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If you believe what Tory-minded papers like Daily Mail says the biggest recession in history is over. In fact, according to the Mail and the government, unemployment is down significantly and there are jobs out there for everyone!
Sounds really great. Yes, then comes buts. I could say that ...but I haven't seen any difference whatsoever.
Interestingly, I've had a chat with a local, independent dry cleaning business owner, as well as a franchisee of a coffee chain. Both of these in what some might call an afluent North London suburbs.
My dry cleaner is doing ok. Business is ok. I then ask him if he's making more money than 12 months ago. His answer is short: "no". In fact, last year was better. His great days were in the early noughties.
I'm a regular punter at a coffee shop on a North London high road. I've been having my "daily cup" there for years. What I can see, weekends are busy, often so that you struggle to find a seat. Earlier this year my impression was that, indeed, he [the franchisee] must be doing much better than last year.
Apparently, not so. 'It's tough,' he says. 'High Street hasn't been particularly busy recently,' he goes on.
There's so much choice for coffee lovers on this particular high road. Apart from Cafe Nero, all major chains are represented, including partly Tesco owned Harris + Hoole. Then there are independents from posh eateries to builders cafes.
Talking to two small business owners is not extensive but it's a starting point. Adding my personal experience with my clients, things are far from what Daily Mail says!
Sounds really great. Yes, then comes buts. I could say that ...but I haven't seen any difference whatsoever.
Interestingly, I've had a chat with a local, independent dry cleaning business owner, as well as a franchisee of a coffee chain. Both of these in what some might call an afluent North London suburbs.
My dry cleaner is doing ok. Business is ok. I then ask him if he's making more money than 12 months ago. His answer is short: "no". In fact, last year was better. His great days were in the early noughties.
I'm a regular punter at a coffee shop on a North London high road. I've been having my "daily cup" there for years. What I can see, weekends are busy, often so that you struggle to find a seat. Earlier this year my impression was that, indeed, he [the franchisee] must be doing much better than last year.
Apparently, not so. 'It's tough,' he says. 'High Street hasn't been particularly busy recently,' he goes on.
There's so much choice for coffee lovers on this particular high road. Apart from Cafe Nero, all major chains are represented, including partly Tesco owned Harris + Hoole. Then there are independents from posh eateries to builders cafes.
Talking to two small business owners is not extensive but it's a starting point. Adding my personal experience with my clients, things are far from what Daily Mail says!
) but still ...
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