I was reminded recently of the stereotypical Lancashire response to the “How are you today?” enquiry: “Not as good as yesterday, but better than tomorrow.”

Or the visiting football fan who asked a little lad in the street, “How do you get to Turf Moor, son?”

“Me Grandad takes me.”

Things have not been good over recent months, and aren’t so good still. There may be signs of the recession slowing down at least. People, especially a lot of young people are out of work, not a good start to adult life.

But some have managed to tick over or even flourish and there are people about to help.

I’ve seen this in action.

I was given a very lucky opportunity to visit the new £40m build site of Darwen’s Aldridge Academy, shown round by Principal Brendan Loughran.

At Blackburn College we had the coming of age 21st birthday, compered by my pal Jim Hancock, of the Community and Business Partners designed to bring together the public and private sectors in many different and successful ways, brilliantly led by Mike Murray and Amanda Meachin.

Then the Telegraph’s very own Business Awards evening hosted by Editor Kevin Young and compered by Dianne Oxberry at Ewood Park saw many local small and larger firms holding on and better, employing people, re-investing, contributing to their community, proudly flying our Pennine Lancashire flag.

And more of the same the next night in Manchester’s Hilton, set up by Ilyas Munshi and Farzana Khan, compered by myself, but again with many North West companies and individuals with creativity, innovation and determination to succeed.

Then, back at the College, a “round table” event hosted by the Lancashire Business Review and chaired by Ben Briggs, looking at how the North West Development Agency’s £10m Lead programme has helped local entrepreneurs learn, grow and stimulate each other, employ more folk and increase profitability.

All these people are pulling together.

Looks like we can start from here and tomorrow may be better!