UK Economy grew 0.8% in the Second Quarter and has now recovered ground lost since the downturn

[grahamw48]

Hey, there's some odd folk in Knaresborough mate.

I used to sign them on at the D of E part-time office there...and at Wetherby and Ripon. Used to be our days out meeting the rednecks.

The Zoo manager was an ex circus Lion trainer too. Odd fellow from darn sarf.

We did have the heaviest Lion in the world, listed in the book of records. 800lbs of flab. Poor thing.

Also supposedly the heaviest/biggest snake.

I spent most of my time turning over the giant manure heap, complete with rotting carcases.

[les_taxi]

Joe, you fail to understand basic economics. When your lot shafted the country we were all going to be worse off for many years to come.

The collapse was catastrophic and the Coalition had to stop us spending money we simply did not have (as per the note your lot left saying we were broke)

Now for the last 5 years or so it's been a bloody slow recovery - we were one of the most ....ed up Economies in Europe.

Now people don't suddenly become as rich as they were before the crash, we all lost money which can never be got back.

What we are seeing is much better GDP, less unemployment, fastest rising economy in Western Europe - that's good news Joe, as much as you must hate it.

It will still be years before we feel a lot better off, but at least things are improving - I know what's coming next: 'Wages are lower' - yes, that's going to take ages to sort out.

Better to have a job though and manage your finances more carefully then spend what you haven't got.

I would say I'm doing better this year without a doubt, and the restaurants are full in Harrogate - as are the bars - so most customers would say things are getting better all the time.

[SimonH]

Answered perfectly Les

Economy obviously on the up as there's more demand for taxis and therefore encouraging drivers from outside the area to come and tout for business, they wouldn't come if the punters weren't there willing to splash the cash

[les_taxi]

Well I'm hoping to have 2 decent holidays next year - not had one in 4 years

There is a feel good factor in the air and I honestly believe things are getting better.

That's the main reason why I won't vote Labour - I don't trust them to run the Economy and I think many voters are coming to realise that.

Anyway, we will see next year

[Iani]

Well I'm hoping to have 2 decent holidays next year - not had one in 4 years

Blackpool for one....................but where else?

[les_taxi]

Blackpool for one....................but where else?

[joebloggs]

Maybe a more relevant question would be to ask Les if he's getting more customers now than four years ago

What's that got to do with people having more money in their pockets? Les tells me he 'thinks' people are better off, I know his tea leaf reading is , surely the best way is not what he thinks but ask his punters , something it looks like he didn't do

I'm sure the food banks have been busier now than in the last 4 years

When you are earning 100.00 Quid an hour like Les...Thats what you call a treat!!
Thats why I get the bus!

99% of the time I use the Metro or bus, its 1/8 of the cost of a taxi to get me to work

Blackpool for one....................but where else?

No - Les likes upmarket places like Magaluf

[les_taxi]

what's that got to do with people having more money in their pockets ? Les tells me he 'thinks' people are better off, i know his tea leaf reading is , surely the best way is not what he thinks but ask his punters , something it looks like he didn't do

I'm sure the food banks have been busier now than in the last 4 years



99% of the time i use the metro or bus, its 1/8 of the cost of a taxi to get me to work



no les likes up market places like Magaluf

I base it on the number of customers, how busy the town is and my earnings and it's easy to see that most have more money to spend.

Just found out we have a food bank - might pop in and pick up some Caviar and Champers on Sat

Yes, I have been to Magaluf on a up - can't remember what it looked like though

Plenty of people do use the buses and trains - but we have a lot of business people here attending conferences and they not bothered how much taxis cost.

[grahamw48]

Les, with all this money starting to fill your pockets, soon there will be nothing stopping you from getting over to the Phils and chasing some women.

[les_taxi]

Yes, that's a possibility unless I pull at York Ebor ladies day on 21st of this month!

[grahamw48]

Ha...you must be feeling rich.

I'd be one of the peasants watching from any of the dog-walkers free viewing points.

[les_taxi]

When I want a treat I work overtime to pay for it.

[Michael Parnham]

When I want a treat I work overtime to pay for it.

You hit the nail right on the head Les, that's how it should be!

[fred]

When I want a treat I work overtime to pay for it.

When you are earning 100.00 Quid an hour like Les...Thats what you call a treat!!
Thats why I get the bus!

[andy222]

When you are earning 100.00 Quid an hour like Les...Thats what you call a treat!!
Thats why I get the bus!

Wise choice.

[grahamw48]

[joebloggs]

Are the number of tips higher or lower than 4yrs ago?

As for food banks Les, just because you're doing better doesn't mean everyone else is, like I said before, I'm not.

I've got nothing against taxi's Les, I only use them when I really have to thou

Les, I hope you'll sign this.. not everyone on the dole is a scrounger

https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitio...sN8Ti0fOU7DnrX

[les_taxi]

Signed it, I'm totally pro-army-ex servicemen and for missing an appointment that was ridiculous.

No, I'm not gloating in any way regarding on how I'm doing - I took a gamble and set up on my own again 9 months ago and gone from Strength to Strength with hard work and knowing how to make each customer feel special. Without being too cocky I'm good at what I do. I open doors, never rush customers even if I'm running late - was twice yesterday.

My customers become friends, and yes, I get very good tips. Yesterday - out of maybe 25 jobs - I was probably tipped on 15 of them and the tips ranging from 30p to £8.00.

When my customer is late I never, ever put my meter on or sulk, I make light of it and get rewarded.

I'm a people person - smiley face and music quizzes with 'em on a night.

Love my job - but it's what I have made it.

Of course many people on benefits, disability etc are genuine and I wish them the best, but the ones like on tv and in the newspapers who have no intention of working can .... off!

[grahamw48]

Good on you Les.

I always tip taxi drivers. Not at all like me.

[Michael Parnham]

I would love to ride in a taxi in the UK as part of normal life, but the only time I've ever used a taxi here is to take us and return us to and from Manchester Airport. If I had a choice it would be with you Les!

[les_taxi]

Thanks for comments. Only on one occasion, years ago, was I grumpy for some reason. I got a fare and must have been pissed off about something - I never spoke to the customer and when we got to the destination he tipped me!

I then apologized and said I am never like that normally and felt a right pillock!

[joebloggs]

Thanks for comments. Only on one occasion, years ago, was I grumpy for some reason. I got a fare and must have been pissed of about something - I never spoke to the customer and when we got to the destination he tipped me!

I then apologized and said I am never like that normally and felt a right pillock!

That was me.

I always tip Les, even when I shouldn't.

You can give me a lift to the airport if I get a discount!

[les_taxi]

I tip anyone who is in the service trade, feel I have to.

I will give you lift to the Airport from Harrogate. Definitely give you a discount Joe