Organisation: Granville Technology Group(Including Tiny / Time Computers & The Computer Shop)

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Analysis and commentary by Echo Research.

There was little positive in the news that Granville Technology Group, parent company of the Time, Tiny and Computer Shop businesses, called in the administrators last week . "Time runs out for Tiny: a British system failure"(Independent, 31/7).

The Group's demise highlighted two issues. Firstly, it represented another step along the growing trend of high profile business failures and further exposure of the pressures of higher interest rates, falling consumer confidence and slower economic growth. "Surge in companies ready to go bust",noted the Evening Standard (29/7), a cry echoed by The Scotsman, "Alarming rise in company insolvencies"(30/7).

Secondly, and perhaps far worse, given the organisation's recent staus as the UK's largest computer manufacturer, was the exposure of such poor business practice, with little concern shown for either its employees, customers, or indeed, its own reputation or brand value. " Sad news for the employees, but will anyone shed a tear over the demise of two such companies? Stories abound over shoddy goods and customer servicesand sharp practise when it comes to its ads"(bit-tech.net, 27/7). Similar views were forwarded by computer consultant Adrian Mars, "Although this is bad news for all those directly affected it is good news for the UK consumer"(vnunet.com, 27/7).