I punt with the principle my money, my rules to suit me.
I think this reflects society at large.
I do not for ONE moment believe there is a recession on in the UK, the reason being is that in the wider world absolutely nobody seems to want to take my money.
For instance I needed some new tyres on my car so I drive to a couple of local tyre places, they seem unenthusiastic about it and say I can book you in in several months time.
Similarly I need some roofing work done, phone around nobody seems to want the work.
I need taxes done, nobody seems to want to do it.
Hell one of my friends needed a piano teacher and a sax teacher for the duke of edinburgh award, this was £40 an hour work. Phoning around some agreed in principle. Then they all went quiet not wanting my business.