What a crap week this has been...
 

I learnt in the middle of last week that the company that I work for has been forced by the FSA to withdraw its permissions to trade. The main reason for this is that we have two companies doing the same thing and the intention was to merge the two together towards the end of January/early feb. However the FSA, in their infinite wisdom - they never cease to amaze me - stepped and made us do things quicker. So I was then told to organise a branch meeting for monday morning at which attendance would be non-optional.

Monday morning comes and an announcement went out via email to the entire company - about 130 people - putting us all on risk of redundancy. What a wonderful christmas present. I then had to hold my branch meeting explaining to everyone (15 people) the situation and what the likely outcome could be, knowing I'm in exactly the same boat as them.

Tuesday and all of the salesforce trek off to Coventry on options for the advisers - this basically is to loose your employed status, accept redundancy and either transfer to the other company on a self-employed basis or leave. I'm in management, but could easily be an adviser as I do write business, so my situation is different, I'm probably more at risk. I personally won't know anything until after everyone else is sorted out and we know the likely requirements going forward so wonderful!!

Wednesday its back to the branch for the initial consultation meetings with each member of staff which was tough going, with a lot of anger being vented. Quite understandable though.

So now we've got to carry on as normal - without being able to advise anyone - until early in January when we might know our fate.

What a crap christmas this looks like being - suppose I'll just have to get drunk
:)

really sorry for you Webby.

sorry for your situation..but, as i myself have learned in the past, one door closes, another opens, life is all about challenges, what may seem **** now could lead you to greater things in the future and its only the weak willed who give up at each hurdle......blah blah blah. good luck

Guess you'd better take that laptop home with you so's you can use it over holidays.
Come to think of it, ought you also take a desk and chair.
Then there's the photocopier you'll need, the water cooler, stationery, etcetera.

Tough luck webby, get a move on with your cv and post it to dibble.
s'pose it also leaves more time for days out and family?

Not the best Xmas present Chris. Keep the receipt, and you may be able to exchange it for something better next year......

All the best

Dave

B*gger!
Butch

There are no such things as problems, just opportunities!!!!

Tough break fella - but you've been there before - onwards and upwards.....as Uncle Dunny says - as one door closes another opens...

Tim

Sorry to hear your news Chris, at this time of the year its bound to be a bit unnerving to say the least.What a harsh world we all live in now but talented people will always be in demand and if the merde does hit le fan,my money will be on you finding a new opportunity quickly.

Blimey Chris, I do hope things work out.
You've had such a year of it too:(

If they dont, come March - maybe we can set up business together mate

Got your card - luv to Michelle & Ellie as well as yourself

C
xx

I endorse Stu's comments above. Maintain the Webby force par l'adversité - quality counts :)

Henry

chin up Chris, don't envy your position hope you get things sorted and can enjoy 2006, I for one will be glad to see the back of 2005.

2006 can only be better..good luck!

Chris

I went through something similar in October and I know its no fun at all. Things worked out ok for me and I am sure they will for you too so chin up and keep smiling :)

Have a great Christmas anyway x

Things are never as bad as they seem Chris, something I've been trying to follow for the last 6 months ...

You'll land on your feet, and with that silky voice I'm sure you could get a job at your local radio station if nothing else!

Good luck mate, but you won't need it.

Tough break Chris, sure things will work out for you in 2006. In the mean time enjoy Xmas with the family.

Cheers, roy

Sorry to hear this Chris.

Hope it all works out ok for you.

I hope things improve for you Chris, you know where I am if you need anything mate ;)

Thanks for all the kind comments guys and gals and yes it does look as though something positive may come out of all of this as I've been approached about setting up something with a few others which may lead to something. One of the guys is also a biker - he rides to all of his meetings in all weathers - he suggested we look at providing financial advice for bikers!! Now there's a thought!

Have a wonderful christmas and happy new year to everyone:cool::cool:

And what line would that be in then? I'm intrigued!!

Hello webbyc

Hope you get things sorted in the New Year, as Rattler stated positive thoughts mate. . Merry Christmas to you and the family.

regards

TopiToo

So sorry to here the bad news Chris hope all works out ok mate, hope to see you soon