Q. Software giant Microsoft is embroiled in a bitter battle for control of internet firm Yahoo – but would a successful acquisition be good for the industry?

A.Multi-national companies seem to want to take over everybody.

I do not believe it will be good for their competitors and I am not so sure that a Microsoft takeover would be good for Yahoo, but it depends which angle you look at it from.

Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer believes he is offering Yahoo a good price ($45 billion) so shareholders in Yahoo will do very well out of any potential deal.

I never think it is good when one company appears to have so much power.


Q. Peterborough has an array of grand plans that will transform the city. Are you confident the city is ready to change?

A.I do think the city is ready for change. It is about time we had first-class schools, leisure and tourism facilities.

Having been in Peterborough all my life, I'm looking forward to seeing the city move into the 21st century.


Q. Did you join in with the celebrations and flag waving on St George's Day (April 23) or is this type of exuberance un-English and best left to other nationalities?

A. I didn't celebrate it, as I've had a very hectic week within the business. However, I do think we should celebrate St George's Day and make more of it than what we do. It is Shakespeare's birthday after all.

I have seen various articles in the Press about making it another public holiday, but I think we've got enough of those already. Well I would say that being a business owner wouldn't I.

By the way, Shakespeare also died on April 23 too.


Q. Posh are going up. Will you be there next season to see them mount a second successive promotion challenge, or is this likely to be a step too far?

A. I hope to be there as much as I can next season as I think that, if the team can be strengthened in some key areas, it stands a real chance of a successive promotion.

Given the current owner and management team, I don't think that they will fail.

I think it is not only great but essential for the city's economy to have a successful football team and commercial presence within Peterborough and surrounding area.

There is a definitely a feel-good factor around the city and long may it continue.


If you would like to feature in Company Car Man, call 01733 588724, or e-mail paul.grinnell @peterboroughtoday.co.uk