M&C Saatchi, the advertising agency founded by brothers Maurice and Charles, is doing its bit to ease the burden on London’s transport system during the Olympic Games by offering staff the free use of bicycles — called “Maurice Bikes”.
Unlike the clunky blue Boris Bikes that are sponsored by Barclays, the Saatchi two-wheelers are slimmer and in elegant white.
Not a lot of people know that...
Sir Howard Stringer has solved the mystery of why Italian Job actor Sir Michael Caine remains perpetually in work. “I asked a Hollywood studio chief why Michael Caine gets so many parts,” the Sony chairman explains. “He said, ‘He is one of a handful of actors who actually picks up a restaurant bill.’ It’s true. He shows up on time and he is always thoroughly prepared.” Addressing the British Business Embassy’s summit on creative content, Stringer’s speech on the impact of disruptive technologies was interrupted by a trilling phone. “They’re everywhere,” he sighed, before suggesting, “you could just stamp on your iPhone.” Good job Sir Jonathan Ive, the Apple designer, wasn’t present at this session.
* More news of advertising’s Mad Men: BBC news presenter Fiona Bruce revealed her ad land past when she hosted a British Business Embassy event at Lancaster House. Bruce, who is married to Aegis agency supremo Nigel Sharrocks, recalled one day when her boss was so hungover from the previous night’s partying that he pretended to faint during a client meeting to avoid a big pitch. “We even called an ambulance because we were in on the act,” explained Bruce, who claimed: “I decided to switch to journalism really for a rest.” WPP boss Sir Martin Sorrell, who spoke next, told Bruce: “You must be the original Mad Woman.” She didn’t understand, looking mystified and even alarmed at the idea of being mad. “You know,” said Sorrell, with emphasis, “Mad Men.” A relieved Bruce smiled. “Took a bit of time for the penny to drop,” noted Sorrell drily. Perhaps Bruce would have been quicker on the uptake if his joke had been displayed on her autocue...
* Radio 4’s World at One reported the Tchenguiz brothers’ victory over the Serious Fraud Office, pronouncing their surname “Chen-geeez”, as in Diamond Geezers. Jeez.
