Some time ago I predicted that the Carbon Footprint could become a more significant measure of success than sales or profit. I also pointed out that being cobblers we sit in a perfect position – as repairers we save resources simply by doing our job.

So, in a future energy-based economy, we should receive a carbon credit (say £10!) for every shoe we repair. There is, however, a problem – the subsidy would attract new competitors into our industry simply to get the £10 credit! To turn that threat into an opportunity I would start a training agency to help new cobblers (the training grants will probably be worth as much as the Carbon Credits!)

I write all this to illustrate the dangers of messing with the market economy. Bogus bonuses based on politically blessed behavior will almost certainly bring unwelcome consequences. If we don’t watch it we will soon have wind farms the size of Wales.

As far as 2008 is concerned, your energy supplier should have the data you need – give him the headache by asking him to complete the return on your behalf.

I’m getting fed up that our annual staff day out at Alton Towers is turning into more of a family freebie. Some colleagues seem to think it’s ok to bring their children. The original idea was to make sure we had at least one day a year where we all got together but as the company has grown maintaining this friendly "family" culture has become more difficult to manage and afford. What would you do?

I know what you mean, once a year I used to close the office at 10.30am on a Friday morning and everyone came by coach to a Barbecue in our garden. The first year was a great success and the second year, when colleagues knew what to expect, was probably even better. But I felt the third time fell a bit flat, people were starting to take the trip for granted, it was no longer a treat. We still have barbecues, but only every three or four years.

It is good to celebrate big landmarks and major successes. We find special excuses to present Company Awards, usually in a marquee at our home. Past Award Ceremonies have marked The Millennium, our Centenary, and the raising of £1m for ChildLine.

These big company functions are a small part of the Timpson social scene. We have football tournaments, golf days, days at the races, and ten pin bowling. Occasionally, following a record week, we have taken the whole office to a local pub for a buffet and put £1,000 behind the bar. Bill, our People Person, arranges a lot of the events for our office and warehouse, but we also encourage away days for shop based colleagues throughout the country. Every area team (we have 28 areas) has a social fund to spend however they wish - within reason!

Your original idea of a day out at Alton Towers worked because it was original. Keep supporting the family culture by finding lots of other ways for your colleagues to have fun.

I hear you’ve just enjoyed a late summer holiday. Where do you hide your BlackBerry?

I took my BlackBerry on its first holiday in January 2005 and my wife Alex didn’t like it. "Don’t let that thing ruin our holiday," she said "I thought you had come here to get away from the office."

I kept it in the bathroom, and surreptitiously checked my e mails at least four times a day. Surprisingly I found constant updates from colleagues back home quite reassuring but to Alex this need to keep in touch confirmed my inability to switch off.

Eventually things improved. Towards the end of one holiday Alex saw the benefit a BlackBerry can bring. Our return flight was delayed and we needed to tell our children. "Use the BlackBerry!" she suggested.

I am not as badly addicted as the businessmen you see bashing messages into their BlackBerry as they walk up and down the beach, but I am sufficiently hooked to make an international call to IT whenever the server let’s me down.

My Blackberry is now allowed to join us on holiday so I no longer need to hide it in my wash bag. The big breakthrough came earlier this year when I gave Alex her own BlackBerry for her birthday.