Offering a better service to clients and treating the recession as a challenge has been key to the growth of local business, Brian Gow Roofing Warehouse Ltd. The company has gone from strength to strength since Vince Elgar and Brian Gow opened the business in Salfords in 2001.

In 2008 Vince bought out his partner Brian then opened a second branch in Kenley in June 2009.

Despite the economic downturn, Vince remains very positive, saying: "I have felt the effects of the recession but I believe that in any economic situation there is always a way to make it work for you. I just look at it as a challenge. It is so easy to sit back and say 'the economy is terrible and my figures are going down'. You have to look at ways you can provide a better service".

The company supplies roofing materials to the general public as well as trade, and have doubled their turnover in the last twelve months. Vince cites excellent customer service and the quality of staff as being responsible for the company's success and is looking to expand the business even further.

Vince, who is one of the founder members of the new Whyteleafe Business Association, said: "I am very positive and upbeat about things at the moment. I think that if you are a good, genuine company then hard times can work for you".