So farewell then, Sir Mike Rake (or should we say Auf Wiedersehen, after the KPMG Europe merger?).

Mike is leaving the profession to become chairman of BT and at the end of the month after 35 (count 'em) years at KPMG.

TS has been told that he has something of a 'legacy tour' planned, which is apparently de rigeur for top people.

Our man in Salisbury Square says that, with his variety of national and international roles, different presentations and farewell drinks are taking place.

A board dinner here, a quiet drink there, you know the score. There's no appearance on Blue Peter, we don't think, as accountants aren't that high profile (yet), but TS is sure that Mike will leave everyone wanting more.

TS also understands that, disappointingly, there will be no vodka luge, that staple of all good parties, at any of the events. 'There'll be nothing of that order [of extravagance]', says one KPMG mole, while another adds: 'we might run to a sweet sherry.'