“A question I was asked last week on two occasions was whether we were heading for a double-dip recession. My immediate reaction was “you should probably ask an economist rather than me” then I realised that on past form, they are the worst people to ask! I guess I was being asked because Solicitors are probably as good a weather- vain as to what is happening as anyone. The messages last week were contradictory: banks pulled a couple of deals on commercial matters whereas on domestic conveyancing, we had one of our best weeks for new instructions! It seems that the only certainty is that we will have contradictory indicators and uncertainty in general for the foreseeable future. People are best advised to make up their own mind on matters and not look for trends. It was a herd mentality that got us in the present mess and it would be nice to see individuals and banks backing their own judgements and not trying to follow trends. Opportunities abound for the free-thinking entrepreneur. Hopefully these people will back their judgements and help us all on the road to better economic times”

- Andrew