Visit to Blueapple in Northern Ireland

Yesterday’s visit to Blueapple in Northern Ireland was an adventure into a part of the world I had never visited – and a delight to meet with James and Sonya Hamill and see their award-winning achievements.
After almost 10 hours of conversation – 4 hours of which was in their car on the way to and from Belfast City Airport, I am delighted to say that we will be working together in 2008 to help them reach their “next level”.
For a 31-year old – James has achieved more than most already.
Today I have driven from Manchester to Cornwall and experienced mishap, adventure, client calls and lousy service.
The motorway was busy all day and the weather dull and cold – my 5-hour journey was almost totally consumed with phone calls to clients, team and suppliers – the most irritating being a series of fruitless calls to HSBC, with whom I have had enough!
I want a new bank in 2008 – I have spoken to HSBC call centres in 3 different parts of the globe in the last 10 days – as well as three branches and departments in the UK.
Repeated calls go unanswered and requests are either ignored, confused, mis-understood or refused.
I feel like an account number – a unit of banking activity.
HSBC are delivering NHS banking, supplied by disinterested and obsequious foreigners.
I want a bank manager – just like the good old days.
But I count my blessings as my journey South is halted by an accident on the A30 in Devon – a lorry and trailer have overturned.
The Ford Explorer on the trailer has disintegrated – and, thankfully, nobody is hurt – but there is wreckage everywhere.
I suppose dealing with stupid bank employees is a small sufferance after all.
Two more days to the finish line – and Friday may be the most exciting professional day of 2007……..

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Chris Barrow

Chris Barrow has been active as a consultant, trainer and coach to the UK dental profession for over 20 years. As a writer, his blog enjoys a strong following and he is a regular contributor to the dental press. Naturally direct, assertive and determined, he has the ability to reach conclusions quickly, as well as the sharp reflexes and lightness of touch to innovate, change tack and push boundaries. In 2014 he appeared as a “castaway” in the first season of the popular reality TV show “The Island with Bear Grylls”. His main professional focus is as Coach Barrow, providing coaching and mentorship to independent dentistry.