told you before I am not a blogaholic. I just enjoy a blog from time to time)
I must wish Sharon well. Walking towards the airport saw poor Sharon fall to the ground. No I did not push her!and she ended up grazing her knee.However a very large plaster did the trick and I did not mention the incident during any of the presentations. This is because Sharon said she would cut my leg off if I did. I am sure she said leg.
Now next Wednesday is the 10th October so what you may say. As all Chartered Banker students sitting examinations in the Autumn diet are aware this is the final date for submission of your second assignment. Remember anything received by your subject tutor after this date will not count towards pass compensation.
I see that The Bank of England yesterday kept benchmark UK interest rates at 5.75%, sticking firmly to its inflation-targeting objective.
The European Central Bank yesterday also held its line and kept benchmark interest rates in the 13-nation eurozone at 4%.
Well that was the busy week that was.
A good weekend to everyone
Michael (I have told you before I am not a blogaholic. I just enjoy a blog from time to time)
It's Friday, already!
Following on from Michael's imaginatively entitled blog on Monday, I thought I'd be just as imaginative with my title!
But it's true, another week has almost gone - another week with lots going on.
On Monday, the FSA (on the authority of the Chancellor) increased the amount of the deposit protection scheme under the auspices of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Deposits in authorised banks are now covered up to £35,000 per person. It's also likely that Alistair Darling (yes, Raymond,Sweetie!) will bring in new legislation to further increase this protection to perhaps as much as £100,000!
That change prompted some activity within the hallowed halls of the CIOBS. Recently completed textbooks for the new Chartered Banker qualification, UK Financial Services and Investment, were hurriedly changed to ensure that they were as current as possible prior to going to print.
This week I've been working on Revision Notes for the new version of one of the regulatory qualification subjects (also hurriedly updated with the FSCS change!!) Yesterday though, I was at Napier University to see how the students attending block release (our physical Academy) were doing in their first week. In the afternoon, I joined our Chief Executive, Simon Thompson, at a major bank, to give a presentation to their new graduates.
We've also had revision sessions running this week - on Tuesday for example, Business Law went ahead. Also we had a few Chat Room revision sessions going on. I understand that there were a few technical difficulties and that just after Michael and the lecturer Steven logged on, they 'fell asleep' (in a technological way obviously). I also understand that at a recent revision course, some students fell asleep (in a physical shut eye way!!) As I said, there has been much happening!!
Anyway, hopefully our email system is working again - it was 'down' for most of yesterday, so hopefully Mark (the master of all things IT - except email and chart rooms) will have this sorted!! The idea of a blog was actually Mark's , so blame him!
Right - that's it, I must go. But just before I go, you can start getting excited NOW. I have persuaded another colleague, Martin Fishman, Events Manager, to do a wee blog very, very soon. Let's hope it's a bit better than our first guest contributor's efforts!!
Raymond
CIOBS Sensation
For the first time ever!!!
Two blogs in one day are coming your way!
Only because the blogaholic needed a 'fix'!
But it's true, another week has almost gone - another week with lots going on.
On Monday, the FSA (on the authority of the Chancellor) increased the amount of the deposit protection scheme under the auspices of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Deposits in authorised banks are now covered up to £35,000 per person. It's also likely that Alistair Darling (yes, Raymond,Sweetie!) will bring in new legislation to further increase this protection to perhaps as much as £100,000!
That change prompted some activity within the hallowed halls of the CIOBS. Recently completed textbooks for the new Chartered Banker qualification, UK Financial Services and Investment, were hurriedly changed to ensure that they were as current as possible prior to going to print.
This week I've been working on Revision Notes for the new version of one of the regulatory qualification subjects (also hurriedly updated with the FSCS change!!) Yesterday though, I was at Napier University to see how the students attending block release (our physical Academy) were doing in their first week. In the afternoon, I joined our Chief Executive, Simon Thompson, at a major bank, to give a presentation to their new graduates.
We've also had revision sessions running this week - on Tuesday for example, Business Law went ahead. Also we had a few Chat Room revision sessions going on. I understand that there were a few technical difficulties and that just after Michael and the lecturer Steven logged on, they 'fell asleep' (in a technological way obviously). I also understand that at a recent revision course, some students fell asleep (in a physical shut eye way!!) As I said, there has been much happening!!
Anyway, hopefully our email system is working again - it was 'down' for most of yesterday, so hopefully Mark (the master of all things IT - except email and chart rooms) will have this sorted!! The idea of a blog was actually Mark's , so blame him!
Right - that's it, I must go. But just before I go, you can start getting excited NOW. I have persuaded another colleague, Martin Fishman, Events Manager, to do a wee blog very, very soon. Let's hope it's a bit better than our first guest contributor's efforts!!
Raymond
CIOBS Sensation
For the first time ever!!!
Two blogs in one day are coming your way!
Only because the blogaholic needed a 'fix'!
Monday, 1 October 2007
October already?
I remember a friend of mine telling me that he was walking down Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow a few years ago and he noticed the Christmas trees in the shop windows, the lights flickering,the sound of carols and he suddenly thought it can't be October already. Well it is and welcome to the new month.
It's all happening at CIOBS I was at Napier University this morning where our Academy started back for the 2007/8 session. 17 eager and enthusiastic students have started the term with a class in Business Banking.
Here in the Drumsheugh Gardens a revision session is taking place for Financial Management and another afternoon session in The Compliant Person and Regulatory Risk due to get under way at 2.00 p.m. So if any of your colleagues are missing today they might be here at CIOBS Towers or at Napier University.
If all this wasn't enough tomorrow night brings the first of our Chat Room sessions with Retail Banking taking place online at 7.00 p.m.
Looking ahead the chat room in Financial Management schedulded for Thurday 11th October will now start at the later time of 8.30 p.m. and not 7.00 p.m. as previously advertised.
Congratulations to Chris Finlay of CIOBS who completed the Great North Run yesterday. Chris tells me he came 8000th out of 50,000. A great performance. I will get his exact time and let you all know later in the week.
Well on that piece of impressive news I must run!Thanks to Colin for his blog last Friday. what a nice man he is. Don't be put off by his accent when you meet him. He is from Peterhead.
Michael (Ho Ho Ho)
It's all happening at CIOBS I was at Napier University this morning where our Academy started back for the 2007/8 session. 17 eager and enthusiastic students have started the term with a class in Business Banking.
Here in the Drumsheugh Gardens a revision session is taking place for Financial Management and another afternoon session in The Compliant Person and Regulatory Risk due to get under way at 2.00 p.m. So if any of your colleagues are missing today they might be here at CIOBS Towers or at Napier University.
If all this wasn't enough tomorrow night brings the first of our Chat Room sessions with Retail Banking taking place online at 7.00 p.m.
Looking ahead the chat room in Financial Management schedulded for Thurday 11th October will now start at the later time of 8.30 p.m. and not 7.00 p.m. as previously advertised.
Congratulations to Chris Finlay of CIOBS who completed the Great North Run yesterday. Chris tells me he came 8000th out of 50,000. A great performance. I will get his exact time and let you all know later in the week.
Well on that piece of impressive news I must run!Thanks to Colin for his blog last Friday. what a nice man he is. Don't be put off by his accent when you meet him. He is from Peterhead.
Michael (Ho Ho Ho)
Friday, 28 September 2007
Colin's Column - A guest on the blog
Good Morning to you all. I must admit to being slightly nervous at doing my first blog – unlike Raymond and Michael I am not one for long rants. Anyway it is a privilege and a pleasure to do my first blog to all you good folks who are studying on our courses.
I feel that I must start with an apology to you all, for having to suffer the Browney and Downey show. I do take full responsibility for employing them both, but you should all be thankful that you only have to suffer their blogging.
They really are a pair of clowns but in saying that they do put their clownish behaviour to very good use. If you have yet to attend an introductory course or a revision course I would recommend that you do. Both Raymond and Michael are excellent communicators and presenters and I can assure you, that not only will you learn a lot, but you will really enjoy the experience. We are lucky to have such gifted class room presenters and we constantly receive excellent feedback from those who attend classes.
Being a qualified teacher (with merit in the practice of teaching) I thought I was reasonably good at teaching but I am not a patch on these two. Sitting in some of their sessions makes me feel a bit inferior and if there is any presenting to be done they are at the top of the queue to do it. So get yourself along to one of their sessions, you will learn a lot and enjoy the experience.
We are blessed in the Institute with a really good team and reference has been made in earlier blogs to young Peter who runs our examinations. Some of you may remember Peter from his days at Jewel and Esk Valley College when he taught a range of courses. He has a tremendous knowledge of our courses and despite his reputation for being quite scary as our examination manager, he is a really nice chap.
The other important chap is our team is Giles who looks after developing our new qualifications and publishing all our books. A busy chap he also looks after the Financial Education Partnership and in his leisure time his hobby is to edit the Scottish Banker Magazine. Giles is always looking for new articles for the magazine and for feedback on the workbooks. Please give him a call sometime and do not be put off by his accent, he is from Stonehaven – honest.
We have of course lots of other important people who work for us both full time and part time in the education team and I am sure the Browney and Downey show will tell you more about them later. Thanks for reading my blog and good luck with your studies.
Colin
I feel that I must start with an apology to you all, for having to suffer the Browney and Downey show. I do take full responsibility for employing them both, but you should all be thankful that you only have to suffer their blogging.
They really are a pair of clowns but in saying that they do put their clownish behaviour to very good use. If you have yet to attend an introductory course or a revision course I would recommend that you do. Both Raymond and Michael are excellent communicators and presenters and I can assure you, that not only will you learn a lot, but you will really enjoy the experience. We are lucky to have such gifted class room presenters and we constantly receive excellent feedback from those who attend classes.
Being a qualified teacher (with merit in the practice of teaching) I thought I was reasonably good at teaching but I am not a patch on these two. Sitting in some of their sessions makes me feel a bit inferior and if there is any presenting to be done they are at the top of the queue to do it. So get yourself along to one of their sessions, you will learn a lot and enjoy the experience.
We are blessed in the Institute with a really good team and reference has been made in earlier blogs to young Peter who runs our examinations. Some of you may remember Peter from his days at Jewel and Esk Valley College when he taught a range of courses. He has a tremendous knowledge of our courses and despite his reputation for being quite scary as our examination manager, he is a really nice chap.
The other important chap is our team is Giles who looks after developing our new qualifications and publishing all our books. A busy chap he also looks after the Financial Education Partnership and in his leisure time his hobby is to edit the Scottish Banker Magazine. Giles is always looking for new articles for the magazine and for feedback on the workbooks. Please give him a call sometime and do not be put off by his accent, he is from Stonehaven – honest.
We have of course lots of other important people who work for us both full time and part time in the education team and I am sure the Browney and Downey show will tell you more about them later. Thanks for reading my blog and good luck with your studies.
Colin
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Please may I be a blogger?
Good afternoon to all you blogees. I trust that the week is being kind to you.Yes, I couldn't resist that midweek blog. After all I am a blogaholic as Raymond said.
I have been involved in an Apex5/HQ2 revision session on Monday and Tuesday. thanks to all the attendees it was good to meet you and well done in the examination.
Today I am working away on some interesting stuff and I am getting quite excited about forthcoming events.
Next Monday sees the the return of the block release students to our "physical" Academy which takes place at Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh.Welcome back to one and all and here's to another sucessful term.
Next week also sees the first of the Chatroom Revison sessions for Chartered Banker students who are sitting final examinations in October/November.Which of course reminds me second assignments are due by 10th October 2007 at the latest. Yes, two weeks from now. Don't say I didn't warn you !!!!
I am really excited about the confirmation that, wait for it, Mr Colin Morrison our Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Education will be blogging on this very blog in his very own blogging way on Friday of this week. This is indeed a very special moment in that we have manged to capture such an important signing to the blogging team.He comes to us at great expense of course and I am sure that his blog will be blogtastic mate as they say!
I don't know what he will talk about but hopefully he does.
Well I don't think it can get any more exciting than this. As always we welcome all feedback, especially after Friday's blog from Mr M. ( No pressure Colin)
Michael ( How many sleeps until Friday?)
I have been involved in an Apex5/HQ2 revision session on Monday and Tuesday. thanks to all the attendees it was good to meet you and well done in the examination.
Today I am working away on some interesting stuff and I am getting quite excited about forthcoming events.
Next Monday sees the the return of the block release students to our "physical" Academy which takes place at Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh.Welcome back to one and all and here's to another sucessful term.
Next week also sees the first of the Chatroom Revison sessions for Chartered Banker students who are sitting final examinations in October/November.Which of course reminds me second assignments are due by 10th October 2007 at the latest. Yes, two weeks from now. Don't say I didn't warn you !!!!
I am really excited about the confirmation that, wait for it, Mr Colin Morrison our Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Education will be blogging on this very blog in his very own blogging way on Friday of this week. This is indeed a very special moment in that we have manged to capture such an important signing to the blogging team.He comes to us at great expense of course and I am sure that his blog will be blogtastic mate as they say!
I don't know what he will talk about but hopefully he does.
Well I don't think it can get any more exciting than this. As always we welcome all feedback, especially after Friday's blog from Mr M. ( No pressure Colin)
Michael ( How many sleeps until Friday?)
Friday, 21 September 2007
Blogaholic on the loose
Yes folks it is early Friday morning and no one else is around so I thought I would have one small blog. Just the one mind you. Isn't great that Mr Brown is back and wasn't that a great blog the other day.
You know time flies as they say and it has been over 6 and a half years since Mr B and myself starting working together. As Raymond mentioned I have been called many things in my time here and so has he, but as a duo we are known as Browney and Downey or Brown and Down! It is nice to be seen as a duo just like some of the other duos out there. Cheese and Onion, Salt and Vinegar and of course Sooty and Sweep!!! or maybe Punch and Judy. That's the way to do it!!!!
Well on this Friday we welcome students who are sitting online exams here to Drumsheugh Gardens. Good luck to you all.
Next Monday and Tuesday brings the Apex 5 revision sessions with students sitting the exam on Tuesday afternoon.
Good morning to all our Maltese bloggers. It was 43 years ago today that the George Cross Island became independent after 164 years of British Rule.
I am sure that all our American bloggers remember that on this day in 1998 President Clinton's testimony about his relationship with a young female assistant was released to the United States public.
Well on that last bombshell I think I have blogged long enough for today.
Whether you are celebrating Maltese independence day or whatever you are doing I hope it is a great day for you and even better weekend.
Michael (I'm not really a blogaholic, I can take it or leave it)
You know time flies as they say and it has been over 6 and a half years since Mr B and myself starting working together. As Raymond mentioned I have been called many things in my time here and so has he, but as a duo we are known as Browney and Downey or Brown and Down! It is nice to be seen as a duo just like some of the other duos out there. Cheese and Onion, Salt and Vinegar and of course Sooty and Sweep!!! or maybe Punch and Judy. That's the way to do it!!!!
Well on this Friday we welcome students who are sitting online exams here to Drumsheugh Gardens. Good luck to you all.
Next Monday and Tuesday brings the Apex 5 revision sessions with students sitting the exam on Tuesday afternoon.
Good morning to all our Maltese bloggers. It was 43 years ago today that the George Cross Island became independent after 164 years of British Rule.
I am sure that all our American bloggers remember that on this day in 1998 President Clinton's testimony about his relationship with a young female assistant was released to the United States public.
Well on that last bombshell I think I have blogged long enough for today.
Whether you are celebrating Maltese independence day or whatever you are doing I hope it is a great day for you and even better weekend.
Michael (I'm not really a blogaholic, I can take it or leave it)
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Phishing - A Profitable Pastime?
Good afternoon,
I hope you are all well!
Finally, after my return to work last Monday (10th), I have managed to drag Mr Downey away from the 'blogging' seat and have wrested from him the 'blogging pen'!!
No kidding either - the man is simply a blogaholic! He tells me however that he's been called worse - and I can certainly vouch for that!!
Anyway, what a week it's been, what with the Rising Star final and the Northern Rock turmoils - I'm not sure which one will have the greater impact on the future of UK banking!
I read today that internet crime has become a major commercial activity, (according to a leading computer security company - obviously I'm not allowed to advertise, but the first initial of the company is "S", the last initial is "C" and they produce Norton Anti Virus). The report said cyber crime had become increasingly professional and was now a multi-billion dollar industry.
Apparently, the underground economy has its own auction sites and marketplaces that sell valuable data such as credit card numbers and bank accounts. They even sell toolkits for novice cyber criminals who lack technical know-how to craft their own attacks. There were 212,101 new threats reported during the first six months of 2007
In fact, three phishing toolkits were behind 42% of all phishing attacks seen by in the first six months of 2007. Often, said the computer security company, these targeted attacks were aimed at the customers of smaller financial institutions, e.g. credit unions and small banks that do not have the people and resources to fight off the attacks.
So you have been warned!
What I'd like to know is this. What about all these mails I keep getting? In particular, can I reply via this blog to two I have just received?
Kermit Gore Re: Your Zoc0r 0rder #9182534
Sorry Kermit, but I didn't order any Zoc0r's so you must have the wrong person.
joseph Gerstl Re:dioyhory
Mr Gersti, Your use of the English language, or indeed any other language, is quite frankly appalling. Please get in touch again when you have mastered the basics.
Sorry about that little rant, folks, and for using this important communication vehicle for my personal use. Oh, no! Here comes Downey for the 'blogging pen' - Aaaaarrrggghhh - he's almost got it from me!
Speak to you soon - must go!!.
Raymond
I hope you are all well!
Finally, after my return to work last Monday (10th), I have managed to drag Mr Downey away from the 'blogging' seat and have wrested from him the 'blogging pen'!!
No kidding either - the man is simply a blogaholic! He tells me however that he's been called worse - and I can certainly vouch for that!!
Anyway, what a week it's been, what with the Rising Star final and the Northern Rock turmoils - I'm not sure which one will have the greater impact on the future of UK banking!
I read today that internet crime has become a major commercial activity, (according to a leading computer security company - obviously I'm not allowed to advertise, but the first initial of the company is "S", the last initial is "C" and they produce Norton Anti Virus). The report said cyber crime had become increasingly professional and was now a multi-billion dollar industry.
Apparently, the underground economy has its own auction sites and marketplaces that sell valuable data such as credit card numbers and bank accounts. They even sell toolkits for novice cyber criminals who lack technical know-how to craft their own attacks. There were 212,101 new threats reported during the first six months of 2007
In fact, three phishing toolkits were behind 42% of all phishing attacks seen by in the first six months of 2007. Often, said the computer security company, these targeted attacks were aimed at the customers of smaller financial institutions, e.g. credit unions and small banks that do not have the people and resources to fight off the attacks.
So you have been warned!
What I'd like to know is this. What about all these mails I keep getting? In particular, can I reply via this blog to two I have just received?
Kermit Gore Re: Your Zoc0r 0rder #9182534
Sorry Kermit, but I didn't order any Zoc0r's so you must have the wrong person.
joseph Gerstl Re:dioyhory
Mr Gersti, Your use of the English language, or indeed any other language, is quite frankly appalling. Please get in touch again when you have mastered the basics.
Sorry about that little rant, folks, and for using this important communication vehicle for my personal use. Oh, no! Here comes Downey for the 'blogging pen' - Aaaaarrrggghhh - he's almost got it from me!
Speak to you soon - must go!!.
Raymond
Thursday, 13 September 2007
The stars are shining
Good morning to you all. As promised here is the result of last night's Deloitte Scottish Financial Services Rising Star Awards 2007. The finalists were:
Carol Anderson
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Laura Anderson
Dunfermline Building Society
Mark Gross Bank of Scotland
Stuart Wardhaugh
Bank of Scotland
The winner was Stuart Wardhaugh of Bank of Scotland. Congratulations to you Stuart.
The award for best presentation as voted for by the large and enthusiastic audience and winner of the Fairbairn Trophy was Laura Anderson of the Dunfermline Building Society. well done to you Laura.
The esteemed Judging Panel were:
Miller McLean (Chair)
Group Secretary and General Counsel, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Ben Thomson
Chairman, Noble Group Limited
Rob Topley
Partner, Financial Services Practice, Deloitte
Simon Thompson
Chief Executive, The Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland
The event was held at the National Galleries of Scotland, a splendid venue in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Guests enjoyed a lovely dinner with "Baked Sea Bass with Pancetta" as the main course. Yum Yum I hear you say! My favourite was the desert "Strawberry Tart with strawberry mint salsa and chilled strawberry soup" Yes, the kind of thing you would normally have of an evening!
I am sure that Scottish Banker will carry a report in a future edition and there might even be photographs including the Sea Bass. Well on that Nigella Lawson moment it is time I departed.
Michael ( I thought Sea Bass was a musical instrument)
Carol Anderson
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Laura Anderson
Dunfermline Building Society
Mark Gross Bank of Scotland
Stuart Wardhaugh
Bank of Scotland
The winner was Stuart Wardhaugh of Bank of Scotland. Congratulations to you Stuart.
The award for best presentation as voted for by the large and enthusiastic audience and winner of the Fairbairn Trophy was Laura Anderson of the Dunfermline Building Society. well done to you Laura.
The esteemed Judging Panel were:
Miller McLean (Chair)
Group Secretary and General Counsel, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Ben Thomson
Chairman, Noble Group Limited
Rob Topley
Partner, Financial Services Practice, Deloitte
Simon Thompson
Chief Executive, The Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland
The event was held at the National Galleries of Scotland, a splendid venue in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Guests enjoyed a lovely dinner with "Baked Sea Bass with Pancetta" as the main course. Yum Yum I hear you say! My favourite was the desert "Strawberry Tart with strawberry mint salsa and chilled strawberry soup" Yes, the kind of thing you would normally have of an evening!
I am sure that Scottish Banker will carry a report in a future edition and there might even be photographs including the Sea Bass. Well on that Nigella Lawson moment it is time I departed.
Michael ( I thought Sea Bass was a musical instrument)
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Rising Time
As I travelled to work this morning I was listening to a programme called Rising Time, as I parked the car the sun was begining to rise and lovely it was too. This week sees the final of The Rising Star of Banking taking place here in Edinburgh. This event takes place tommorrow night. There are four finalists all hoping to be this year's Rising Star of Banking. You can be sure that your blog team will be first with the result on Thursday morning.
Our very own wandering star Raymond Brown returned yesterday from the land of the rising sun no less! I thinks he has wandered off again as he is not around today. He will be involved in something very important no doubt.
Some news to report.
London-based sub-prime specialist, Victoria Mortgages, became the first UK lender to fall victim to the current credit crisis, when it announced yesterday that it had gone into administration.
Victoria operated by consolidating its loan book, and selling blocks of mortgages on to larger financial institutions. However, last month Victoria reported along with a number of other niche lenders to those with poor credit histories - the sub-prime end of the market - that they were increasing mortgage rates by up to 2.5 percentage points as recent turmoil had dried up liquidity, pushing up the cost of borrowing to the sector.
The Financial Services Authority, which regulates the market, said up to 381 customers who have current mortgage offers from Victoria may be affected.
Rival mortgage lender GMAC RFC has offered to review Victoria customers' potential completions for home purchase transactions due in the next three days with a view to providing these borrowers with a mortgage loan.
Well I must wander off now. I trust that the week is being kind to you and look forward to speaking with you later in the week and bringing you the result of Rising Star of Banking.
Michael ( Not wandering or am I?)
Our very own wandering star Raymond Brown returned yesterday from the land of the rising sun no less! I thinks he has wandered off again as he is not around today. He will be involved in something very important no doubt.
Some news to report.
London-based sub-prime specialist, Victoria Mortgages, became the first UK lender to fall victim to the current credit crisis, when it announced yesterday that it had gone into administration.
Victoria operated by consolidating its loan book, and selling blocks of mortgages on to larger financial institutions. However, last month Victoria reported along with a number of other niche lenders to those with poor credit histories - the sub-prime end of the market - that they were increasing mortgage rates by up to 2.5 percentage points as recent turmoil had dried up liquidity, pushing up the cost of borrowing to the sector.
The Financial Services Authority, which regulates the market, said up to 381 customers who have current mortgage offers from Victoria may be affected.
Rival mortgage lender GMAC RFC has offered to review Victoria customers' potential completions for home purchase transactions due in the next three days with a view to providing these borrowers with a mortgage loan.
Well I must wander off now. I trust that the week is being kind to you and look forward to speaking with you later in the week and bringing you the result of Rising Star of Banking.
Michael ( Not wandering or am I?)
Friday, 7 September 2007
No Change
Just a short blog on this sunny Friday. As expected Interest rates are unchanged and The Bank of England took the unusual step yesterday of issuing an explanatory statement with a no-change decision on interest rates - highlighting uncertainty over the impact of financial market turmoil but also noting ongoing inflationary pressures.
Business leaders welcomed the decision by the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee to stand pat on base rates at 5.75%. The turbulence in global credit and stock markets had made this hold call a foregone conclusion, in stark contrast to indications in the Bank of England's latest inflation report less than a month ago that there might be a rise.
The European Central Bank hung fire yesterday on benchmark interest rates in the 13-nation eurozone, quashing fears that a pledge on Wednesday to "act accordingly" might have been a harbinger of another quarter-point rise. The ECB held eurozone rates at 4%
I have received a communication from one of our bloggers out there and it refers to a competition! Fantasy CEO no less!
Details can be found here http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/related_reports/business_evolution/fantasy_ceo/
This may be of interest to students doing Financial Management within the Chartered Banker qualification. There is a prize involved however, I must stress that this not from CIOBS! and of course CIOBS is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Well a very interesting week. Please keep the comments and suggestions coming. It is great to hear from you.
The weekend weather forecast is good for this part of the world and in many other places. So whatever you are doing and whoever you are doing it with have a good one.
Michael ( Looking forward to a good one)
Business leaders welcomed the decision by the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee to stand pat on base rates at 5.75%. The turbulence in global credit and stock markets had made this hold call a foregone conclusion, in stark contrast to indications in the Bank of England's latest inflation report less than a month ago that there might be a rise.
The European Central Bank hung fire yesterday on benchmark interest rates in the 13-nation eurozone, quashing fears that a pledge on Wednesday to "act accordingly" might have been a harbinger of another quarter-point rise. The ECB held eurozone rates at 4%
I have received a communication from one of our bloggers out there and it refers to a competition! Fantasy CEO no less!
Details can be found here http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/related_reports/business_evolution/fantasy_ceo/
This may be of interest to students doing Financial Management within the Chartered Banker qualification. There is a prize involved however, I must stress that this not from CIOBS! and of course CIOBS is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Well a very interesting week. Please keep the comments and suggestions coming. It is great to hear from you.
The weekend weather forecast is good for this part of the world and in many other places. So whatever you are doing and whoever you are doing it with have a good one.
Michael ( Looking forward to a good one)
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Will they or won't they?
Good Morning to you all. A cloudy morning here in Edinburgh but the promise of some sunshine later. Hooray! So what's happening out there?
UK service sector growth accelerated unexpectedly last month, showing no immediate scars from turmoil in global financial markets, and house prices continued to advance in spite of recent interest rate rises, surveys showed yesterday.
Such signs of strength would have been likely, before the turbulence in credit and stock markets began in earnest last month, to have fuelled expectations of a further rise in benchmark UK interest rates.
However, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee is now expected to hold UK base rates at 5.75% at the end of its latest two-day monthly meeting today. I am sure we will be keeping an eye on this one today.
The Bank of England, moved yesterday to tackle crippling overnight interbank lending rates with its first-ever promise under the current money market regime to release extra reserves if required.
Yesterday was the first time the Bank of England has pledged to make extra reserves available, beyond the aggregate agreed in roughly monthly maintenance periods with about 42 banks who use this system, since its current regime for money market operations came into force in May 2006.
It may be dull here in Edinburgh this morning but it is all happening out there in the markets.
Here at CIOBS revision courses continue with the Financial Economics session taking place today. I am sure that all students attending will be clued up on the activity in the markets. Will they have a break at midday to check whether or not interest rates have changed? Will they or won't they?
For his many fans who have been asking the question"Where is Raymond?" I can exclusively reveal that the great man returns on Monday. So not long to go now folks. Just one more weekend to go.
Keep an eye on the markets!
Michael ( Still flying solo)
UK service sector growth accelerated unexpectedly last month, showing no immediate scars from turmoil in global financial markets, and house prices continued to advance in spite of recent interest rate rises, surveys showed yesterday.
Such signs of strength would have been likely, before the turbulence in credit and stock markets began in earnest last month, to have fuelled expectations of a further rise in benchmark UK interest rates.
However, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee is now expected to hold UK base rates at 5.75% at the end of its latest two-day monthly meeting today. I am sure we will be keeping an eye on this one today.
The Bank of England, moved yesterday to tackle crippling overnight interbank lending rates with its first-ever promise under the current money market regime to release extra reserves if required.
Yesterday was the first time the Bank of England has pledged to make extra reserves available, beyond the aggregate agreed in roughly monthly maintenance periods with about 42 banks who use this system, since its current regime for money market operations came into force in May 2006.
It may be dull here in Edinburgh this morning but it is all happening out there in the markets.
Here at CIOBS revision courses continue with the Financial Economics session taking place today. I am sure that all students attending will be clued up on the activity in the markets. Will they have a break at midday to check whether or not interest rates have changed? Will they or won't they?
For his many fans who have been asking the question"Where is Raymond?" I can exclusively reveal that the great man returns on Monday. So not long to go now folks. Just one more weekend to go.
Keep an eye on the markets!
Michael ( Still flying solo)
Monday, 3 September 2007
September Already?
Well the sun is shining but the mornings are getting darker as we move into the autumn. As I sit here at CIOBS towers. It is a day for reflection. Raymond continues on his "Summer break" The Academy continues to exist in his absence. There was a bit of a flurry on Friday and over the weekend as the closing date for assignments and exam enrolments dawned. The closing date for assignment 2 is 10th October, yes, that is 37 days away - so please start planning now!
Revison sessions are starting this week here at CIOBS and will continue until 17th October. Please see http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads/Revision_Course_Timetable.pdf
for further details.
I notice that overdraft charges are in the news once again.The OFT has today, 31th August 2007 filed particulars of claim at the High Court on the application of the law in respect of unauthorised overdraft charges, and these documents will be available on the OFT website next week after they have been served on the other parties. The documents relate to the question of whether the fairness test in the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations (UTCCRs) applies to the relevant charges.
The OFT is continuing its financial investigation to determine whether or not unauthorised overdraft charges are fair, based on its view that the fairness test does apply to them. This investigation is due to be completed by the end of the year.The banks take the view that the charges are not covered by the fairness test in the UTCCRs and the court case at the beginning of 2008 is designed to test this point of law.
It will not lead to a judgment as to whether the charges themselves are fair or not. The OFT will decide after the initial judgment what steps to take should it win the test case and conclude from its financial investigation that any of the charges are unfair. The OFT will publish its market study on the current account market in December 2007.
Well a new day and a new month. have a good week and speak to you soon. Where are these guest presenters I promised you? I will look into this and maybe have a surprise for you this week .
Have a good one.
Michael (Feeling a bit Autumnal)
Revison sessions are starting this week here at CIOBS and will continue until 17th October. Please see http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads/Revision_Course_Timetable.pdf
for further details.
I notice that overdraft charges are in the news once again.The OFT has today, 31th August 2007 filed particulars of claim at the High Court on the application of the law in respect of unauthorised overdraft charges, and these documents will be available on the OFT website next week after they have been served on the other parties. The documents relate to the question of whether the fairness test in the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations (UTCCRs) applies to the relevant charges.
The OFT is continuing its financial investigation to determine whether or not unauthorised overdraft charges are fair, based on its view that the fairness test does apply to them. This investigation is due to be completed by the end of the year.The banks take the view that the charges are not covered by the fairness test in the UTCCRs and the court case at the beginning of 2008 is designed to test this point of law.
It will not lead to a judgment as to whether the charges themselves are fair or not. The OFT will decide after the initial judgment what steps to take should it win the test case and conclude from its financial investigation that any of the charges are unfair. The OFT will publish its market study on the current account market in December 2007.
Well a new day and a new month. have a good week and speak to you soon. Where are these guest presenters I promised you? I will look into this and maybe have a surprise for you this week .
Have a good one.
Michael (Feeling a bit Autumnal)
Friday, 31 August 2007
Some exciting things taking place
As the summer comes to and end (well here in Scotland it certainly is) there have been a few things of note to report this week.
Cheques. Now some of you older bankers out there will, I am sure remember doing the debit clearing at the beginning of and end of the day. The daily balance was fun was it not? Checking each cheque to ensure that it was drawn properly. Yes, those were the days boys and girls. But not anymore!!!
A new APACS report into cheques shows:
- In 2006 cheque volumes declined at their fastest-ever rate
- Fewer than half of all adults received a personal cheque in the last year
- Cheques now represent just one in ten of all non-cash transactions
The number of cheques written by individuals has halved from 2.0 billion to 1.0 billion in the last ten years, according to a report launched on 30 August 2007 by APACS, the UK payments association.
Another interesting fact to emerge this week was that the Bank of England said yesterday that it had acted as lender of last resort for the second time this month, supplying almost £1.6 bn via it's standing facility. This is the 14th time this year that the facility has been used. I am sure that all students remember that lender of Last Resort is one of the functions of the Bank of England. It has been suggested that problems with the CREST settlement system may have been to blame this week.
Well what an overload of information that was and on a Friday too. No bank holiday this weekend in the UK I am afraid.Raymond is still on annual leave. I am sure that he is missing us all. I wonder if he is looking in at the blog while he is away. Hello there Raymond if you are.
Enough of this Friday morning madness. I wish you all a good weekend and whether you are Barbecuing in Balerno, Curling in Currie, Driving in Dalkeith or Singing in Sighthill
Have a good one.
Michael
Cheques. Now some of you older bankers out there will, I am sure remember doing the debit clearing at the beginning of and end of the day. The daily balance was fun was it not? Checking each cheque to ensure that it was drawn properly. Yes, those were the days boys and girls. But not anymore!!!
A new APACS report into cheques shows:
- In 2006 cheque volumes declined at their fastest-ever rate
- Fewer than half of all adults received a personal cheque in the last year
- Cheques now represent just one in ten of all non-cash transactions
The number of cheques written by individuals has halved from 2.0 billion to 1.0 billion in the last ten years, according to a report launched on 30 August 2007 by APACS, the UK payments association.
Another interesting fact to emerge this week was that the Bank of England said yesterday that it had acted as lender of last resort for the second time this month, supplying almost £1.6 bn via it's standing facility. This is the 14th time this year that the facility has been used. I am sure that all students remember that lender of Last Resort is one of the functions of the Bank of England. It has been suggested that problems with the CREST settlement system may have been to blame this week.
Well what an overload of information that was and on a Friday too. No bank holiday this weekend in the UK I am afraid.Raymond is still on annual leave. I am sure that he is missing us all. I wonder if he is looking in at the blog while he is away. Hello there Raymond if you are.
Enough of this Friday morning madness. I wish you all a good weekend and whether you are Barbecuing in Balerno, Curling in Currie, Driving in Dalkeith or Singing in Sighthill
Have a good one.
Michael
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
Back to work
That's the bank holiday over then. Did you notice either on T.V. or Radio yesterday how many times bank holiday was mentioned? It must have really annoyed those folks who did not get the day off! I hope you all had a good one and are suitably refreshed and back in one piece. As someone once said any day you get home in one piece is a good day!
I have had a few communications regarding latest dates for assignments and examination enrolments. The big date is 1st September Yes, that is Friday of this week. Remember no excuses will be accepted after this date in respect of late assignments! There is a two week period of grace in respect of enrolments, however and there is a late fee of £ 50.00 payable after 1st September.
What assistance is the Institute providing in respect of these exams then ? If you click here
http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads/Revision_Course_Timetable.pdf You will find details of the revision courses in respect of the Chartered Banker and Associateship examinations. These sessions are highly recommended are led by subject experts.
Revision Chat Rooms will also take place in the core subjects. Information on this can be found at http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads/ChatRoom.pdf
I wish you well in your studies. Your subject tutors are there to assist you and please use them and remember that first exam is closer than you think! The hard work will pay off and by the end of the year you will be celebrating!
Speak to you later in the week.
Michael
Friday, 24 August 2007
Bank Holiday Weekend Reminders - Friday Frolics
It's Friday again and another bank holiday weekend. What are you doing this weekend? Here at CIOBS we are getting close to examination time for the Associateship and Chartered Banker examinations. This diet sees the end of the Associateship qualification and all students affected by this have been notified regarding their next move.
Examination enrolment in respect of the above closes on 1st September. Therefore 1 week to go till the closing date arrives.
Chartered Banker students. I am sure are aware that the 1st September is also the latest date for submission of your 1st assignment! If you wish to take advantage of the possibility of pass compensation then get those assignments to your tutor on time. No assignments received after this date will be accepted. Gosh! I am sounding so tough today! Let's have some Friday Frolics then.
Colin is still in the Bahamas, Raymond is getting ready to depart on his mystery tour. Will it be magical! I believe that Peter is in Dublin. Ah good old Dublin. If we have any bloggers over there in Ireland give us shout or even send a message. We would love to hear from you.
Regular bloggers might be expecting a bank holiday competition. Ah go on then as Mrs Doyle would say or is it Go on, Go on, Go on? ( I think she was talking about you Michael - Raymond)
Ha Ha good one Raymond. ( I think it is time you flew off)
The question is Name the banker played by Peter Barkworth in the1970's T.V. Drama Telford's Change. Clue it wasn't change! They don't make T.V. dramas about banking anymore!
Well then a good holiday to Raymond and a safe return for Colin and Peter.
Whether you are putting in Pitlochry, swimming at St.Andrews, golfing at Gullane or frollicking in Fife have a geat bank holiday weekend.
Michael ( not frollicking at the moment)
Examination enrolment in respect of the above closes on 1st September. Therefore 1 week to go till the closing date arrives.
Chartered Banker students. I am sure are aware that the 1st September is also the latest date for submission of your 1st assignment! If you wish to take advantage of the possibility of pass compensation then get those assignments to your tutor on time. No assignments received after this date will be accepted. Gosh! I am sounding so tough today! Let's have some Friday Frolics then.
Colin is still in the Bahamas, Raymond is getting ready to depart on his mystery tour. Will it be magical! I believe that Peter is in Dublin. Ah good old Dublin. If we have any bloggers over there in Ireland give us shout or even send a message. We would love to hear from you.
Regular bloggers might be expecting a bank holiday competition. Ah go on then as Mrs Doyle would say or is it Go on, Go on, Go on? ( I think she was talking about you Michael - Raymond)
Ha Ha good one Raymond. ( I think it is time you flew off)
The question is Name the banker played by Peter Barkworth in the1970's T.V. Drama Telford's Change. Clue it wasn't change! They don't make T.V. dramas about banking anymore!
Well then a good holiday to Raymond and a safe return for Colin and Peter.
Whether you are putting in Pitlochry, swimming at St.Andrews, golfing at Gullane or frollicking in Fife have a geat bank holiday weekend.
Michael ( not frollicking at the moment)
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
Summer Breeze or Autumn Wind
Hello folks I am back. What Raymond omitted to mention was some of those calls were from Elvis himself!
I am impressed that Colin is off to the Bahamas. His blog upon his return should be very interesting. He is a name dropper you know. He met Fiona Hyslop, the Education Minister at a function last weekend.
As Colin is getting brown in the Bahamas, Mr Brown departs on his annual leave at the end of the week. He will be turning pink in Pittenweem.
Seriously Raymond is not going to Pittenweem. He is going much further afield. Yes, Crail!No he is not. He is going to a secret location where his fans will not find him.
Tomorrow brings another Introductory day for Chartered Banker students.
Looking further ahead an Apex 1 revision session takes place on 10th and 11th September and Apex 5 on 24th and 25th September. There is an opportunity to sit the Apex 5/H2 exam on the afternoon of 25th September. This option is proving very popular and the success rate in the exam is very high!
As we move into Autumn time revision courses for the Associate and Chartered Banker exams are just around the corner as are chat room sessions . Details of all of these at http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/calendar.cfm#rcr
As always comments and suggestions regarding the blog are most welcome at mailto:support@ciobsacademy.org.uk Keep them coming folks we are always delighted to hear from you.
Michael (Not going Pink or Brown)
Friday, 17 August 2007
Please Don't Worry - Enjoy your Weekend
Hi folks,
I wasn't intending doing a blog today, but I've had 547 phone calls enquiring about Michael's mental health.
Can I just assure you that following his incoherent ramblings about Elvis, I have given Michael the day off!! He should be okay soon!
The latest audio-visual presentation has now gone on to the web - this is the 'Quick Tour' of the Chartered Banker. Have a look and see - it's exciting stuff (not joking by the way!).
http://cibsbreeze.ciobs.org.uk/cb/
Colin Morrison, our Deputy Chief Executive, is off to the Bahamas on business next week. He tells me he will be seeing the Governor General, a Mr Arthur Hanna, when he's there!
More importantly, the aforesaid Mr M is threatening to do a 'guest spot' on the blog. All, I can say, Colin, is BRING IT ON!! Can't wait.
Anyway, that's it for today's blog. Have a great weekend.
Raymond
I wasn't intending doing a blog today, but I've had 547 phone calls enquiring about Michael's mental health.
Can I just assure you that following his incoherent ramblings about Elvis, I have given Michael the day off!! He should be okay soon!
The latest audio-visual presentation has now gone on to the web - this is the 'Quick Tour' of the Chartered Banker. Have a look and see - it's exciting stuff (not joking by the way!).
http://cibsbreeze.ciobs.org.uk/cb/
Colin Morrison, our Deputy Chief Executive, is off to the Bahamas on business next week. He tells me he will be seeing the Governor General, a Mr Arthur Hanna, when he's there!
More importantly, the aforesaid Mr M is threatening to do a 'guest spot' on the blog. All, I can say, Colin, is BRING IT ON!! Can't wait.
Anyway, that's it for today's blog. Have a great weekend.
Raymond
Thursday, 16 August 2007
Blog me tender
Sometimes blogging can be dangerous. You must be careful not to upset anyone or indeed libel any person living or dead! Today cannot pass without a mention of the King. Now I know most of you are thinking of Raymond Pressley Brown or Steven Elvis Pressley or even Elvis Costello. However it is 30 years today that Elvis Presley passed away. ( Oh at last Michael you have moved on from Bob Dylan!)
Did Elvis ever visit CIOBS or indeed was he a member at any stage ? The records have been checked and it appears he was not a member. There have been many sightings of him over the years of course. Did he ever attend a CIOBS event under an assumed name? If you think that you may have attended a course with Elvis please let us know? Jackie Hay of CIOBS is not allowed to enter this competition!
This week's courses were well attended and some students have been sitting exams here at CIOBS congratulations to all successful candidates.
A very happy birthday from all at CIOBS to Madonna 49 today. Her application is being processed. I think she fancies a change of career.
I am certain that there are some other snippets that we must know about and I am sure that that Raymond has a few exclusives up his sleeve ! Raymond over to you. Raymond are you there? Raymond.
Oh well Raymond is not responding!
Between you and I. Raymond did tell me that after his visit to the Police College last week he has received the following feedback"The presentation was excellent and your presentation skills are 1st class. However, the presentation could have been pitched at a slightly higher level"
Raymond tells me he will do his next presentation on stilts!!!! But will he charge a higher fee?
Up up and away
Michael
Did Elvis ever visit CIOBS or indeed was he a member at any stage ? The records have been checked and it appears he was not a member. There have been many sightings of him over the years of course. Did he ever attend a CIOBS event under an assumed name? If you think that you may have attended a course with Elvis please let us know? Jackie Hay of CIOBS is not allowed to enter this competition!
This week's courses were well attended and some students have been sitting exams here at CIOBS congratulations to all successful candidates.
A very happy birthday from all at CIOBS to Madonna 49 today. Her application is being processed. I think she fancies a change of career.
I am certain that there are some other snippets that we must know about and I am sure that that Raymond has a few exclusives up his sleeve ! Raymond over to you. Raymond are you there? Raymond.
Oh well Raymond is not responding!
Between you and I. Raymond did tell me that after his visit to the Police College last week he has received the following feedback"The presentation was excellent and your presentation skills are 1st class. However, the presentation could have been pitched at a slightly higher level"
Raymond tells me he will do his next presentation on stilts!!!! But will he charge a higher fee?
Up up and away
Michael
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