A ringside view
Sir: George Walker always did get a good press CA certain amount of vindictiveness', 26 June); it was one of the secrets of his success.
I had occasion to observe the Brent Walker operation from what was almost the equivalent of a ringside seat during the course of most of the year 1987 when George was still very much in the ascen- dant. One had to admire his technique. He was always such excellent copy; and so the young, and usually female, journalists would queue up for interviews with him on most days of the week.
The banks of course lapped up all the publicity, especially the City branches of foreign banks who had found it difficult to penetrate the more staid and regular clien- tele of the major UK clearers. But in any case commercial bankers, who are not always noted for leading the most interest- ing lives, are often attracted to a glamorous image and George's exotic 'rags to riches' past gave them all the excitement they could have wished for and more. They fell over themselves to lend money to the Brent Walker corporate client, but in reality they were lending to George Walker the charmer, and business buccaneer.
One's human sympathies are bound to be engaged on the side of George versus his bankers. How could he have refused their money when all he wanted to do was anoth- er great deal? Publicly quoted companies are not, however, supposed to be treated as purely personal fiefdoms and bankers should learn to distinguish between entrepreneurs and good managers.
Charles FitzGerald,
88 Holmdene Avenue, London SE24
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