I recently spent two days on a stand at the NEC, an occupation that I always find fascinating, not only from the business point of view but also observing the constant stream of visitors passing by.

The National Exhibition Centre is the best shop window that exists in the country – centrally placed, and served by air, rail and road. People come from far and wide, looking for ideas, opportunities and suppliers.

Common to all engineering shows, a constant stream of apprentices and students take the opportunity to learn of the latest innovations. That is just fine, for some will be the movers and shakers of tomorrow.

What appals to me is the way in which today’s younger generation disport themselves, shuffling along the aisles, with little effort at self-presentation.

I come from a generation when all young males had to go through a period of National Service, which in my day used to be criticised as a dreadful interruption of a young person’s studies. However, with the benefit of hindsight, I believe that my period in the Army taught me discipline and smartness, attributes that have benefited me throughout my business life.

National Service ran from 1939 to 1960, with the last conscripts leaving in 1963. Recruits served in all three branches of the armed forces for a period of two years. There were some exemptions on the grounds of health or for those who had conscientious objections.

Two years was spent learning various trades and skills. This was after a rigorous spell of “square-bashing” plus acquiring basic knowledge of how to handle small arms. For the vast majority of conscripts it was the first time that they had been away from home, and many found the first few weeks very tough.

The benefit was learning at an early age, the virtues of self-discipline and smartness of appearance. This two attributes have been fundamental to the success of so many British businessmen. I have absolutely no regrets at the two years spent serving Queen and Country.

Today’s younger generation do not get the benefit of such training, and this is reflected in both deportment and dress sense. Yet I believe that in addition to knowledge, self-presentation is very important in business.

Perhaps I am past my sell-by date!

* Russell Luckock is chairman of pressings firm AE Harris