The dastardly Mr Deedes

Does Lloyds chief Antonio HortaOsorio hope to be honoured for steering the bank back into private ownership? According to the Financial Times, colleagues say that the Portuguese ladykiller, 53, has taken UK citizenship solely to pave the way for a knighthood. He’s got no chance of course, but I’d pay good money to see how Medusa-eyed Theresa May reacts to any flunkey who suggests it.

Hargreaves Lansdown shares dipped 8pc after US rival Vanguard announced that it would be taking on its market and charging half its fees. Brokers Liberum are now advising clients to sell HL. I hope that no-nonsense founder Peter Hargreaves, 70, isn’t sweating. He recently bought himself a new jet.

Dinky Greene King boss Rooney Anand, 53, described himself as a ‘reluctant Remainer’ during the referendum, but tells Management Today: ‘I’m not comfortable with being a big CEO figurehead: it’s an abuse of your position to impose political views on your colleagues, and they might jar with your customers.’ A sly dig at his bombastic, Brexit- supporting Wether- spoons counterpart, Tim Martin, 62? Relations between these two colourful publicans are far from fragrant.

Advertising mogul Sir Martin Sorrell has formed Motion Content Group, a vehicle which will invest in Hollywood film and television projects. The man just never stops, does he? A source recently spotted Sorrell, 72, reclining in Mustique, but even then with a mobile phone clasped permanently to his jaw.

Deutsche Bank is opening a free coffee stand in the lobby of its Winchester House offices in London. Staff suspect a ruse by chief executive John Cryan, 56, to curry favour after refusing them bonuses this year. Says one: ‘It’s like, “Sorry about your bonus – have an expensive coffee instead.” ’ They should be grateful. Cryan’s a proud Yorkshireman and not prone to giveaways, however token they seem.