Barfly: George Osborne's chance to splash out on office

Bad news about the banks has been relentless these past two years, so it makes sense to try to lighten it up every now and then. But the fine line between the sublime and the ridiculous should be closely monitored.

Last week Lloyds Banking Group was clearly trying a new tack with a new PR firm, Band & Brown. It sent out a press release with the astounding revelation of a Lloyds' survey that showed people feel happier when it is sunny and grumpier when it isn't. It even had a helpful table indicating how various weather and other conditions placed on a "mood" scale. Sleet, apparently, makes us very, very grumpy.

It is hardly what one expects from a beleaguered bank, even if it has reduced the taxpayers' multi-billion pound bailout stake to a mere 40 per cent. There is, however, method in its seasonal affective disorder. Its insurance brand is now sponsor of Channel 4 weather and a Lloyds TSB Insurance Weather Photographer of the Year Competition. Shine on.

Sporty night for the girls

Another week, another shower of RSVPs hit Barfly's inbox. The standout of the past seven days has to one entitled "Your Personal Invitation".

The event in question is the St Andrews Trust Ladies' Day, to be held on Sunday, 5 September, at Glasgow's Crowne Plaza hotel. On offer is the chance to bag the latest creations from "exclusive designers", a two-course lunch, goodie box, "outlandish entertainment" from female impersonator Cheri Treiffel, and, naturally, plenty of bubbly.

The day will be capped off with a "dazzling" fashion show featuring models from the world of … Scottish rugby and football.

All in all, the "Perfect Girls Day Out" then and all for a very good cause.

Trouble is, at least two male members of Scotland on Sunday's business team were among the recipients of said invite.

Even the "drama queen" dress code could get them to accept. A case of bad sports, perhaps?

Summer cheer at Lloyds

FANCY giving your office a lick of paint? Or replacing that wonky desk with something a little more modern? Now could be perfect time to spruce up your work place - and get the taxman to pick up part of the bill.

Design firm Space Solutions and accountancy firm Atkinson Donnelly are highlighting changes to the tax system, specifically around the annual investment allowance (AIA) for spending on plant, machinery, fixtures and fittings.

In his final Budget, Alistair Darling raises the AIA from 50,000 to 100,000.

But the firms said that, following George Osborne's emergency measures, the AIA will be cut to 25,000 from April 2012, giving firms a window of opportunity to refit their premises.

Derek Binnie, director of Space Solutions, says: "Few of our clients were aware of the tax benefits announced in the Budget."

Betty Glancey, senior tax manager at Atkinson Donnelly, adds: "It makes sense to investigate all the tax savings available."

Barfly is reaching for the Dulux paint catalogue as we speak…