Getting the measure of economic forecasts

After reading Peter Jackson’s fantastic letter (TTJ October 16/23), where he manages to express some of the more outrageously inflated statements that we often see used against our trade, using terms such as OSPs (Olympic Swimming Pools) & DDBs (Double Decker Buses) to try and simplify their data, I wondered if we could end the year in a similar vein.

For those of us who have not seen the supposed growth in economic activity that is being regularly pumped out in the media, perhaps we could measure the number of these in YRs (Yeah, Right!)?

If you are uncertain about the forecasts on growth in 2011, perhaps all the inflated statements you’ll read over the holidays could be measured in NCs (No Chance!)?

Or, more seasonally, maybe when you read yet another economic forecast on lowering unemployment and increased spending power, you can measure it in HHHs (Ho Ho Ho!).

Even if none of the above apply, it’s good to remember that we’re nearly beyond the shortest day and heading into the light again – let’s all hope that it gives us a lift and cheers us up, as we go into the new year.

With very best wishes to all readers of TTJ over the festive season and for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011.

Keith Fryer
Director
T?Brewer &?Co