Yorkshire is no more immune than anywhere else as the UK recession gathers pace. Yet its economy is far more diversified than when it entered the last downturn in 1990. No longer can a few big plant closures shut down an entire town.

Jobs are spread evenly, with around 15 per cent in manufacturing, most of it now very high technology, and the rest in services ranging from legal to distribution to banking. There is also a large public sector that should be cushioned from any downturn.