But there is a bigger problem that is occupying my mind these days. Some of you will know Coco (my wife) and our China agent. She is the reason why we have such a great range of quality artisan products from family businesses in China and at the right prices. Coco and Tomas are the dream team, they really make things happen. Coco was with me in Spain until the 15th of January, when she flew to China to be with her family in her home town in Jiangxi province. She got home to Yiwu (where our office and warehouse is) and then drove to the home town. Because of the Chinese New Year an epic drive 16 hours - half a billion people go home at this time.. Once home, the celebrations for New Year began.. and then abruptly ended as the Corona virus problem engulfed the area. 

Jaingxi province is next to Wuhan and at first people there thought the issue was far away, but as each day passes it gets more immediate. The last 5 days Coco and her immediate family have not left the house. Police cars drive up and down the one street village telling residents to remain in doors, last week four cases were reported in the nearby city of Dongxiang and yesterday a case in the next village just along the road. I speak to Coco every day, and she is upbeat and cheerful, but today I can see the strain on her face, she no longer believes the government news feed, it's worse much worse than they say.

The thing is - I should be there. It's the first time in 7 years I have not been in China for CNY. Thanks to Brexit and our new Spain company, I decided to stay in Europe. 

If you want to send a message of encouragement - I can pass it on, it would mean a lot.

Hopefully these things will also pass. But it kind of make's the Brexit problem look like no big deal.

Practical problem is that, no factories are going to open anytime soon in China, CNY has already been extended. All the roads and trains between cities are closed or suspended. So it's unlikely that any China products will arrive in Europe until at least June. So I think there will be a significant hit to China stock. Fortunately, we have - Indian, Indonesian, Nepal stock all on the way, and you should be able to rely on all the stuff made in our Sheffield factory. So.. don't panic :)

50p coin has been released to "commemorate" the day, I think it should have been a 52p coin.. with 48p coin we can still spend in Europe .. 

Anyway "Always look on the Bright Side of life" der dum der dum der dum.. 

Also happening this weekend is the Birmingham Spring Fair.

AW won't be there of course, but our Very British Brand - Agnes & Cat.. will be there making an appearance. Do call and say hi.. Tomas, Tiphanie, Lenka & Rodrigo will be there. On Monday I may be around.