With the Eurozone crisis threatening to engulf us all and the potential of another banking crisis looming, many of us are worrying about what we should be doing with any spare cash we might have. Add to this the fact that the British non-Summer (apparently causing birds to bypass their mating calls in favour of 'Autumn's 'here, we're off to warmer climes' songs) is robbing us of the feelgood factor that normally encourages us to spend and it doesn't bode well for trade, does it?

Now we're being warned that the Olympic Torch Relay, which arrives in England this evening and takes to the streets of Cornwall tomorrow before snaking through much of the country, is going to exacerbate the traffic problems that are so much a part of life these days. This, of course, means delayed deliveries, stressed-out drivers, disgruntled customers and worried traders.

Let's hope that the influx of people to these shores, aiming to take part in the Olympics either as competitors or spectators, will bring with it some serious spending and thus boost consumer confidence. We certainly need a bit of a kick-start and this may just provide it!

Yours,