We keep getting told that we must look to small businesses to bale us out of the swamp in which we find ourselves.

We can’t look to the state, big business is broken – our only hope of salvation is people who have a bright idea and are prepared to work hard to make it happen, creating jobs and prosperity along the way.

Put to one side the lingering suspicion that the only new businesses opening up on our High Streets are nail bars, coffee shops and cheap loan merchants – everyone agrees that we need bright business brains to save our bacon.

And what example do we offer to young people hoping to stand on their own two feet rather than bag a job for life with some giant concern that will put food on their table for their entire working life? The Apprentice. Oh, come on.

I’ll accept that being required to jump through hoops by a rude no-nothing dinosaur who keeps banging on about his successes back in the day is an unhappy fact of life in many workplaces, and it’s good to know that and to be prepared for it.

But my big issue with The Apprentice is not with Lord Sugar but everyone else who wants to be on it.

Let’s be honest, none of these self-obsessed, over-styled suits on legs has any interest in being an apprentice, learning a job from the ground up over a period of years and probably earning a pittance for the privilege.

The programme should really be called something like The Management Trainee – not as sharp a title, but more accurate. Management trainees, in my wide experience, are never at the top of my list of people I would allow to make me a cup of tea, in the unlikely event of them offering to put the kettle on.

These people don’t want to do the graft, no matter what they say in their posturing self-publicity.

They’re looking for a short cut to the stars, and despite all the evidence to the contrary they’re willing to take the risk of humiliation in front of millions of viewers or, perhaps worse, having to work for the peevish peer after winning the thing, on the million-to-one chance that they will turn 15 minutes of fame into something more lucrative.

Let’s be honest, if the contestants chosen to compete in this car crash actually had much about them as business leaders, they’d be far too busy to devote weeks of their time to diverting the nation.

Once it used to those who could, did while those who couldn’t, taught.

Now those who can’t are more likely to be seen preening on the small screen, telling everyone how marvellous they are while demonstrating all too clearly that they shouldn’t really be trusted with sharp objects. Budding business moguls, do watch The Apprentice – and do exactly the opposite to anything these muppets may advise.

Chartered surveyors say that their expectations for property sales in the East were at their most positive in more than four years during April – and point to the the government’s announcement on the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme making a real impact on the housing market.

The latest RICS residential market survey, released this wee, shows that 33 per cent more surveyors now expect sales in the East to rise rather than fall over the coming months – from a negative balance of 19 per cent in February.

The last time surveyors were this positive was back in October 2008. The latest jump strongly suggests that ‘Help to Buy’ is beginning to have an impact on the market even if the mortgage guarantee element of the product is not due to come into effect until next year.

Meanwhile, supply of properties on the market remains in positive territory, with a net balance of seven per cent more surveyors reporting rises in new instructions (from 13 per cent).

Surveyors suggest that potential sellers are now more confident to test the property market and put their home up for sale.

In line with this increased confidence prices are finally beginning to improve, and the survey recorded its first positive reading for house prices in the region since February 2010.

Newly agreed sales improved, too, with a net balance of seven per cent more surveyors reporting sales rose rather than fell during April (from -12 per cent in March). Meanwhile, average sales per surveyor over the past three months remain at 18; the past two months readings on sales are their highest levels for three years.

Despite the improving picture for mortgage lending, many are still relying on the private rented sector, with demand for rented property continuing to outstrip supply.

The result is that five per cent more surveyors expect rental prices to rise rather than fall. That said, respondents to the survey anticipate rents rising by less than one per cent over the next year. This plateau may be in part due to a healthier housing market and increased access to mortgage lending.

RICS East residential spokesperson Jan Hÿtch said: ‘This is probably the most confident and sustained activity we have seen in the spring residential market for the last four years. The signs are encouraging.’

North Beds Charity Cup, final: Barton Rovers 2 Langford 0

Barton Rovers finished their season by lifting the North Beds Charity cup with a convincing 2-0 win over Langford at Stotfold on Thursday night thanks to Bilal Hassan’s brace.

Barton though opened the scoring on five minutes when Bilal Hassan converted from inside the 18-yard box.

Rovers were well on top in the first half and five minutes before the break, Hassan popped up again to double Barton’s lead.

The second half started where the first left off with Barton having all the play as shots from Johnny McNamara, Bobby Dance and Hall forced more heroics from Langford keeper Grant Beckwith.

Rhys Hoenes, Paul Andrews and Phil Smeaton all missed the target, while Langford cleared off their own line three times as they failed to register a single shot at goal in a one-sided affair.

For a full report and the thoughts of Barton assistant boss Adam Fisher, see the News/Gazette on sale tomorrow.

“Escalating friction” between gangs is behind the increase in gun crime in Luton, one of Bedfordshire’s top cops says.

Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Richer said armed police patrols, extra investment in intelligence and increased stop and search powers were being used to “impact on the psychology of offenders”.

Officers normally need to have reasonable grounds to stop and search members of the public, but the force is currently invoking Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, meaning they can search any individual without suspicion.

Beds Police has ramped up its response following the 16th firearms incident in the town this year.

A 16-year-old boy was shot in the back in Thricknells Close, Marsh Farm, in the early hours of Saturday morning. He is currently in hospital in a serious condition with what detectives are calling “life-changing injuries”.

“We think there’s some friction between loosely affiliated groups of youths and young men and that’s led to some violence, which has escalated,” said Mr Richer, adding: “Our intelligence indicates there are disputes between groups, and we will be targeting these individuals.”

The murder of Paul Foster in Lewsey Farm on April 9 appeared to be “generally linked in” to the situation, he said, and again appealed for the community to help bring offenders to justice.

“Often these offenders are quite young and they really need protecting from themselves. I appeal to mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters to pass on information in their own interests to prevent them from going down that road.”

Mr Richer said he understood public concern over the frequency with which shootings were occurring.

“I do accept the last incident has increased the threat level and public concern and we are devoting substantial resources into deterring people from carrying weapons,” he said. “Obviously we are concerned that there could be further incidents and we are doing everything we can do to prevent it.”

The crackdown was costing the force a lot of money he said, but insisted the response was “sustainable”, adding: “It’s got to be top priority for us at the moment.”

The owner and manager of a shisha cafe in Leagrave Road were both fined for allowing people to smoke in an enclosed marquee.

Mohammad Sohel and Anam Miah refused to comply with the law regarding Anando Mahal Limited and were fined £355 in total.

Miah was fined £75 with an additional £15 surcharge, and the business was fined £250, plus a £15 surcharge.

Councillor Aslam Khan, the Council’s tobacco free champion, said: “While smoking shisha is legal, it is still subject to the same smoke free legislation as cigarettes and other forms of tobacco smoking.

“The law is clear – you cannot allow people to smoke inside public premises. If we catch you, we will take action.”

The minimum legal requirement is to have at least half of the premises open to the air.

Luton Stop Smoking Service offers support and advice for anyone wanting to quit smoking. For more information, call for free on 0800 013 0845 or go to www.tobaccofreeluton.co.uk

The owner and manager were fined at Luton Magistrates Court on April 22 April.

League Two Portsmouth have completed the signing of former Town striker Tom Craddock on a two-year deal following his release by Oxford, while ex-Town winger Dean Morgan has agreed a new one-year deal with Wycombe Wanderers.

Craddock scored 38 in 86 appearances during two seasons at Kenilworth Road after signing from Middlesbrough for £50,000.

He was then sold to Oxford United in 2010 for a similar fee where he went on to net 28 goals in 87 games, and was one of of 12 players released by Oxford earlier in May.

Craddock, 26, said: “It excites me that if we’re doing well we’re likely to be playing in front of 15,000-plus crowds.”

Pompey manager Guy Whittingham added: “If you want to be promoted from one league to another then you have to bring in goalscorers and that’s what we have got with Tom.

“He’s a player that has a good ratio and we believe he will do well for us.

“I’ve watched Tom and he has a great work ethic. If he is not scoring goals he will keep going and be a right pest to defenders in League Two.”

Meanwhile, former Luton Town attacker Amari Morgan-Smith is one of a host of players who have been released by Conference rivals Macclesfield Town after joining them in the summer.

The 24-year-old, who netted 18 times in 48 for Town, only scored four league goals for the Silkmen last season and once during a loan spell with Kidderminster Harriers.

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM poll, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

A Milton Keynes company that runs bars and nightclubs in Luton and Bedford has called in the administrators.

Atmosphere Bars and Clubs, based in Seebeck Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, runs the Chicago’s bar in Luton and Modello’s in Bedford, which will continue trading while the adminstrators seek to save the business.

The business has 75 full-time and 418 part-time employees.

Daniel Butters and Adrian Berry of Deloitte, the business advisory firm, have been appointed today joint administrators to Atmosphere Bars and Clubs. The company’s estate includes 19 Chicago’s Bars, three Modello bars and two nightclubs.

Daniel Butters, joint administrator and partner at Deloitte, said: “Unfortunately, as a consequence of cash flow problems, the decision was taken by the directors of Atmosphere Bars and Clubs to place the company into administration. We are continuing to trade the business and all venues remain open whilst seeking a sale as a going concern.”

Men who stole two safes during a robbery at a garage on Monday night (May 13) threatened two mechanics and a customer with a knife.

The incident happened at around 7.30pm at a garage in Frederick Street, Luton, as the two workers were finishing work on a vehicle while the customer waited.

Two men threatened them before forcing them into an office, then removed two safes containing cash, loaded them into a van and drove off.

One of the offenders was of Asian appearance, around 6ft tall and wearing a white or grey ski mask, and the other was white, around 5ft 9ins tall and wore a black balaclava.

Witnesses should call 101.

A 30-year-old man had his mobile phone stolen as he walked through a park on Thursday (May 9).

He was stopped by four men of Asian appearance in Kingsway recreation ground, who punched him in the face before stealing the phone.

Hatters’ teenage striker Ollie Cole has joined Premier League Norwich City for an undisclosed fee.

Cole joined the Town Academy as an U12 and made an immediate impact.

He finished as the leading goalscorer in his U14 season and continued his fine form during his U15 season when playing for the U16s.

The end of season tour at the Cordial Cup saw the striker finish as the leading goalscorer in the U15s group stages against some of Europe’s finest teams and he was a regular starter in the U18s league.

Cole bagged a hat-trick in the opening game of this season against Norwich and notched an impressive 11 goals in 18 appearances.

Head of Youth Operations Matt Stannard told the club’s official website: “We are very happy to see another one of our players progress further up the ladder. It’s a move that is right for both Ollie and Luton Town.

“This is a transfer that will once again show the pedigree of Luton Town’s youth development programme which continues to develop players fit for the Premier League.

“There are not many clubs in the fifth tier of a professional league in the world that can boast this kind of track record and that is something that we can be very proud of.

“We also hope that Ollie can go on and fulfil his undoubted and outstanding potential at Carrow Road.”

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM poll, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

Ex-Town star Emmerson Boyce lifted the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday as he captained underdogs Wigan Athletic to a shock 1-0 victory over favourites Manchester City thanks to Ben Watson’s last-minute header.

Boyce scored nine goals in 211 appearances for Luton between 1998 and 2004 after coming through the club’s youth ranks.

He joined Crystal Palace on a free before signing for Wigan for £1million in 2006, for whom he has played over 200 times.

Before the final, Boyce, who won the Luton News Hatter Of The Year award in 2003-04, tweeted: “I like to thank all the Luton and Crystal Palace fans for there good luck messages.”

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM poll, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

Luton Town boss John Still has announced that out of contract duo Wayne Thomas and Lewis Kidd have both left the club, writes Mark Wood.

Thomas endured a frustrating spell at Kenilworth Road as after signing from Greek club Veria he was sidelined by administration issues and played just two games, sent off in his second at Braintree Town.

The 33-year-old ended the campaign on loan at League Two Rochdale, while Kidd, who had a number of loan spells this season, never made a first team appearance for Town, although was on the bench as cover a number of times.

Still also confirmed that midfielder Adam Watkins had left the club, while revealed talks with goalkeeper Mark Tyler over his new deal remain ongoing.

For more, see the Luton News/Dunstable Gazette on sale now, while for all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM vote, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

Yes, I know, I know – it’s a dream team, isn’t it?

Director Baz Luhrmann has the dash and artistic eye to make the most of a story set in the Roaring Twenties. Look at what he did in Moulin Rouge.

Leo DiCaprio can pull off the devilishly handsome but intriguingly mysterious central character – The Aviator proved that.

Tobey Maguire, bless him, knows that he’s not really born to play the matinee idol leading man but he’s ideal as a number two, isn’t he?

And Carey Mulligan is picture perfect as the frail but confoundingly conquering flapper at the centre of the piece.

But do you know what? It’s only another version of The Great Gatsby and I just don’t care.

The book itself should be your first port of call if you want to know what doomed drunkard F. Scott Fitzgerald thought of people who had more money than him. Not a hell of a lot, as it happens.

The 1974 film starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow – but who directed and who took the sidekick role? – was a perfectly respectable telling of the tale.

And for the life of me I can’t see what more is on offer in Baz’s latest offering – it’s not any more elegant, the actors aren’t any more attractive, the soundtrack plinky plonks along in a suitably Jazz Age style, and let’s face it, the first film was the best part of an hour and a half shorter.

All credit to original director Jack ‘Room At The Top’ Clayton for keeping the running time down to a civilised length, apologies to 1974 sidekick Sam Waterston for forgetting him and having to check on IMDB.

And sorry, Baz, you may have weighed in with the screenplay as well but your words don’t hold a candle to the dialogue crafted by a certain F. F. Coppola back in the day.

> However pointless and pedestrian the Great Gatsby may seem, considering the amount of money that’s been chucked at it, it’s a peerless work of cinematic creation compared to the other new release squealing into a multiplex near you this week.

Start your engines and put your foot down if you want to steer clear of Fast and Furious 6, which is like every one of the first five instalments of this gasoline-fuelled franchise.

It’s got Vin Diesel in the driving seat, presumably picked on the basis of his name alone. It’s got lots of cars going very fast and very loud, it’s got dialogue that sounds as if it was hammered together in a backstreet garage and it doesn’t make any sense at all.

But it clearly has an audience, or it wouldn’t have reached Junction 6 in the great movie motorway of meaninglessness.

Any chance Chapter 7 will only feature electric cars going quite slowly and running out of juice at inappropriate moments? Just a suggestion...

After a long wait, a new vicar is set to arrive at St Mary’s Church in Luton.

The Rev Mike Jones will take over at the beginning of July, moving from his current post in Shropshire, where he looks after two parishes.

The father-of-two was appointed vicar in September, but decided to wait until daughter Alex, 15, had completed her GCSEs before making the move to Luton.

The last vicar at the 850-year-old church was Rev Canon Nick Bell, who retired at the end of 2011 after 20 years at St Mary’s. Since then the congregation has been led by the church wardens, ordained members and local clergy involved with the church’s oversight group.

Mr Jones, 45, said: “We are really excited to be coming to Luton and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in due course.

“Luton is a very vibrant place and the church is at the centre of the town. My work will be to love God and to love Luton. The church seeks to be a part of the town, to be a blessing to Luton and follow Christ.”

Originally from Bracknell in Berkshire, Mr Jones trained in Portsmouth and worked with his wife, Ruth, in Greece before taking up his current role of vicar for the parishes of of St John’s, Muxton and St Michael’s, Lilleshall in Telford.

Asked what he would be doing to help Luton’s troubled image, he said: “Cohesion is something that churches can help with, and I am trained in awareness of other cultures and religions.

“I was at the conference where Justin Welby gave his first sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury and it was on facing conflict.”

The demolition of a block of flats in Luton has been postponed for at least two years so the council can fulfil its obligations to homeless families.

A spokeswoman said: “We have been using the Purley Centre flats since 2012 for homeless households with a local connection to Luton and where the council has a legal duty to provide accommodation.”

She added: “This building will be used until we are ready to demolish it prior to redevelopment of the site for new secure permanent housing.

“It is difficult to put a timescale on this as planning approval for our proposals has not yet been sought.

“Our best estimates are that we will be looking to demolish no earlier than the early to mid 2015.”

The 1960s block in Marsh Farm has been refurbished “to acceptable standards” for the duration of its use.

It is currently home to 57 families.

A further 40 families have been housed in a hotel at a monthly cost of £50,000.

More than 100 new homes will be built when the redevelopment goes ahead.

The Luton News understands that private landlords are being invited to bid for a four year temporary accommodation contract worth more than £28 million.

> What do you think of the council’s proposals? Contact details are on page 2.

An event to inspire people to help change the face of local government has been described as an ‘experiment’ to be learnt from.

Just 30 members of the public turned out to discover How To Be A Councillor at Central Beds Council in Chicksands on Monday evening.

Councillor David Bowater, who has been elected as vice chairman of Central Beds Council, said: “The leader of the council, Mr Jamieson, said to us all that it was an experiment. We have learnt lessons and we will do better next time. You can’t get it spot on first time.

“I was quite delighted with the event. I was just there as a foot-soldier to offer help if anyone needed it.”

The event was to encourage a more diverse range of people to stand as a councillor, but was met by criticism that meetings are held during the day.

Paul Scoins, political reporter for BBC Three Counties Radio, was asked to attend as a special guest to share his personal views about his audiences’ attitude to politics.

“They have to be commended for trying it. They have got food for thought now about what they could do next time. It is encouraging that the council wants to do this, they’re one of the few who have.”

Cllr James Jamieson said: “It was really encouraging to see so many members of the public there.

“Being a councillor is hugely rewarding and you have real power to influence decisions on a variety of issues - anything from planning to social care.

“We always need new people and more diverse we are as councillors the better we’re able to represent all our residents. All you need is a determination to make things better, the drive to get things done and a dedication to your community.

“I hope people were inspired to look into it more.”

For more information about becoming a councillor, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/beacouncillor

@LBOamanda

Town boss John Still rubbished speculation linking Luton with Lincoln City defender Andrew Boyce, Hereford United striker Ryan Bowman, striker Jamie Taylor and centre-half Tom Bonner, writes Mark Wood.

Reports had linked Luton with moves for the first two, while the latter are said to have turned down deals at Kenilworth Road as 30-year-old striker Taylor moved from Lincoln to Sutton United and Bonner signed for Cambridge United from Dartford, although this was denied by Still.

Boyce, 23, has been offered new terms by the Imps after a hugely impressive first season in which he netted four times in 45 games, while 21-year-old scored England C striker Bowman hit 17 goals in 42 games for Hereford last season and is also reportedly attracting interest from York City and Shrewsbury Town.

Bonner, 25, is said to have chosen the U’s ahead of Luton, Newport, Aldershot, Kidderminster Harriers and Dartford.

He said: “On the last day of the season I had a few offers and I spoke to a few clubs, but there were only one or two I’d have left Dartford for.

“Dartford are a great club with great fans but they can’t offer full-time football.

“It’s every boy’s dream to play full-time football. This was too good an opportunity to turn down.”

Still had 30-year-old Lincoln striker Taylor, who hit 16 goals last season, on his books while at Dagenham & Redbridge

On joining Sutton, Taylor added: “My girlfriend is expecting twins and she wanted to be closer to home so we came back from Lincoln. Commuting there just was not workable.

“I spoke with a few clubs down here, but Paul (Doswell) said the right things, such as the club going in the right direction, and I decided it was the best place for me to be.”

To read what Still had to say, see the Luton News/Dunstable Gazette on sale now, while for all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM vote, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

Armed officers, dog units and local policing teams are patrolling Marsh Farm and Lewsey Farm in an attempt to reassure the community following the latest gun crime on Saturday.

A 16-year-old boy was shot in the back in Thricknells Close at about 4am and is in hospital in a serious but stable condition, with “life-changing” injuries.

He is the victim of the ninth shooting in Luton this year, out of 16 gun-related incidents.

Beds Police are determined to crack down on gun crime in the town, and the Luton News joined armed officers and dog units on patrol yesterday to observe the work they are doing in the area.

Officers said they hope their increased presence will reassure the public, particularly the tight-knit Marsh Farm community where the teenager was shot.

Detectives believe it is a “small minority” of criminals who are involved in gun crime in the town.

At the operation briefing yesterday, Det Supt Dave Boyle said: “I don’t want to underplay the anxiety felt in the community, particularly in Marsh Farm, following Saturday’s events.”

Officers were briefed on the information and intelligence relating to the case so far, and given background and context of the situation.

Det Supt Boyle said: “We are looking for certain individuals and are interested in finding out their locations, and speaking to other individuals they have been involved with.”

Police are offering a £1,000 reward to anyone who gives police information that leads to the arrest and conviction of any offender who is involved in gun crime in the town.

They have also released CCTV footage of a man wanted in connection with the shooting on Saturday.

The footage shows a man leaving the area at the time of the shooting, and detectives are keen to speak him as he may have information that could help the investigation.

A Beds Police spokesperson said: “Investigators are taking the unusual step of releasing CCTV footage...this man may have information that could help this investigation and officers need to speak to him urgently.”

The man is described as white, in his mid-teens, wearing a blue top and blue denim jeans.

Call Beds Police in confidence on 101 or text information to 07786 200011.

A man wanted in connection with the shooting of a 16-year-old boy on Saturday is shown on CCTV footage released by police today (May 15).

The footage shows a man leaving the area in Marsh Farm at the time of the shooting, and detectives are keen to speak him as he may have information that could help the investigation.

The victim was shot in the back in Thricknells Close and remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition, having suffered “life-changing injuries”.

A Beds Police spokesperson said: “Investigators are taking the unusual step of releasing CCTV footage...this man may have information that could help this investigation and officers need to speak to him urgently.”

The man is described as white, in his mid-teens, wearing a blue top and blue denim jeans.

Police are offering a £1,000 reward to anyone who gives police information that leads to the arrest and conviction of any offender who is involved in gun crime in the town.

Call Beds Police in confidence on 101 or text information to 07786 200011.

Former Luton Town loanee Jake Goodman has signed a new one-year deal at Championship side Millwall.

The 19-year-old central defender made 11 appearances while at Kenilworth Road last season after being signed by new Town boss John Still.

Goodman is yet to feature for the Lions first team though, although did make the bench on three occasions, including at Luton in the FA Cup fifth round tie.

On penning his new deal, he said: “I was a bit disappointed not to have made my Millwall debut last season, but it was great to get some senior experience under John Still at Luton.

“With a new manager coming in here every player will feel that they have a chance of impressing in pre-season and forcing their way into his squad for August 3.

“I’m certainly no different and I’ll be working hard to prove myself.”

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, MOM poll, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.