BTR: Extract from 'Written in Flames'

Extract from the pamphlet Written in Flames, published in 1987. Full reference: I-Spy Productions Written in Flames: Naming the British Ruling Class London: Hooligan Press ISBN 1869802071. Undated, but published in 1987.

Chairman Owen Green philosophizes about BTR's asset stripping. The basic urge of individuals and their society is to better themselves, he says. BTR betters itself to the tune of £505m profit.

At the same time. BTR hides from the publicity that Hanson loves. The initials of this company lie behind its subsidiaries which include specialist engineering firms; Its construction business range features Tilcon, Grahams Kitchens and the makers of barbed and razor wire, Goodman Croggan. It owns things as diverse as Pretty Polly tights and Poole Pottery. Its chemical products were on display at the MOD export show last year.

Its most recent buy-up was Dunlop with defence contracts, transport, bedding and sports sales.

A two year old strike is going on at BTR's South Africa subsidiary. 900 sacked black workers fighting for union recognit1on in a bloody conflict. BTR isn't too worried about the multinational retreat from South Africa. They're just building a new Dunlop tyre factory there.

Sir Owen Green (62) has been the manager of BTR's expansion. He's Just recently handed over the post of chief executive to John Cahill, boss of BTR's US division. Green, an ex-accountant, is earning £197,000 as chair.

Hugh Laughland (54) heads BTR's European divisions with Lionel Stammers (54).

Sir David Nicolson (65) is a non-executive BTR director. He's director of GKN and Vickers engineering companies and on the Channel Tunnel Group.