Blog − Mario Thomas

A wilting relationship

John Willman, Business Editor of the Financial Times approached me for comment on the relationship between British business and Gordon Brown's Labour government.

Just an Illusion

What's going on with British business? Can the UK economy really be struggling? With PwC's global survey of CEO's revealing an upbeat picture the FT asked me for my views.

Comic Relief 2007 (BBC Radio Leeds)

Let it never be said that I’m not prepared to do just about anything for charity. Today I joined Graham Liver and Nicky Pattinson in a water-bed in the foyer of the National Media Museum in Bradford for Comic Relief!

Common Purpose Leeds 2007

Common Purpose is an international leadership organisation that runs programmes for leaders of all ages, sectors and backgrounds. Today I hosted a lunch for delegates from the 2007 intake in Leeds. Up for discussion was my opinion of what makes an entrepreneur and my attitude to risk.

IoD News March 2007

Following my attendance at the ‘Future of Europe’ seminar hosted by the IoD in Brussels in February, I was invited by the Institute to contribute to an article on doing business across borders.

I want that one!

Well, the news I've been waiting for for months - Apple have finally released details about their iPhone. I've been holding off buying an iPod - yes can you believe I don't actually own one - for ages in anticipation of apple coming up with some kind of smart phone.

First impressions however are a little disappointing, firstly - why have they limited the storage space to 8Gb on the top end version? I'm going to need way more space than that because I want all of my iTunes music to be copied onto the iPhone - which means I need at least 30Gb of space.

Also, what about file storage? I want to be able to store files/documents for transport to meetings/etc. Well, there's at least another 10Gb there.

So, Apple, if you're reading please get a 100Gb flash drive installed.

Next, they'll need to get their fingers out as far as 3G is concerned. If they disable the iPhone by only allowing GPRS connections then I'm afraid it really is going to be a white elephant.

Finally, what's going on with the camera phone - 2 mega pixels? My current Sony Ericsson has 3.2 mega pixels which I think is poor - so Apple better get at least that or better still how about 5 mega pixels?

Even with all these short comings I still want one - and will be first in the queue at the Apple store when they release a UK version.

But, I've got six months to wait and I fancy an upgrade now - so what should I go for? I'm giving the Blackberry Pearl serious thought but the P990i is also still calling - any ideas? Give me a shout.

North West Insider Business Manual

This year's North West Insider Business Manual features a two page spread of advice and best practice tips for search engine optimising your website.

BBC Radio Leeds

New Year round up with Nicky and Graham including a shout out to 'Mr & Mrs Mario' at our house for the New Year. Thanks Nicky!

BBC Radio Leeds

The annual pre-Christmas visit to the studios of BBC Radio Leeds took place today. My 'radio wife' Nicky Pattinson and I provided the entertainment on the excellent Graham Liver show.

Leeds Media Directorship

I've decided the time has come to resign as a non-Executive Director of Leeds Media. Following a very successful period as their eBusiness specialist I've decided it's time for a new challenge. Whilst at Leeds Media I've helped grow the Board - proposing at least two additional Directors and working with the Management to deliver an exciting schedule of events in 2005, 2006 and for the year ahead in 2007.

Like any good non-Executive Director it's time to pick up a new challenge and I am currently considering two new positions with companies I have worked with previously as a supplier and most recently as a customer. Keep on watching this space for information about what I decide to do.