So the Earls Court Boat Show’s attendance was as low as 9,000 or as high as 40,000. And we had the London Boat Show, which ended up with 127,000.

One nil to the federation, I’d say.

So what will ECBS exhibitors do now? Most of those Peter Poland spoke to (see his LBS Review starting on page 50) suggest James Brooke has to pull a large rabbit out of the hat to get them back.

Those I’ve spoken to say they may consider going back, but only if the deal is the same as last year – ie, free or very heavily discounted space.

And what will the federation do now? Its exhibitors, almost to a man (or woman) had nothing but good to say of this year’s show. The only problem I heard was what can they do to improve on the spectacular stage show...

The federation’s Night & Day meeting is set for late March, as always. And NBS MD Andy Williams tells me the roadshows will run again this year to keep everyone up to speed on what’s going on behind the scenes (the industry has welcomed NBS spending more time talking to its customers).

I suspect we won’t hear much from either side for some time: neither will want to give its secrets away.

And what of ‘the recession’ we’ve heard rumours of since the American sub-prime mortgage problems threw the financial world into disarray?

We went into the two London boat shows wondering A) if anyone would turn up, and B) whether they would have any money to spend. Both shows saw business done, although it’s obvious more business would be done from 127k than the ECBS attendance, whatever it was.

But the jury is still out on the recession. Me? I prefer the glass to be half full rather than half empty. And, for once, I hope we follow President Bush’s lead and see interest rates cut.

We need our customers to be encouraged to spend – especially as the financial columns recently reckon the world is doing quite well and shouldn’t fear a recession.

But while it’s so much easier to talk ourselves into a recession than out of one, there is - maybe - a case here for some caution until things get a little clearer.

Take a look at Tim Reynolds’ column on page XX for some sage advice.