Prostrations to the Gods of the Market Place

A short stroll from my office, from which we engage in highly regulated business, is a market of long standing, where various traders engage in the provision of a variety of goods and services. If I need a haircut, I can see one barber who charges £19 for a standard cut. Just round the corner, under the railway arches, is one who charges £26. I must say I usually go to the first; I would go to the second if the wait appeared shorter and I had time issues, or if I perceived that their ability to produce a satisfactory tonsorial effect was more reliable. At the same market, there are a number of very high quality meat stalls where you can take a view on how much you want to pay for your sirloin steak. The price is displayed; the decision is made based on variable factors such as length of queue, visual impression and