tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4953495426544856252011-04-22T05:06:29.543+01:00The Academy is the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland (CIOBS) function which has the dedicated aim of supporting students throughout the period of their studies. Whilst we obviously communicate in rather more formal ways, this 'blog' allows us the opportunity to pass on little snippets of information from time to time.CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comBlogger1261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-82455923675132864072009-01-16T08:39:00.006Z2009-01-16T09:33:51.098Z

Hello dear reader and welcome to the 129th blog.As President Bush gets ready to say farewell to the White House, we here at the CIOBS Academy blog say our farerwell!As you recover from the shock of the above, let me cheer you up by saying unlike President Bush we will be returning in a couple of weeks with a bigger, better, brighter and blooming good blog.The new blog will be part of the re-vamp

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-424145625584317342009-01-08T15:34:00.003Z2009-01-08T16:12:08.979Z

Welcome to the first CIOBS Academy blog of 2009. Let's hope this year is not going be as bad as everyone is forecasting.First things first then. A few hours ago the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced another cut in interest rates to 1.5%, the lowest level in its 315 year history, as it continues efforts to aid an economic recovery.The half percentage point reduction

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-44769475196027636332008-12-22T11:08:00.009Z2008-12-22T11:57:10.926Z

Well with that heading it think it is obvious, I am getting excited!Welcome to this special festive edition of the CIOBS blog. It is not just the fact that Christmas is only three days away that excites me, it is the fact that we appear to have colour available - Very festive.Or on the other hand maybe not!!!In fact let's try for a picture instead!Gosh it has worked! What a wonderful way to end

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-25686464246277540702008-12-17T16:00:00.007Z2008-12-17T16:40:18.345Z

Welcome to the CIOBS blog. I have chosen the title carefully this week as I was just looking at some of the headlines today and they do not make good reading:US house building slump continuesRussia's industrial output slumpsOil falls despite Opec's threatsUK house prices 'to fall by 30%'IMF sees world slowdownSlump in Japan firms' confidenceUS industrial output falls 0.6%Pound continues fall

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-65853744648443960442008-12-11T15:55:00.006Z2008-12-11T16:40:26.111Z

Hi to all CIOBS bloggees and welcome to the return of superblogger.At least I think that's what Raymond called me!I was off for one week, yes, one week only and Mr.Raymond Brown manages to do two blogs in that time!And he accuses me of hogging this blog! Indeed!Well done Raymond. Two very informative blogs and with a touch of colour too!!!He certainly had a busy week when I was not around and

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-56213139768580049412008-12-05T13:06:00.002Z2008-12-05T13:41:22.258Z

Hi again,I know it's almost too good to be true, but today I'm doing two in a row!! With Michael still on some totally undeserved holidays, I can click my keyboard till my heart's content.So another week draws to a close. A week that's seen another bank go to the wall, a week that produced the lowest base interest rate since 1951 and what a year that was.You probably weren't around then (and

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-1719282368718949412008-11-28T15:14:00.002Z2008-11-28T15:40:34.292Z

Hi everyone,It may not quite be night yet, although it has been a long day, but certainly you will think me a stranger!I can't actually remember when I did a blog last - anyway I'm here now, with the bold Mr Downey having earlier fled to go on holiday for a week. Lucky swine! (apologies to lovers of all things porcine ).It's all go you know at the hive of industry that is the CIOBS! No, I'm

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-47979678219471300612008-11-20T09:04:00.000Z2008-11-20T09:22:20.055Z

Hi and welcome to the CIOBS blog. Yes a bit of Gaelic in the heading this week and Scots Gaelic at that! Yesterday we welcomed a new group of Chartered Banker students to Drumsheugh House for an Introductory Session and two of the group had never been to Scotland before! We gave them a guid Scots welcome. Haste ye back as they say!Well what a week it has been never a dull moment and I am typing

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-14190076354503499252008-11-13T16:30:00.002Z2008-11-13T16:51:42.423Z

Fastyr mie and welcome to this special blog.Yes, you have guessed correctly I have been on my travels again and you are correct again - a bit of Manx to start us off this week.I arrived at the offices of a well known organisation in the Isle of Man yesterday just in time to meet all the staff coming out to welcome me.Well, in fact the fire alarm had gone off if the truth be told.Hello to you all

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-67086725207608692008-11-07T11:29:00.000Z2008-11-07T11:33:16.212Z

Hi Everyone.Some news regarding the on-line examination facility.Examination Dates – December 2008 and January 2009.The last date for examinations is Thursday 18 December 2008On-line examinations will begin again on Wednesday 7 January 2009.Please Note:There will be no siitings at Strathclyde University during January 2009. The first sitting there will be on Thursday 5 February 2009.To

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-47866614080060191592008-11-06T17:24:00.004Z2008-11-06T17:43:43.033Z

Welcome to the first CIOBS Academy blog of November. I hope you are all well.As we move into the new month, The USA has a new president and of course here in the U.K. the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has made a one-and-a-half percentage point cut in UK interest rates to 3%, the lowest level since 1955.Do any of you out there remember 1955?I can certainly remember interest rates of

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-62706921340847973742008-10-29T17:01:00.003Z2008-10-29T18:02:53.285Z

Hello to you all and welcome to the CIOBS blog.The first blog since the clocks went back one hour last weekend. What do you mean "did they ?"After our recent discussion about when the weekend starts, maybe we should start a "when does winter commence" debate.On second thoughts maybe not, however there was snow in parts of Scotland yesterday and car windscreens have required to be de-frosted these

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-13363241351817326942008-10-22T16:42:00.003+01:002008-10-22T16:52:51.715+01:00

Hi to you all and welcome to the weekly CIOBS blog.First up this week some news for students doing Chartered Banker and related Diplomas.CIOBS has introduced a new feature into the on-line examination system. This feature is designed to ensure that the machine you are using is working properly as far as saving your exam answers.In order to do this you are required to answer a few multiple choice

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-69442346536571820002008-10-16T16:27:00.002+01:002008-10-16T16:50:47.603+01:00

Hello to all readers of the CIOBS blog. We like to keep you on your toes and after last week's early midweek blog I am not sure if this is an end of the week blog or a beginning of next week blog!If you are not a regular reader of this blog, then please see last week's blog for further clarity on this.A strange thing happened this week after my mention of Dublin in the last blog. I received an

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-56301979522349727082008-10-07T16:23:00.002+01:002008-10-07T17:14:11.269+01:00

A blog on a Tuesday? Why not I say.A very warm welcome to you all.I was going to head this with "A midweek blog" and then I remembered it is Tuesday and therefore such a heading would have been technically incorrect. Although I do remember someone saying to me a few years ago in Dublin, on a Wednesday night "The weekend starts here!" So Tuesday it is. You can make your own mind up with regard to

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-70182579507812682552008-10-02T11:09:00.002+01:002008-10-02T12:22:48.361+01:00

Hello and welcome to the first CIOBS blog of October.It is certainly Autumnal where I am, but it could be the start of Spring where you are!In the Southern Hemisphere you are leaving Winter as we here in the north head towards it.Goodness Michael you certainly have your global head on today.Well with all the goings on in the financial world over the last few weeks, life goes on here at CIOBS with

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-31941903223563630452008-09-25T16:25:00.004+01:002008-09-25T16:48:13.764+01:00

Welcome to the CIOBS blog.Well that's another interesting week coming to an end.The Live final of the Deloitte Financial Services Rising Star Awards 2008 took place here in Edinburgh on Tuesday.The judging panel comprised Stewart Stevenson MSP, Philip Grant, Rob Topley, Ewen Munro and Simon Thompson.The finalist were:Christine Cairns - RBS Yvonne Collins - National Australia Group (Europe)Ashley

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-63221100517355469082008-09-18T16:21:00.006+01:002008-09-18T17:02:54.393+01:00

Yes, This is the 110th CIOBS blog. Who would have thought it?A very warm welcome to your favourite blog.It has course been a rather turbulent week in the Financial Services Industry and all events have been covered in great detail in the media, and we have some coverage of the week's earlier events in our weekly news podcast.Yesterday here at CIOBS we had the pleasure of introducing a group of

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-8390176657719707822008-09-11T16:46:00.003+01:002008-09-11T17:25:07.143+01:00

What an interesting week it has been and it is only Thursday. Can it get any better?A warm welcome to the latest CIOBS blog.Firstly, may I draw your attention to this week's podcast which can be found here http://www.ciobs.org.uk/home.htmlThere you will find an article about Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and some other interesting business news.Monday saw a visit to CIOBS by representatives of the

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-49137404095586716552008-09-03T18:41:00.002+01:002008-09-03T19:43:15.382+01:00

Well here we are again, a new month and a new season. it's time to use some of those great Scottish phrases such as "The nights are fair drawing in." This can be used as an ice-breaker or when you run out of conversation!Another phrase widely used at this time of year in this part of the world is " Have you noticed that is turning a bit colder in the evenings?"Once again this can used when you

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-3101926619916424702008-08-27T15:51:00.006+01:002008-08-29T12:19:55.775+01:00

Hi there,It has been a rather interesting week in the land of Drumsheugh. In addition to the usual round of meetings and supporting students as they strive towards academic greatness, we have had some strange goings on.Last Friday saw the CIOBS annual barbecue take place. Nothing strange happened at that I suppose, however there was a bit of excitement at the end when we tried to take the gazebos

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-69096092110391133032008-08-20T19:29:00.005+01:002008-08-20T20:09:39.010+01:00

Hello and welcome to the CIOBS blog. Following on from last week's tales, I can confirm that Raymond has departed to a better place.The great man is now enjoying his annual vacation at a secret location. He could be somewhere near you as I write and, all I will say is there is a sporting theme behind his choice of destination."That narrows it down then Michael"I should add that Raymond left an

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-64818387361828672562008-08-13T16:09:00.003+01:002008-08-13T17:21:24.580+01:00

Hi and welcome to another midweek CIOBS blog.I had an interesting start to the week on Sunday when in the company of John Needham a council member of CIOBS, I attended a Festival Service at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. We were joined by representatives of many other organisations in this celebration of the 62nd Edinburgh International Festival.The Cathedral was full of all sorts of VIPs and

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-53525261835142445362008-08-06T16:06:00.003+01:002008-08-06T16:34:02.257+01:00

Hi and welcome to a midweek edition of the CIOBS blog.I am writing this from a secret location in the West of Scotland - If it's good enough for Raymond Brown...........I would rather be doing it from the West of the Bahamas or somewhere where the sun is shining.Both myself and the aforementioned Mr.B. have been in the classroom this week. Doing a bit of teaching if you please and what a pleasure

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-84730954349963730272008-07-31T10:41:00.000+01:002008-07-31T11:30:06.190+01:00

Hi dear readers and welcome to this, the final July blog of 2008. Well, here we are in the middle of the holiday season and Yes, the roadworks are certainly in full flow here in Central Scotland. Some news of the on-line examinations for Chartered Banker. I can advise that three more subjects are now available for booking via the on-line system. These are:Call Centre ManagementFinancial

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-4541055823880891332008-07-24T08:02:00.000+01:002008-07-24T08:42:01.615+01:00

Hi readers and welcome to the Ciobs Academy blog. I am pleased to advise that the sun is shining here in Edinburgh and it is forecast to be hot. Well, things are certainly heating up here at CIOBS and there is plenty in the pipeline.As you know, we previously said that all Chartered Banker and related Diplomas etc. will be examinable online starting from 1st September with a phased rollout

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-44703642987873374992008-07-17T17:02:00.004+01:002008-07-17T17:39:30.304+01:00

Hello dear readers and welcome to this the 101st edition of the CIOBS blog. Yes, I am back on my perch and delighted to be so. Well done to Raymond for the last two blogs and I can confirm that all issues regarding passwords etc are now sorted.You may recall a few weeks ago we were talking about business speak, well, I have heard a new one this week" let's keep that in the back pocket" Super!!

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-50712313924265856292008-07-11T14:36:00.003+01:002008-07-11T15:10:05.249+01:00

Hi again,This is indeed a momentous occasion - the 100th posting on this blog.Yes, 100 times people all around the world have been able to view this communication masterpiece - well perhaps, that's taking things too far!Anyhow, Mr D is on the last day of his holidays, so he'll be back to torment you next week!!So what's been happening since Monday?Plenty actually! Much of my time this week has

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-51637581172484835132008-07-07T08:15:00.002+01:002008-07-07T08:51:08.667+01:00

Hi everyone,Just a little bit behind schedule with the blog, but as you probably guessed, it's the vacation season and so Master Blogger is currently away from his perch!!That's not actually the reason why there was no blog last week - the real reason was that I couldn't remember the password to access the site - so now you know. However, I have just reset it and am currently considering whether

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-70961427031297413252008-06-26T10:54:00.001+01:002008-06-26T11:36:46.178+01:00

Hello and welcome to the CIOBS blog. I am sure that all potential Chartered Bankers and those studying for the related Diplomas will be aware that the results of the Spring diet are now available on this website.I have reproduced the above news with the kind permission of Peter Moir.His permission must be sought for any reproduction that takes place here at CIOBS! This is an historic time as the

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-31466705884893689182008-06-19T08:21:00.002+01:002008-06-19T10:43:00.498+01:00

Well here we are again and on a Thursday too! A very warm welcome to the CIOBS Blog.That's us nearly at the end of another week and what an interesting week it has been. Your very own Raymond Brown has been out and about this week and his travels have taken him to Fife and Renfrewshire. He is very popular in both places. So much so that he is making return visits next week.I have had a few

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-56009892703071865482008-06-11T11:56:00.004+01:002008-06-11T19:15:09.542+01:00

Welcome to the CIOBS blog.I know it is Wednesday and this might confuse some of our regular readers, but hey, a change is as good as a rest – so why not a Wednesday blog.Keeping with this theme, our weekly news podcast which is normally posted to the website on a Thursday has been posted a day earlier this week.This is due to operational reasons.I will say nothing further on this one.What I will

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-31260367342431716882008-06-05T09:08:00.009+01:002008-06-05T10:07:02.764+01:00

Hello to you all and a very warm welcome to the first blog of June.How can I follow the great man’s blog from last week? It was everything that a blog should be. Informative, accurate and with a touch of the famous Brown humour.My spies tell me that the great man did a fantastic job in his role as chairman last Tuesday. Will he be resting on his laurels? Hardly! I did rest on some laurels once. I

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-82932455300453263722008-05-30T07:49:00.003+01:002008-05-30T08:36:29.090+01:00

Hi all and welcome!Firstly, I'd like to apologise that Michael is having a few days holiday. I know that he is becoming a bit of a cult blogger, but even literary superstars need a break!This week has certainly been exciting. As the great Downey proclaimed, I was hosting the Scottish Banking Forum on Tuesday morning, with that unforgettable title "Wealth Managers Driving For Success: Becoming

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-16293215595319982252008-05-23T09:11:00.001+01:002008-05-23T11:07:25.341+01:00

Hi and welcome to the CIOBS blog.First of all it is my great pleasure to announce that Raymond has been podcasting this week.Please go to http://www.ciobs.org.uk/about/what_podcasts.cfm (after you have read this blog of course!) and you will hear a fit and healthy sounding Raymond with some very interesting business news.Well, what a week it has been dear reader. I have been in the class room for

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-82339907752534580492008-05-14T08:08:00.000+01:002008-05-14T08:13:51.676+01:00

Hi again dear readers and welcome to the CIOBS midweek blog.It’s Wednesday again and I do hope you are having a good week wherever you are.“So what’s happening at Drumsheugh Gardens?” I hear you ask. Well,I shall tell you.We are currently planning revision courses in respect of Chartered Banker and related Diplomas.These will take place during the final quarter of 2008 and dates will be finalised

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-87675623580053670412008-05-07T11:14:00.006+01:002008-05-07T13:34:36.157+01:00

Welcome to the midweek colourful CIOBS Blog. Regular readers will be aware of my previous rants regarding the lack of colour therefore it is so exciting when colour makes a return! It must be something to do with the wonderful weather that we have been having in Scotland this week. Okay, hands up it has nothing to do with the weather - it is about location, location, location. It depends upon

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-77605491716261485972008-05-02T09:24:00.000+01:002008-05-02T09:31:42.516+01:00

Well here we are once again. Another week and another month have gone by.Welcome to the first blog of the merry month of May.Did any of you wash your face in the morning dew yesterday? Before you ask, yes, I certainly did and I am feeling radiant on this sunny Friday morning here in Edinburgh. What a week it has been here at Drumsheugh.Your very own Raymond Brown was hospitalised earlier in the

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-91335954351029458252008-04-25T11:32:00.002+01:002008-04-25T11:48:22.910+01:00

Hi and welcome to the week that was. Firstly a big welcome home to one of our regulars MR.X from Kirkintilloch. It was good to speak with you yesterday and it sounds like you had a great time trekking in Nepal.I know that you did have internet access at some stages of your journey and I trust that you kept up with your favourite blog as well as the football results!All the week’s financial

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-8305320026651346652008-04-18T08:08:00.000+01:002008-04-18T08:14:18.748+01:00

Hello to you all once again and especially to the student member who contacted us here at CIOBS last Friday asking if there would be a blog published that day.He/she was obviously in need of a blog and so soon after Wednesday’s offering too.Apologies for the wait.I must mention that the weekly news podcast has returned after last week’s non-appearance and can be located here http://

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-69184739838483470082008-04-09T12:33:00.001+01:002008-04-15T15:51:15.104+01:00

Well, first things first as they say. I am sure you will all be delighted to know that Raymond rocked them in Rotherham and has returned home safely.Welcome back Raymond. I am sure that the good folks of Rotherham enjoyed your visit.Here at Drumsheugh this week we have hosted a few more of the Chartered Banker and related Diploma Revision sessions. The final course takes place on Tuesday 15th

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-7763570923779605862008-04-04T09:56:00.001+01:002008-04-04T10:06:18.369+01:00

Friday again and the word blogging springs to mind.Or it could it be that the word spring springs to mind.It is a mild day here in Scotland’s capital and I am told that it was warm in Aberdeen yesterday and it was sunny. Oh well that will be summer over for the good people of that part of Scotland for another year.What an exciting week it has been here at CIOBS.Revision courses for Chartered

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-79592032561911658632008-03-27T11:26:00.000Z2008-03-27T11:30:57.132Z

Hello dear readers. It was good to read Raymond’s blog last week and I am sure that I will be known as big ears here at CIOBS for the foreseeable future and I am sure that Raymond did boil his Easter eggs last week – he certainly boiled something – he is walking in a funny sort of way! Yes,I have returned from my trip to the sun and I suppose I do look a bit like a rabbit being a bit brown or is

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-75685953849490268542008-03-27T10:23:00.001Z2008-03-27T10:23:53.617Z

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-69834123245827178162008-03-20T15:52:00.005Z2008-03-20T16:50:48.883Z

Hi to our regular reader(s)!As the World's Greatest Blogger is on his holidays this week, I have the pleasant duty of doing a little 'spot'.This week has been particularly busy (but enjoyable!), what with the bold Downey in absentia!Monday and Tuesday were spent in the company of six students who had to endure my constant chit chat and witty repartee (my words - not theirs!) during the ApEx 1

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-54619092930260432852008-03-11T14:29:00.001Z2008-03-11T14:33:29.840Z

What a great way to start the day! This fine morning I was at the Scottish Police College, Tulliallan, in the Kingdom of Fife.I was one of the guest speakers at a course on Financial Crime ……. and before you ask, no I was not teaching people how to commit financial crime!Thank you to the organisers for inviting me and to the delegates for their participation.This evening sees another interesting

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-20105534975734401022008-03-07T13:48:00.001Z2008-03-07T14:48:03.444Z

Welcome to the blog. My, how the time has flown since last week’s jottings and what a busy week it has been. The week started with the Apex 5 revision days on Monday and Tuesday- Well done to all the attendees!Yesterday was a pretty exciting day both home and away. Raymond was here in Edinburgh and it has been reported that he was the star of the meeting of the Education Committee.Unfortunately,I

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-32167239644550757012008-02-29T11:07:00.000Z2008-02-29T11:20:33.755Z

Well,here we are on Friday 29th February 2008, Yes, it is a leap year. This is the first ever blog to be written on 29th February and will be the last leap year blog until 2012.Will there still be a blog in 2012? What form will it take? Will I still be a blogaholic? We shall see.I hope you are well on this final day in February. As I was walking to the office this morning it was light! Hooray!

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-71707168026654439612008-02-22T09:12:00.000Z2008-02-22T09:14:05.257Z

I know I will be accused once again of being a blogaholic and I know it is only two days since the last blog, but, hey let’s do it as they say, It’s Friday, it’s wet and windy here in Edinburgh - so we need cheering up.Firstly, the main reason for today’s jottings is to reveal that the revision notes for both Retail Banking and Business Law, (England and Wales) are now available for purchase.“

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-91395750542526162072008-02-20T09:06:00.000Z2008-02-20T10:07:40.476Z

Well here we are in the middle of February, the Valentine’s Day gifts are available at vastly reduced prices in the shops, Burns night has come and gone and the mornings are still frosty. But there is light at the end of the tunnel and the spring diet of examinations for Chartered Banker and related diplomas is fast approaching.So it is time for a few reminders.The examination timetable is

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-27807855954074721502008-02-13T09:33:00.000Z2008-02-13T09:37:23.273Z

Well wasn’t Raymond’s blog most entertaining last week. A Raymond Brown blog is special is it not? I know that I certainly look forward to his jottings. I loved the remark about anti-Downey software. I wonder if there is a market for that? I will get my team on to it. So what highlights do I have for you this week? Well firstly I should mention that the dates and times for the legendary Chartered

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-57038821042666755082008-02-08T11:49:00.000Z2008-02-08T13:13:54.500Z

Hi again all,It's really such an immense pleasure to be able to blog again!So many things have happened since my last visit here, but I know that Michael has kept you updated and entertained (in the loosest sense of the word).Anyway, for those students who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Investment assignments on the CIOBS website, you need not contain your excitement any more -

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-88122463030725540882008-02-01T13:42:00.000Z2008-02-01T13:44:10.000Z

A Friday again and time for a blog from the CIOBS blog team. Well that’s January gone, but I fear that the awful weather will remain. Not good news for the golfers amongst you.Talking of sport, a very warm welcome to the many rugby supporters who will be visiting Edinburgh over the next few weeks. I read a report this morning stating that the visitors to the RBS 6 nations will inject £60 Million

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-85110578573935699482008-01-22T17:17:00.000Z2008-01-24T14:36:50.470Z

As the news in the financial world is somewhat downbeat this evening and the radio and T.V. will be full of gloom and doom what else is there to do but a midweek blog.What could be more uplifting especially when there is colour. This week did start off with the news that Monday 21st January was the most depressing day of the year and various reports were telling us that we are all stressed out

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-91710424570137043922008-01-18T13:08:00.000Z2008-01-18T13:10:22.944Z

Well that's another week drawing to a close here at CIOBS. It maybe that some of you are attending our Burns Supper in London tonight. The largest Burns supper in the world I am told. What an organisation we are. Oldest Banking Institute in the world and the world’s largest Burns supper. If you are going along, I am sure that you will have a wonderful evening. I hope you like haggis!

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-83023658161199146712008-01-10T09:47:00.000Z2008-01-10T13:43:41.360Z

Well the festive season has gone. The weather is wild and it seems to be dark most of the time. Isn't life fun during a Scottish Winter! I am sure that some of you had fun getting home yesterday, what with bridges closed, lorries overturning on motorways, garden fences being blown away and a new one trampolines, yes trampolines. During this recent spell of inclement weather it has been reported

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-43419987396757825832008-01-04T08:34:00.000Z2008-01-04T09:25:25.264Z

Good morning to you all and a slightly late welcome to this new year.Typical, as I returned to work today it was snowing. Well it is January and it is Scotland. What did I expect?I hope that the festive season proved to be enjoyable for eveyone.Today is a bit of a strange one I know that others are still enjoying a festive break and normality will return on Monday as everything gets back to

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-60860529306706439682007-12-24T09:47:00.000Z2007-12-24T09:55:03.933Z

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-57134917361685532212007-12-18T20:06:00.000Z2007-12-19T11:18:23.447Z

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-742855374981057372007-12-12T09:43:00.000Z2007-12-12T10:13:21.932Z

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-31530741456997691562007-12-07T07:34:00.000Z2007-12-07T13:04:03.614Z

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,

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-79959510637825087902007-11-30T08:02:00.000Z2007-11-30T11:35:07.566Z

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-21370783206078947972007-11-23T12:19:00.000Z2007-11-23T13:11:00.372Z

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-90324194906922931632007-11-20T11:41:00.000Z2007-11-20T13:02:17.847Z

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-2777140167801917372007-11-16T11:51:00.000Z2007-11-16T11:58:51.165Z

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-81343778786105327942007-11-12T09:36:00.000Z2007-11-12T09:57:12.650Z

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-65847395393115481752007-11-08T12:38:00.000Z2007-11-08T13:21:25.197Z

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-36062333591373842922007-11-01T08:02:00.000Z2007-11-01T08:06:16.388Z

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)

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-60960314883304374422007-10-31T17:28:00.001Z2007-11-01T10:37:07.679Z

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-14885218342904964302007-10-29T07:48:00.000Z2007-10-29T13:03:28.097Z

Greetings from the DungeonsHm…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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-51380502330356931362007-10-23T19:06:00.000+01:002007-10-23T19:33:18.999+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-22211933787403883522007-10-19T07:35:00.000+01:002007-10-19T08:02:36.876+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-63510734923656436952007-10-16T17:35:00.000+01:002007-10-17T08:05:04.544+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-8691718827311981312007-10-16T14:27:00.000+01:002007-10-16T14:31:33.798+01:00

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 ENDSRaymond

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-31512003216900648562007-10-11T20:42:00.000+01:002007-10-11T21:35:57.569+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-11024840808199406952007-10-09T20:01:00.000+01:002007-10-09T20:35:04.765+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-6675106317018902052007-10-08T08:19:00.000+01:002007-10-08T08:44:15.123+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-5336485561491269602007-10-05T07:32:00.000+01:002007-10-05T08:35:24.168+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-32027330234316335502007-10-05T07:09:00.000+01:002007-10-05T08:33:50.685+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-10477240642234140202007-10-01T11:28:00.000+01:002007-10-01T11:58:56.249+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-65603345643807431652007-09-28T07:41:00.000+01:002007-09-28T07:46:08.715+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-2923540618282947872007-09-26T12:37:00.001+01:002007-09-26T13:17:01.010+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-60887537637050948532007-09-21T07:43:00.000+01:002007-09-21T08:39:22.831+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-41519578994858801882007-09-19T13:52:00.000+01:002007-09-19T14:54:47.349+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-74980763417779930902007-09-13T08:42:00.000+01:002007-09-13T09:34:43.687+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-73160227831885268962007-09-11T08:08:00.000+01:002007-09-11T08:25:33.120+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-74580526133064303152007-09-07T08:14:00.000+01:002007-09-07T08:45:02.262+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-81494030474578155552007-09-06T08:17:00.000+01:002007-09-06T08:34:42.118+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-42234476880360017662007-09-03T08:05:00.001+01:002007-09-03T08:27:17.605+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-49054710724749805642007-08-31T09:22:00.000+01:002007-08-31T10:22:34.983+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-32004075154669403842007-08-28T08:31:00.000+01:002007-08-28T09:08:47.529+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-9189465477604739782007-08-24T08:09:00.000+01:002007-08-24T11:59:23.299+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-15973051383817173922007-08-21T10:36:00.000+01:002007-08-21T11:27:37.139+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-50336263253801272052007-08-17T13:37:00.000+01:002007-08-17T14:17:42.023+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-15410164647021838832007-08-16T08:11:00.000+01:002007-08-16T13:12:42.023+01:00

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

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-5272944871350319752007-08-10T14:27:00.000+01:002007-08-10T14:57:37.251+01:00

Hi all,Welcome to the latest edition of our blog!Hopefully you are all well and looking forward to a well-deserved weekend break. I certainly am - both well and looking forward to a break, I mean - well deserved or otherwise!This week has been quite varied, with a number of internal meetings taking place. On Tuesday, though, I was helping HM Constabulary with their enquiries!! No, not for

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-65115764149665613792007-08-08T12:45:00.000+01:002007-08-08T13:47:22.996+01:00

As the city of Edinburgh enjoys fine weather today the festival is in full swing. However here at CIOBS our very own event the Apex 1 revision days on Monday and Tuesday was attended by 12 students. Some fringe shows will have a smaller attendance!Next week sees the Apex 5 Revision session on Monday and Tuesday. I am advised that there are still a couple of tickets. Oops I mean places available

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-37887606845813665512007-08-03T10:43:00.000+01:002007-08-03T12:50:29.626+01:00

Ah come on now. We all think that Raymond is being rather modest. Have you listened to the Podcast? If not I would highly recommend it. Well done to both Raymond and Simon. As a Glaswegian I would say Pure Quality by the way! and I am told that it was digitally recorded - pure class or what?I was asked if it was me playing the guitar in the intro. The answer is no, however in future Podcasts I

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-22256292778511380102007-08-02T13:38:00.000+01:002007-08-02T13:59:10.891+01:00

Hi everyone,SPECIAL EDITIONAs Michael alluded to recently, I've been working on a little podcast project.The mission, which I chose to accept , was to produce a podcast interview with our new Chief Executive, Simon Thompson (no pressure there, then!).Anyway, here it is. Overall, I'm quite pleased with it - there are a few imperfections which can be eradicated for the future (it's not exactly

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495349542654485625.post-15041276762462537012007-08-01T12:28:00.000+01:002007-08-01T13:20:34.878+01:00

Well it is Wednesday again and the theme today is welcome. Welcome to the new month of August. May I be the first to point out that there are only 145 shopping days till Christmas. Let's get things moving early this year!!! I am sure it will not be long until someone spots the first Christmas tree or decorations.To those of you who are sitting Chartered Banker examinations or indeed the final

CIOBS Academyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04672376122278261656noreply@blogger.com