Coffee and biscuits are the norm at most board meetings.

But when important business is being transacted at the Jackson Consultancy Group, don't be surprised to see a fresh supply of dog chews being brought in as well.

That's because the most popular recent addition to the staff is its canine company mascot Bruno.

Strictly speaking, the loveable one-year-old St Bernard belongs to chairman Michael Jackson's family.

But Bruno, who lives at the group's headquarters in Park Road, Bingley, with the caretaker, has quickly become the official company dog and has the freedom of the listed building during office hours.

"He's become part of the business and everyone who works for the Jackson Consultancy Group accepts him like a mascot," said Mr Jackson, from Bingley.

"It wouldn't be the same without him."

Bruno even played an official role in the group's recent tenth anniversary celebrations.

The company, which specialises in sales training and marketing, took over the Craiglands Hotel in Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, for an all-day staff meeting and anniversary dinner - and Bruno was there too.

He sat in on the meeting and joined in with the photocalls - and nearly 80 staff and partners who attended the celebrations received St Bernard soft toys as gifts.

But that sort of thing is all in a day's work for busy Bruno.

While most of his canine colleagues are chasing sticks and looking for lamp-posts, he can usually be found in meetings.

Like all hard-working executives, Bruno likes to have his refreshments brought to him by a secretary.

And, at the end of the tough - or perhaps that should be ruff - day at the office, what better than a relaxing read of the papers?

Naturally, the Tele-gruff & Argus is his favourite read.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.