Yes thats right,  a set just came up on EBAY but  £ 225 for the set plus a Farish DBSO seems expensive ( and i already have a DBSO). Hoping that C&M might do another run as the previous 2 sold out years ago...

"Thank you, Giles, for sharing your challenging times. I want to know how you handled this crisis and made your business stable again. Can you tell me what steps you took? I think your experience can teach us a lot if our business has similar problems."

"As I've said, Eli, steering my wine and spirits importing business out of the crisis wasn't easy, but I've managed to find my way back to stability and, now, even profitable growth. To answer your question, I've made customer service my top priority. My small staff, led by your housemate, Amanda Morgan, is well-versed in our offerings, and she ensures that every customer inquiry or complaint is handled promptly and effectively. Thanks to Sylvie's marketing expertise, I've even introduced loyalty programs to keep our customers coming back."

Eli nodded appreciatively. "You've certainly proved your dedication to customer service by ensuring that the Trevelvers and their local friends all had their fine Italian wines delivered before Christmas Day!"

Giles smiled. "I've also been very selective about the products we import and sell. I focus on items that allow me to make a significant markup, and I've secured some exclusive deals for unique products that you won't find anywhere else, such as Riccardo Bianchi's special wines.

"I didn't just guess what would sell, though, Eli. I've done my homework, conducting market research to understand which wines and spirits are in demand among my target customers, again suggested by Sylvie, and which ones will give me the most profit, as recommended by another of your housemates, Angela Evans, when she was my PA and before she, very deservedly, became your Finance Director", he smiled warmly.

"And while I'm committed to delivering top-quality products and services, I've also been mindful of my costs. I've negotiated better deals with my suppliers, optimised my logistics and storage, helped by Jim, and, again, thanks to Angela, found ways to reduce my overheads.

"Plus, thanks to your and Sylvie's agency, I've increased the visibility of my business. I've invested in your very effective print advertising and have been hosting tasting events, such as the one Lisa Silverwood attended, where she first met Riccardo Bianchi. I've also partnered with upmarket local restaurants, bars, and cafés, like the 'Café Bohème' on Carnaby Street, where another one of your housemates, Jenny Davies, works, to reach more customers."

"Very good, Giles. Sylvie and I love that café, and Riccardo Bianchi's special wines served there."

"Finally, I've diversified my product range to include French and Italian fine cheeses and cured and smoked meats to cater to a wider audience and reduce my dependence on a few products."

"That makes good sense, Giles."

"Thank you, Eli. So, these are the strategies that have helped me navigate through the crisis and put the business on the right track. I'll continue to adapt and innovate to ensure its continued success."

As Giles finished his story, the silence of the night seemed to deepen, as the snowflakes fell around them. For Eli, it was a moment of vulnerability, a testament to his strength, and a glimpse into the successful businessman he had become. His openness to help and advice from those around him, including young women, showed his respect for others and his willingness to learn and grow. This quality made him not just a successful businessman, but also a great leader and mentor. And, she whispered to herself, a great client, friend and, maybe, more.

Quote from: Kris on April 11, 2024, 07:24:46 AM

Quote from: Ski on April 11, 2024, 02:00:27 AMDo we know what decoder Kato is using in the sound-equipped versions?

I asked a similar question a few months ago. I think that the answer was Zimo. I believe that the sound decoders are not being fitted by Kate but by a 3rd party.

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it!

Quote from: class8mikado on Yesterday at 03:49:11 PMThese dont come up very often, what would be a sensible price do you think ?

Where these the Scot Rail ones? Looking at the new MK3 price up to £150 would seem reasonable.

Blue/grey mk3s are pretty abundant, so I'm not sure this pack is really valuable despite its scarcity unless you find someone who really wants them for the running numbers.

After the Carol Service, as they exited the ancient Chapel together, Giles was drawn into a conversation with Eli in the Castle Courtyard.

"Giles", Eli began, her voice barely above a whisper, "you always seem so strong, so self-reliant. Have you ever faced a struggle that made you feel vulnerable?"

Giles looked at Eli, his ice-blue eyes—sharp and assessing—reflecting the moonlit snow. He took a deep breath before responding, "Eli, my dear, even the strongest of us have our moments of vulnerability. I may not show it, but I've had my share of struggles."

Eli looked up at Giles, her blue eyes softening in the moonlight. She reached out, gently touching his arm, and said, "Giles, your strength is not diminished by your struggles. Our struggles shape us. It's okay to let those who care about you see your vulnerabilities." She smiled gently at him, the depth in her eyes reflecting his own. "Giles, would you be willing to share more about these struggles?"

As they walked across the Castle Courtyard, the snow crunching under their feet, Giles turned to Eli, sighed and began to speak. "You know, Eli", he started, his voice steady against the quiet conversation of those around them, "after I left the Army, I took over my late father's wine and spirits importing business. I was eager to continue the family legacy, but filling my father's shoes was no easy task."

He paused, his breath visible in the cold air. "Just a few months into my new role, we were hit by a severe financial crisis. The future of the company was uncertain, and I found myself steering the ship through a rising storm."

Giles continued, "The pressure was immense, but I was determined to rise to the challenge. I worked tirelessly, often until the early hours of the morning, examining every possible solution to save the business. There were moments of doubt and despair, times when I felt vulnerable and overwhelmed."

"But", he added, a note of steely determination in his voice, "I didn't let these moments of vulnerability deter me. Instead, I used them as fuel, driving me to work harder and smarter. I learned to negotiate tough deals, make difficult decisions, and confidently stand my ground even when the odds were against me."

"After many months of struggle", Giles concluded, "I managed to steer the business out of the crisis and back to stability. This experience was a significant challenge that tested my strength and resilience, but it also shaped me into the person I am today. It taught me that strength is not just about power, but also about perseverance, patience, and the courage to face one's vulnerabilities."

Giles paused for a moment, his gaze distant as he recalled the past. "You know, Eli", he continued, his voice softer now, "when I took over the business, I knew absolutely nothing about it. I was a soldier, not a businessman. I had to learn everything from scratch."

He sighed again, a hint of sorrow in his eyes. "And the worst part was, I couldn't turn to my father for help or advice. His untimely death due to a massive stress-related heart attack left me on my own. I had to navigate the storm without a compass, without any guidance."

His words hung in the snowy air, a poignant reminder of the struggles he had faced. For Eli, it was a testament to his character, a demonstration of his determination, and a profound moment of vulnerability that brought him closer to her.

Eli listened intently, her bright blue eyes reflecting surprise and newfound understanding.

These dont come up very often, what would be a sensible price do you think ?

Quote from: GlenEglise on April 19, 2024, 10:26:01 PMIf the Ngaugenews website is a one man band then I think people need to cut him some slack.

They are not posting on here because they were sourching pitchforks and torchs