I’m frequently contacted by people who have products and services of relevance to my clients. For over 20+ years I have maintained a policy that I do not accept introducers fees or commissions – I simply broadcast and comment on good ideas.

I’m grounded this morning, at home looking after Annie, whose curious incident of a neighbour’s escaped border collie running amok earlier this week (causing our dogs to pull on their leads), left her with a nasty fracture of her ring finger, requiring minor surgery to place three screws in said digit.

I’d like to thank Phillippa for going into overdrive at 06:00 yesterday to co-ordinate my revised plans and to the team at O’Connor Moore in Sligo, who so graciously agreed to defer our business meeting at such short notice.

I find myself unexpectedly in The Barrow Bunker today and until Monday night which, notwithstanding my new role as carer, represents an opportunity to address the huge task list that has been hanging around my neck like the Ancient Mariner’s albatross since I returned from cycling.

Ah! well a-day! what evil looks
Had I from old and young!
Instead of the cross, the Albatross
About my neck was hung.

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner – Samuel Taylor Coleridge

So, hopefully, some of those people who have been waiting for me to analyse their accounts, answer their questions, review copies of my slides for presentations and arrange meeting dates may be in for an early response.

In the meantime, I’ll have one ear listening for the request from upstairs to make tea, deliver Ibuprofen, pop to the shops and generally fluff cushions.

So – what of the world of dentistry this Friday morning?

My friend and client Mark Topley today launches his CSR Club and you can read a blog post all about it on his web site HERE.

Having just rejoiced in the generosity of the dental community as you have supported FiveGoForth (somewhere around £38,000 including Gift Aid) I have witnessed at first hand the effect that supporting good causes can have on a dental team.

During our 1,000 mile bike ride we called at practices in Cambourne, Cornwall, Thornbury near Bristol, Wolverhampton, Sharoe Green near Preston and Kendal, Cumbria (as well as a pottery in Stoke). Each time we enjoyed tea and a variety of cakes but we were also able to take part in photography and video that will form part of the practice Corporate Social Responsibility campaign.

The effect this has on the team and on the patients is palpable and positive, identifying the practice as one whose care goes beyond oral health and beyond profit.

Mark Topley has the years of experience and the leadership/management skills to show you and your team how best to utilise time, money and people and positively differentiate your practice in a competitive environment.

The CSR Club is a great way to access that talent and to join with like-minded practices to share best practice.

The CSR Club link is HERE.

Enjoy Friday and the weekend – I’m off to check on my lovely lady and she if she needs anything, then spend the day at my desk.