It appears, from its first financial results since under-performing Safeway came on-board, that some of the scare stories that have reverberated around the industry about Morrisons’ ability to cope with the additional strain were over-egged.

Thank goodness for that. The last thing we need as an industry is another of our major customers being castigated continually in the national media for apparent failure.

In all fairness, based on my recent experience, suppliers to Morrisons have never said anything other than they feel the chain will succeed. While the outside world looked for chinks in the armour, suppliers have generally reported a solid increase in volumes and an entirely fair and above board attitude from Morrisons itself.

That too is a blessing in these times when supermarket supplier after supermarket supplier worries openly about tight margins and the next month’s cash flow.

Morrisons has evidently been hamstrung by some of the internal deficiencies left to it by the outgoing Safeway board. But in just six months, the group has overcome enough teething problems to impress the City and bring back the feelgood factor it had left behind the day it finally signed on the dotted line.

The land and property elements of the overall deal should not be under-estimated. Another 114 stores lighter after this week, the Morrisons store portfolio is looking more manageable with every month. Its initial investment is being recouped, its products are proving popular. Watch out high street.