IN these hard economic times all kinds of companies, large and small, are struggling to survive.

Businesses which a couple of years ago would have been thought of as rock solid and almost certain to provide a lifetime career opportunity, like banks and other giants of the financial services industry, are now reporting losses running into mililions of pounds.

In many areas of business the only thing that now seems certain is that nothing is certain.

But before we become too enveloped in gloom it is important to remember even today that it is still possible to build a business and experience success. Look at Simon Brooke and his Nelson-based Happy Sweet Shop.

Since opening last year at Lomeshaye Business Park the firm has rapidly expanded and already has online customers as far away as Australia flocking to buy all kinds of “traditional confectionery” like boiled sweets, sherbet and coconut mushrooms.

In this country the counters of local stores, cinemas and other retail outlets are also proving to be a lucrative market.

The lesson is clear. With a good idea, sound knowledge of what people like, business sense and good marketing it’s still possible to defy the doom and gloom.