Week 24: Outdoor – Indoor Eating

Posted on August 30, 2020 by Chris Warburton

It’s a long weekend here, so an extra day off. Things really do seem quite normal again, certainly with the traffic. Thoughts for this week.

  • Video call etiquette. This is sending me into a spin… on or off?… There are definitely ‘video on’ and ‘video off’ people… firm opinions on either side… I am losing count of the number of times I am the only one on video, my face looming large, or sheepishly having to turn it on half-way through a call hoping no one notices… still working on this one!
  • Everyone is now starting to eat out again and there seems to be a trend in ‘outdoor eating’, really to work around capacity constraints of eating indoors. Yet as the weather cools, outdoor seating is now starting to go undercover, then with wind barriers, then heaters… I mean when does outdoors become indoors… it is all going to get confusing…!
  • Workwise, I know I have previously mentioned my fondness for Pret-A-Manager, but spare a thought for their employees this week (and for many others elsewhere)… the economy is changing before our eyes and it is a time for uncertainty for many… will try to support

Stay safe everyone, have a good week… @chris_w_tweet

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Almost crunch time: Weekly roundup 28 August 2020

Posted on August 28, 2020 by Chris Warburton

A quieter week this week news-wise, with the main highlight being revised guidelines on payment holiday continuation for customers with mortgages. Those in need can continue to get relief, but at this point, it will start to be reflected on a consumer’s credit file… and with the court and enforcement process starting up again too gradually it feels as if we are returning to what feels a little more normal.

However, with so many changes coming together at the same time, a crunch is coming… and I suspect one that will be significant for some. A look at what is ahead….

… and although arrears levels are currently fine, it is likely they will spike once this flow through. (we have as an example the US where they are now starting to spike – again sectorally driven). It is going to be a ‘interesting’ time, and challenging for many.

Elsewhere there is still plenty of discussion around returning to the office. Many businesses are saying no, yet the government is saying yes… but what about the employees, well 9 out of 10 of us like having some time WFH at least…. most people I know have actually found it more productive too…. hopefully we will reach some sort of new balance.

Have a good weekend everyone… @chris_w_tweet

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Week 23: A new lick of paint

Posted on August 23, 2020 by Chris Warburton

This week you could feel summer winding down with many people starting to drift back from the last of their holidays. Just another week and with a revving of engines everything will be back to full strength… Observations for the week.

  • We have all been doing more DIY over lockdown. I decided it was time to do a bit of painting before the autumn sets in… I found out just how much I normally touch door paintwork… once it was wet… a reflexive action – all over hands and arm… more to learn about the skills of painting!
  • Also made a first post lockdown visit to a restaurant this week… all very strange… a 1 in 1 out system to limit numbers yet… once inside was really not much different… I have a feeling this will not be good for my waistline… it was good to be back.
  • Workwise, more tough economic news, with some segments in society reportedly struggling with regular household bills… it is really starting to feel like there is some polarisation going on between those who are just fine and those that are struggling… a watching brief on how this develops further.

Have a good week everyone… @chris_w_tweet

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