THE ACTUAL FOREWORD BY MARTYN BEST

The actual foreword by Martyn Best

Like so many people in this book, I have known the author for decades and decades, and I have known many of those people for a similar time.

I can therefore see why Chris embarked on this project, as the lives and times that were had, and are still being had, are certainly worth preserving for posterity and for sharing with those who weren’t there.

Many fine accomplishments are noted, and tales of derring-do are laced with the ingredients of honesty, integrity, and humour. And so, to my few words.

It is actually a general publishing guideline, as Bob would have told the author, that an independent writer, ie, independent of the author, pens the foreword, so I am not really sure what Chris has been up to in the previous section – doing his own foreword.

Nor am I sure why he invited me – deeply honoured as I am – to craft this final impediment to you starting this fine tome.

The answer can only be found in the fact that it was me, dear reader, who pointed out to him the difference between a book foreword, and a rugby forward. The clue, I informed him, was in the spelling of the second part of the word, and this revelation was embraced with delight by Christopher.

The only other reason for my meanderings at this point could be that I would not be able to say a bad word against the fellow. That though doesn’t make me unique, and so it is probably the foreword/forward reason why I am here.

In terms of how I could describe the author – a complete lack of disingenuity, supported by a fine sense of right and wrong.

Chris is someone you’d want in your pack, and alongside you when you needed a solid supporter. He’d be your luxury item on Desert Island Discs. He’s someone whose sense of fair play will shine through in this book as he highlights those who

The Author with his Official Foreword writer – both clearly supported by Merlot.

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also share that trait. He’s resilient, ebullient and persistent, and he does indeed bring his much-heralded sense of humour and sense of the absurd to the fore wherever he is.

My first encounter with Chris was in the early 1980’s in the very warm and joyous offices of Arthur Young McClelland Moores just as Chris was completing his accounting studies.

This was a grand achievement, as one of my first impressions of Chris was that he wasn’t really that bothered, but perseverance overcame the other distractions, and he continued to add his great charm to the culture of the office.

We have both diverted from the traditional accounting path, but both know for sure, when pressed to admit, that this early period in our career set us on a good track. It has enabled us to meet so many great people, and be influenced by those with the proper qualities.

Chris’s own accomplishments will probably be recorded in his third book, and so his purpose of building up a loyal readership is rather smart.

That future book should be a best seller and will regale us with tales of smart investments, tenacious dealings, diverse interests, and the creation of a fascinating life full of great friends and, of course, a wonderful family.

I am delighted to be here at the start of another undoubtedly remarkable phase in his career.

He would indeed be a fine candidate for inclusion in the book in his own right, but astute chap that he is, in zelig-like fashion you will find him everywhere.

He’s a giant standing on the shoulders of other giants, and I hope you enjoy the following string of sincere anecdotes.

All I can now say is – please start reading – and enjoy this lovely book.

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About Martyn Best

Chartered Accountant, entrepreneur, lover of fine wines and good company, businessman, charity fundraiser, cyclist, Associate Director of Tranmere Rovers Football Club, founder and CEO of Document Direct, CEO of Legal RSS, Trustee of Tranmere Rovers in the Community, the Royal Court Theatre Liverpool and National Youth Advocacy Service, former trophy-winning Chairman of Everton Tigers basketball club and Past President of the Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants and founder and publisher of CharteredONE. A very proud father of four lovely children, and also mentioned fleetingly in the latest worldwide bestseller, “Gentlemen, I give you …”

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