In the modern business world certain entrepreneurs see work clothing differently and Richard Branson has never been backward at putting his point forward. He has been an advocate for getting rid of the suit and in particular the tie as the normal style of the office. He has shown this in his rebranding of Northern Rock by ditching the tie as part of the uniform and has gone as far as carrying a pair of scissors with him to cut the tie of those around him. However what are the pros and cons of this?

Branson himself says that as he has never worked for anyone else, being his own boss, he has not had to conform to a company dress code and his normal business attire has always been a sweater and a pair of corduroy pants. He has not seen the point of a tie, deeming them uncomfortable and serving no purpose.

Is the concept outdated, but continues because of “tradition”? Does wearing a suit and tie simply act as a way of making us all look the same? For me, if I’m wearing a shirt it doesn’t feel right if I’m not wearing a tie; I don’t feel that I am dressed for work. It helps me to separate work life and personal life. Even without a suit, a shirt for me means wearing a tie, I like wearing ties and the bolder and brighter the better. In certain jobs I can understand not wearing a tie because it isn’t suitable or even safe, such as working with machinery, but in an office environment then let’s maintain some decorum.

Branson and even politicians these days appear without a tie, but for politicians isn’t that just for image purposes, making them look like Joe public.

Certain ties I have even bring back memories of happier times, commemorating events in my life, such as my football team winning at Wembley, or am I the one who is in the wrong? I think that there is a time and a place to wear a tie and that time is when you want to look smart and impress, and what better time to so that then as part o your work clothing? Mr Branson it’s back to you.