Staines upon Thames
In 2011 the town of Staines decided to try to improve its image by changing its name to Staines upon Thames. Showing a remarkable lack of self awareness about which part of its name was the problem.
But it makes me think, would a change of name do anything to improve the fortunes of Thames Water? I think probably not.
The increasingly besieged company is finding that its shareholders and lenders are writing off their investments, or selling them off- if they can find someone to buy them.
It is running out of cash, is pumping shit into streams and rivers, has a crumbling infrastructure and no money to mend it and yet it is still paying huge bonuses to its bosses.
This is like giving the captain of the Titanic a bonus for his performance, after he has hit the iceberg.
There might be some kudos to be earned by turning down the bonus, but let’s be frank, who was stupid enough to offer one in the first place?
It is all part of a much wider problem, executives are massively over paid for running companies that would survive perfectly well without them and then expect bonuses as well. They apparently even expect bonuses when running a failing company and mismanaging a monopoly so badly it is actually in serious danger of going bust.
They must have a great trade union.
Maybe Thames Water could change its name after all, how about Stains upon Capitalism?
Economics, trade and Brexit, not necessarily in that order but the dog always comes first.
By Jonty Bloom Media
Massive man
Thame-s-Laughter