Business West managing director Phil Smith could never be accused of being a buttoned-up sort of boss.
But when he came face to face with Sir Richard Branson recently he was lightheartedly given a dressing down by the Virgin founder – for dressing up.
Laid back Sir Richard is not one to stand on ceremony and almost never wears a tie, regardless of the occasion. In fact his Twitter account calls him a ‘tie loathing adventurer’.
So when he saw a suited and booted Mr Smith sporting some smart neckwear at the London launch of Virgin StartUp he collared him and removed the offending article, giving the Business West boss a casual – if uncharacteristc – open-necked look.
Business West, which runs the Swindon Initiative, is a partner in Virgin StartUp, which will offer financial support, mentoring and business advice to thousands of young people across the country who want to set up their own business.
Above: Chin up. Sir Richard Branson loosens Phil Smith's collar
Below: Breathe out. Phil Smith gets the no-tie Branson look
Photos by Owen Billcliffe
