Business West boss collared by Branson for being tied-up in meeting

November 4, 2013
By

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

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