Infamous career limiting media comments

"...cheap because they are total crap ... this pair of earrings is cheaper than a prawn sandwich." Gerald Ratner, CEO of Ratner Jewellers describing some of his firm's products, 1991 (and ex-CEO 1992 after £500 million was wiped off the share price)

"Hooligans or whatever . very few of our customers have to wear suits to work. They'll be for his first interview or first court case" Mr David Shepherd, Brand Director of Top Man, on his typical customer, 2001

"People have realised it probably won't be you. You would be lucky to win a tenner" Dianne Thompson, CEO of lottery firm Camelot, on the chances of winning the National Lottery, 2002

"They're quicker at answering the phone, highly numerate and keen to come to work every day." Sir Keith Whitson, then CEO of HSBC, on the benefits of using Asian rather than British call centres and thus slighting all his UK staff, 2002.

"I do not borrow on credit cards. It is too expensive. I have four young children. I give them advice not to pile up debts on their credit cards." Matthew Barrett, CEO of Barclays Bank which owns Barclaycard, 2003

"Agency nurses kill more people than they bloody save these do - it's an awful bloody set-up but we've got to have them." Barrie Blower, ex-Chairman of Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust, talking to the daughter of a woman who died at Manor Hospital , 2004