Something for the man who has everything. Executive Magazine

If like me you’re starting to tear you hair out wondering what to buy for those problem people this year, then your local ISP may have the answer to your prayers. Cromarty based Calico UK has identified a new trend in Christmas presents – personalised Internet domain names. “Over the past couple of months we’ve been seeing an increase in the number of domain names that have been bought featuring people’s names,” says Calico’s managing director Kirsty Pryer. “We enquired and found out that many of these were for Christmas presents for relatives and friends.” By having your own domain name, your website and email addresses immediately make you stand out from the crowd. “If everyone else has a hotmail or btinternet address” explains Kirsty, “and you have one with your own name, then it makes you look a bit more special. This is especially important if you are in business for yourself, but it applies to every walk of life.” Domain names have to be unique which means that only one person can own each name. “But don’t worry if the name you’re looking for has already been taken, because there are lots of ways the same name can be represented.” For example, if you were buying a domain name for John Smith, you might consider johnsmith.com, john-smith.co.uk or johnsmith.me.uk. “It’s a great present for someone who’s difficult to buy for. You can register the name for up to ten years, so it’s a long-lasting gift.”

Calico recently took on new team member Jo Donald to help out while Lisa Mackay is off on maternity leave. “I’m looking forward to my time at Calico,” said Jo. “It’s a great company to work for and the people are so friendly.”