A pair of retired grandparents are proving businesses can beat the recession after setting up their own ventures.

Michael Brown, 66, was spurred on to start an organic soap delivery business after running out of his favourite locally-produced brand several months ago.

The former office worker discovered the market trader who had sold him the soap had died, and decided to get in touch with his daughter to carry on her father’s work.

Mr Brown now sells baby soaps, dog shampoos and a host of other products at covered markets in Kenley, New Addington and across south London.

He said: “I’m not making millions but I’m getting around and the soaps are getting around.

“My advice to the kids today is to get off your bums and make a start.

“We are in a recession, this is the best time to open up a business - you can start off small and never give up."

His wife Vanessa has also struck out on her own since retiring a month ago, by using her talent for painting to produce portraits, landscapes and caricatures to order.

She said: “I think it’s important to find your talent and use it.

“There’s not a lot of money out there but most people have got some sort of talent and you can develop it and have fun.”

Mrs Brown said the couple, who live in Arnhem Drive in New Addington, have created a winning team by working together.

She said: “He’s the one who gets out there and talks about it all the time, and I do the advertising and paperwork.

“We work really well as a team.”