Mark Daniels: So long 2009 - you won't be missed!

So we've made it. It's the end of the year and we're here, battered, bruised and severely depleted in numbers but, against all odds, there are still pubs open, trading, and praying like hell for a great Christmas to launch us in to the New Year.

I said at the start of this year that any publican who made it to the end of '09 could be better for it, and I still stand by that. Hopefully, we've weathered the worst of the storm, and there's a lot to look forward to in the coming year.

Interestingly, according to a poll on this website, more than 70% of those that responded to the question "will trading in 2010 be better than 2009?" answered no. I can understand that sentiment, but I disagree.

There's a lot going on in 2010. Undoubtedly, the will-they-won't-they argument over the Tie will continue, and there's still the small matter of the continuing recession to contend with, but we're also facing a General Election; one that will probably be the most significant for at least the past twelve years.

A major shift of power in politics will, despite their obstinate protests that for the next eight years (at least) they can't change any policies implemented by the previous Government, mean an upturn in consumer confidence. And if, as is bound to happen, the Met Office predicts a Barbeque Summer (again...) the combination can only mean a powerful resurrection for pubs.

And then there's the World Cup, always an excellent driver for business and even more so this coming year following the debacle that was our attempt for the Euro 2008 entry.

Do you know, when England were knocked out of the qualifiers for that particular tournament I had to console a crying man who, at the tender age of twenty three, wept "I just want to see England win it at least once in my life time."

Maybe this year will be "his year." You never know your luck.

There's so much to look forward to in 2010 it can only be a better year than 2009, no matter how negative your point of view might be.

Given the time of year, I'm signing out from this blog for 2009. I look forward to writing more in 2010.

I'd like to take the opportunity to thank The Publican for giving me the chance to air my views. I know they've not always sat easy with some, and occasionally I've just drivelled on about Formula One and how annoying my young children can be, but I have enjoyed the experience and I hope I'll be allowed to continue next year.

Of course, that's presuming I'm still around by then. I'm not talking about the pub, but the fact that I've just remembered it's my wedding anniversary this coming Saturday - which means I've suddenly got to go in search of a card and some ridiculously expensive Thornton's Chocolate! And she'll probably want flowers too...

Ali is long suffering of my determination to keep this place running; long suffering of my whines and moans about the industry; long suffering of my bouncing ideas off her for my blogs on this site; and long suffering of me always forgetting that our anniversary happens each year six days before Christmas.

So I'll take the opportunity to also say thank you to her for putting up with me. And, much as this will cause some to cringe, thank you to those at our landlords, Greene King, who also have to put up with me. We don't always see eye-to-eye and, despite what some might think, I don't always get what I want from them, but it's been fun nonetheless.

And to all of you, Dear Readers. Whether you're an "industry insider", a politician, a trade body member, a union leader or just an observer, I wish you all the very best for a Merry - and peaceful! - Christmas and New Year.

To each Publican, be you tied, free, managed or simply looking, I hope 2010 is a prosperous, and successful, year for you.

See you next year, and Merry Christmas!