Gloomy predictions about the future of the high street have been a common theme in the news over the last few years. A host of well-known brands are either gone or seem to be struggling against the modern shopper’s thirst for online options.

The UK economy is in a strange place. Employment figures are at a record high, but overall growth remains sluggish. Rosier figures for the long-term health of the economy come along, then they’re downgraded.