Gulp.

The British economy is declining at a frightening rate.

Not quite everywhere. A friend who runs a business not far from here selling mass-produced medical widgets here and overseas says that profits are soaring as the cheaper pound both boosts exports and makes money earned overseas worth even more in pound terms here. A lot of this extra loot is expected to go back into the business to improve productivity and create more wealth.

His message: "a wonderful time to be in British manufacturing".