For whom the mobile rings

Ringing mobile phones are a constant source of embarrassment, especially during the speech given by the chief executive of the College of Law at the formal opening of his swanky branch in Birmingham.

Unless, that is, you are Digby Jones, the solicitor director-general of the Confederation of British Industry.

The College's Nigel Savage was making some serious points about the value of the branch to the legal community in Brum when Britain's top industrialist's phone rang loud and clear.

Mr Jones is never short of a quip.

He passed the phone to his wife and said: 'If that's Tony, tell him I'll ring back.'