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Leading the homeworking revolution, we profile 30 of Britain's brightest entrepreneurs who run their businesses from home and say it's more than a lifestyle benefit - it's a competitive advantage too.

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Timpo

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John Timpson is the chief executive of Timpson Ltd, the UK's leading chain of shoe repairers and key cutters. He and his son James currently preside over one of the most respected names in British retailing.

John has been a regular contributor to Real Business magazine for more than seven years. During that time, we have worked with him to publish two books - Dear James and Cobbled Together.

You can read more about them (and order them) at our store. And you can also visit www.timpson.co.uk to order some of his other books.

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It's simple: hire people with personality img 1
By John Timpson
Last month, Alex and I hosted the Timpson Customer Care Award Lunch in our garden. We entertained, with their partners, 50 people who prove personal service has not disappeared from the high street.

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Ask Timpo: boozy lunches and glorified time wasting img 1
By John Timpson
Timpo's got the answers on sociable sales people, cash hand-outs and unproductive staff meetings.

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Ask Timpo: client perks and buyers' bribes img 1
By John Timpson
Timpo's got the answers on perks, paranoia and publicity.

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Britain's "rules" culture is killing initiative
By John Timpson

“You’re becoming a grumpy old man,” said Alex, looking over her newspaper.

“I’m not,” I said irritably.

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Ask Timpo: a problem with BO
By John Timpson
One of my employees cycles to work and has a serious body odour problem. Members of staff are making snide comments behind his back. How can I handle the situation with tact?

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Ask Timpo: seeing the bigger picture
By John Timpson

I’ve been running my jewellery business for 15 years but I’m spending too much
time stuck in the office working on strategy. How should I divide my time between visiting stores and dealing with the “bigger picture”?

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Ask Timpo: picking non-executives
By John Timpson
How do I go about picking non-executive directors?

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Ask Timpo: hiring a PR
By John Timpson
When should I hire a PR agency?

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Ask Timpo: difficult landlords
By John Timpson
I’m locked into a seven-year contract with our landlord on office rent. But we’re getting a very bad deal. How can I break out of it?

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Ask Timpo: dolly birds
By John Timpson
My wife constantly moans about the many hours I put into my business. Should I ditch her for a younger, more understanding model?

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