Small businesses in Croydon are enjoying a small resurgence, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The FSB conducted a survey over the past 10 months, which showed more than half of respondents were feeling “quite confident” about their business prospects.

Bob van Tussenbroek, owner of shoe shop Bananalana in South Croydon, agreed.

He said: “I definitely think so, there is a little bit of improvement [in sales].

“People seem to be coming back to smaller businesses.

“This whole patch is doing very well, I have just got back from the hairdressers and they seem to be quite busy, so are the florists, there are no shops closing in this area.”

A rising number of small businesses are experiencing an increase in trade, with the latest poll showing 23 per cent of FSB members noticing a rise compared with 16 per cent in February.

The poll showed 60 per cent of small businesses are looking to act on a rise in confidence and are aiming to expand in the next six months, with investment in more staff, new products and marketing.

It is good news for Croydon’s unemployed, and the FSB is urging the Government to ensure small companies are at the forefront of the recovery by supporting apprenticeships, short-time working subsidies and breaks on Income Tax and National Insurance contributions.

Jeremy Frost, Croydon branch chairman of the FSB said: “Small businesses are flexible and innovative in recessions and these figures show that despite the very many negative forces on them, they are being cautiously optimistic and are looking to expand. But we are certainly not out of the woods yet.

“The Government must look to small businesses to build the post-recession economy and help them employ more people and ease the bureaucracy and tax burdens which many still face.”

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