AIBU to think there are still positive signs in the economy?

[coulditbeme2323]

There is plenty of money out there still.

Now let me add the caveat that I know there are people that are struggling, but I think there are reasons to be positive about the economy and country.

The shops are busy, the coffee shops are busy, the restaurant's are busy, and there is money being spent.

We fancied an impromptu roast out on Sunday, and I had to call 5 pubs before I could get a reservation.

I still think we are a few more years away to see the property market where it once was, but I do think there are signs to be hopeful.

Where do you live? Restaurants aren’t busy here. They are occasionally busy. Plus making money by running one is unbelievably hard.

We have low productivity. Particularly in the public sector. Other businesses are struggling and closing and some are doing well, eg oil companies and supermarkets. Many others find the tax on employment and overhead costs are preventing any growth at all.

If you think house prices mean everything, think again.

Hospitality job losses are expected to reach 111,000.Two thirds hospitality businesses are set to cut jobs and 1 in 7 will close completely.

About 40 minutes outside London, nearest place you would probably know is Windsor.

That shocks me.

In Nottingham, there are so many empty units that previously housed restaurants/ bars
I just don’t think people have the spare money any more these days. The same with shops - loads and loads of empty units.

Loads of empty pubs and restaurants where I am, and the town centre seems to have another closed down store every time I go (Home Counties)

Do I think one of the wealthiest constituencies in the country with over 12 million visitors per year is uniquely insulated? Yes.

Also home counties.

Can you be anymore specific without being outing?

I am not just talking about there though.

Coffee shops being busy doesn’t signify economic confidence, it signals a lot of people not bring very busy in the middle of the day. It’s not really creating anything either.

Id also say - even in a cost of living crisis, people look for small luxuries, and a coffee is arguably one of those things.

i think you might be confusing busy with profitable enough to stay afloat tbh
One popular slot being busy (eg Sunday lunch as for you) can’t possibly make up for the other 13 lunch and dinner times. Plus costs have exploded at the same time as people tightening their leisure budgets collectively

That's really not the vibe I get.

Ahh this explains why you think the way you do.

Of course - and I am not suggesting it's the same in Grimsby - but I think there are positive signs.

Also people may well still go out but for less than they did. Cut back on a course, go out for coffee instead of a meal etc.
It would look just as busy but impact takings

But your vibe doesn't chime with the 90000 jobs already lost and further industry predictions. That are contracting at over 10,000 per month.

Two-thirds of UK hospitality businesses plan to cut jobs and one in seven will close, survey finds | Hospitality industry | The Guardian https://share.google/VTlqu5Q58tkxF0ulV

https://share.google/RRJdtzf9hKo2CLBiG

I suppose some areas must be horribly affected then.

Yes. Of course. That doesn't mean that pockets of the country aren't thriving, or that the places that remain won't benefit from the customers who have lost their local coffee shop or restaurant. But the industry has been hobbled.

Not in my part of Yorkshire.
Went out for birthday lunch on Sunday the pub was less than a quarter full.
Dc3 just got a job while at college, there was 145 applicants for one 12 hour contract because theres hardly any jobs. Most of dc friends are struggling to get employment. Some are reconsidering their options after college because they won't be able to afford university if they can't get a part time job. Dc2 and 3 are both only applying for local universities where they can commute from to be safe.
This is having a real impact on a generation who are making descions on how to afford uni or if its best not to go at all, rather than which is the best university for them. These are students who could go to Oxford or Cambridge as they have the grades.

That's sad to hear.

@Bagsoflifewipedout Oxford and Cambridge are the cheapest universities to attend! They have huge subsidies and the most generous grants! You need to get these young people to wise up a bit! Do the research!

Very busy in Manchester. Places are always packed

Great to hear.

I haven't been for a few years, but hear good things.

@coulditbeme2323 I’m 40 mins outside London too next to that part of Berkshire - I know Windsor. Tom Kerridge doesn’t make money from his restaurants in Marlow. Nearer to me, my local town has 3 restaurants that have closed. They aren’t in pubs. Only the pubs are left. Windsor and the area around Windsor like Ascot and villages along the Thames are tourist areas and pretty wealthy. Similar to Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield and Henley in terms of better off locals. Go further out into north Bucks or into areas like Slough, and it’s different. These market towns and areas with deprivation are not buzzing and businesses are struggling.

Where are you?