No, not the greedy energy firm battles, or changes to the pension fees cap – instead it was the story that will probably impact on more people world-wide than any other story currently doing the rounds in the business world – McDonalds’ decision to drop Heinz Ketchup from all their outlets!

Now the reason why this interested me and engaged my attention so much was the reasoning:

– It’s not because of the quality
– It’s not because of customer feedback
– It’s not based on cost
– It’s not based on ethics

Oooooo no, this decision, fundamentally changing the experience of zillions of customers – including my own 3 children who remain convinced that Heinz Tomato Ketchup is the only Tomato Ketchup – is based on the fact that the man who has just taken over as Chief Executive of the Heinz Group, a certain Mr Bernado Hees, was previously the Head of Burger King!

Despite heavy emphasis on the word “Former” and in the knowledge that Heinz has been acquired via a $28 Billion takeover (so reasonably financially secure and one would think future proof) – McDonalds have decided to make a significant change to their product offering based on what appears to be little more than a moral stance and one of disassociation.

“We have decided to transition our business to other suppliers over time” McDonald’s said.

It would appear to the uneducated that even the very largest of the Behemoths of the Business world are not immune from taking things personally and acting on no other logic than that of jealousy, rage or simply the chance to get one over a former rivals – even at the expense of customers and potentially the risk of a loss of earnings as a result.

Concentrating on what matters and doing the best for your business, regardless of the compromises you may be forced to take and the occasional piece of humble pie you may have to eat along the way, must surely be the way that most sensible, upstanding and customer focussed businesses would and should go?

After all, what’s more important – the happiness of your clients and the success of the business – or the short lived smug feeling of poking a former rival in the eye.

I’m now waiting for the announcement that Burger King has signed a deal to supply Heinz Ketchup in all their outlets – kids grab your coats and get your dipping fingers ready!