Fading Friday

We always reckoned that shows ending on a Friday were sure to die on that last afternoon. People, the argument went, will come along in the morning and sneak off for an early start to their weekend. Observation seemed to confirm this, hence 'Fading Friday'.

However, the Business Start Up Show a couple of weeks ago confounded our expectations. Visitor numbers remained strong way after lunchtime on Friday.

What could account for this? One theory is The Economy. According to some of my colleagues, so many people are becoming redundant, or otherwise losing their livelihoods, and finding it impossible to land an alternative, that vast numbers are starting up on their own. Not only that, those who have been advised of impending redundancy, or are working out their notice, may be taking time off to search for alternatives. What better time to job/start-up hunt than Friday afternoon?

Cetainly I am noticing many new businesses appearing. Domestically even; I have had at least half-a-dozen leaflets through the door offering cleaning, ironing or gardening services in the past few weeks. Often they decribe themselves as husband-and-wife teams - a clear pointer to the possibility of a redundancy followed by a determination to 'get through this together'.

Is this a trend that should inspire hope? After all, despite the obviously gloomy situation, it does mean that folks are not just sitting back, giving up and leaving it to the State to support them.

So maybe you should consider employing some of these local entrepreneurs. And be prepared to keep on working during the last afternoon of your next show. Especially if it is a Friday.