The other week The Sunday Times produced a list of 500 individuals who, in its opinion, were the highest paid in the UK. What was the reaction of well-informed Financial News readers? Most would say they yawned and took little notice of a list which is likely to be interesting for no other reason than the people not on it. Because I am a simple scuttlebutt with an inquisitive streak, I turned to the finance section.

Tim Shacklock is there, heading the averages after his one-off payment from Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein of around £26m (€38m), news of which was first brought by Financial News Online. Shacklock isn't embarrassed because he has thicker skin than a rhino and it came from a brilliantly drafted contract. Will Shacklock, who is very amusing company, be in next year's list? The bookmakers aren't even making a price.