A former Charlton Athletic player has had a nice £1.5 million payday after taking the building services firm he launched nearly 40 years ago on to the junior AIM market.
Phil Copolo, who founded Sidcup-based P&R Installation in 1977, is floating the firm as Bilby. He plans to use the funds raised to buy up other companies.
According to the spin, Copolo was on the Addicks’ books as a striker between 1969 and 1971.
But did he actually play for Charlton? Being the diligent sort, Spy checked with the club, which had no record of anyone called Copolo playing for them.
It turns out he was an apprentice on the books and taking a professional wage.
But he never turned out for the first team, and his career was thwarted by injury.
Still, with a 52% stake in a company valued at about £17 million, he’s not done badly.
Admiral boss: Here’s a taste of how we’re doing
If Henry Engelhardt hadn’t become chief executive of Admiral, he might have been a chef.
He described 2013 as “the year of the baked potato” for the insurer, adding: “It was a good, solid year, something on the plate that is appreciated but doesn’t really grab the spotlight. This is a comfort food set of results.”
This year, after falling profits, it was the baked Alaska — “hot and cold in a single bite”. Let’s hope 2015 doesn’t turn out to be the year of the sunken soufflé...
Mystery FTSE boss gets nip and tuck
Which FTSE 100 chief executive has had cosmetic surgery to improve his ruddy complexion?
Guesses on a post card...
