PEMBROKE: Heir to the country life

Tim Vestey, the shy food and farming heir, seems to be chucking in his business career to concentrate on more pastoral pursuits. In 1993 the former cavalry officer temporarily left the family firm after a year at the helm to study for an MBA at Cr anfield University and was set to return on graduation in June.

In a reversal of expectations, this week he quietly announced his resignation from the board, which is now dominated by professional managers. He seems more likely to settle in the country to pursue his love of rural activities with new girlfriend, TessaShepherd-Brown, who shares his love of hunting. "He's a country boy at heart and is heading back to the rural life of shooting and farming," a source close to the family said.

Brokers have re-christened McDonnell Information Systems (MDIS), the troubled information company that issued two profit warnings since arrival on the stock exchange last year. The infant shall now be known as More Disasters In Store, say the wags.