The penchant of companies to produce glossy annual reports complete with glitzy pictures was brought home this week in no uncertain terms when IWP (Irish Wire Products) was reminded of its humble beginnings.

One shareholder, a Corkman, said the company had started off with wire, building blocks and firelighters but was now into "nice smells" aka eau de toilette, bath essence, and make-up products.

Chief executive Joe Moran also calmed troubled waters when he was asked if the IWP name was outmoded. He said it meant, "I want more profits".