Jimbo

I agree with the other poster, it's not going to be the state of the economy that will most affect the likelihood of success, but rather the retailiers. I can see you're going for a niche market, but these are served by some very professional multi-million pound businesses with a strong reputation/snob value in the business. I would look very carefully at the competitors, their strengths and weaknesses and then decide if you can provide a USP (Unique Selling Proposition - not Selling Point as people often mistakenly state). If you can see a gap in the market, then yeah go for it, otherwise look at other business ideas. I've run my own business for a dozen years, it is at recessionary times the weakest fail leaving better future opportunities for those left in the game. Good luck and if you go for it, get the backing of your family and some good advice - ideally from someone already running their own business. This ain't no 9 to 5 nor romantic journey, every day is for tough, but for me the only way I want to live my life.

Just like the plan to get people to work for their dole, whether you think it's a good idea or not, it'll never happen.

For my two cents worth, prices will drop below the trendline for statistical reasons. The trendline is an average which means half the data will be above average and the other half below average. It's just that simple. Also the trendline will start to pull down as we move below the long term trend. Long way to go down yet, boys and girls.

I spent ten long years as a Civil Servant and got very well paid for it for doing naff all. It didn't take much ability to shine in the Civil Service. So why did I leave? I was sick of the incompetence, petty mindedness, arrogance, pointless meetings, office politics and lack of understanding of the real world. Been in the private sector now ten years doing Civil Service contracts that have since been privatised by Labour and we do twice the work of the Civil Service, at half the cost and to a higher quality and still make a good profit out of it.