Business Diary: June 1

Could the World Cup be the catalyst to lift us out of the downturn?

Wishful thinking, some might say. But according to trade credit insurer Atradius, many retailers in Yorkshire expect the tournament to boost sales by as much as 60 per cent to "accelerate recovery from the recession".

"Businesses of all sizes in Yorkshire are waiting for what we are labelling the 'World Cup Effect' to kick in," said Mike Rowan, regional manager of Atradius in Yorkshire.

"Advertising linking products to the World Cup – sometimes very tenuously – has already taken off, but consumer durables retailers

are among those hoping for the greatest boost."

Attradius reckons companies will launch new brands, and supermarkets, pubs, bars and TV retailers are all expected to do well as English men and women splash their cash on merchandise and World Cup parties.

"This period of the year will be 'recession resistant' for a microcosm of the economy who are relying on the World Cup to deliver for them," added Mr Rowan.

For their sakes, England had better get beyond the group stages.

Cutting comments

More proof of the tall order facing George Osborne in reforming the public sector.

Diary has received a message from a manager at a taxpayer-funded financial body in South Yorkshire, in the form of an out-of-office email response, which suggests they are not exactly working flat out.

"Only two days back and I need a break. Have succumbed to must-take-my-carry-over-leave-itis but will have recovered by next Tuesday.

"(My colleague) is suffering from a different strain ( If-its-Friday-I-need-the-afternoon-off-itis) so it is anybody's guess if the phone is answered. Please ring to see if it is contagious."

Looks like it might be an easy cut for the coalition's scalpel.

Well suited

The ever-dapper Marc Bolland made his first appearance at Marks & Spencer wearing – you guessed it – a navy blue M&S suit.

His first words to the City were: "Yes, it's an M&S suit, I'm wearing it with pride. It really fits well."

However, that was about as forthcoming as the former Morrisons chief executive became on his plans for M&S.

The City was left guessing what his long term goals are. We'll have to wait until the M&S interims in November to get the full low down.

In the meantime, outgoing boss Sir Stuart Rose was his usual ebullient self: "I'm comfortable when I look in the mirror," he claimed.

"There are things I might have done differently, but I'm a glass half-full kind of guy and I think the business is in much better shape than when I inherited it."

Modesty will get you everywhere.

Wedded bliss – abroad

Another money-saving suggestion for the hard-up couple – but it's one that throws tradition out of the window: get married abroad.

The average wedding in this country costs about 15,000, compared to as little as 6,000 overseas, according to publishing couple Martin and Terri Cody-Owen, who live in Kirk Deighton, North Yorkshire.

That's why their Wetherby firm, World Titles, has launched a glossy magazine aimed at loved-up couples looking to tie-the-knot abroad. Worldwide Weddings and Honeymoons magazine is devoted to the growing demand for "destination weddings" and dream honeymoons.

Sounds good, but let's hope you only need to use the service once.

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