And that set me thinking about the economic headwinds that we have been experiencing and how bad they have become once again.

Intense competition, higher interest rates and a slowdown in the housing market created strong economic headwinds.

Economists noted that employment growth could bounce back as some of the economic headwinds dissipate.

Public support of nuclear power flagged, and the industry was buffeted by strong economic headwinds, including a prolonged recession and a collapse in natural gas prices.

Yet both countries, like the Soviet Union, face economic headwinds.

The recent election in Germany showed just how divided the nation is over the best response to the economic headwinds.

The father-of-two has enjoyed his year in charge of the chain but he concedes that the economic headwinds have come thick and fast.

Chief executive John Browett said: "With challenging economic headwinds continuing for many of our customers, we remain cautious on the outlook for the year ahead.

The Times, of course, is not immune to these economic headwinds, but luckily we haven't suffered as much as others.

The company has delivered these results despite significant economic headwinds, including slow-to-no-growth in developed markets, and rising commodity costs.