Bexhill businesses weathering the storm

And apparently it's a basic principle of providing a good, friendly service which ensures the customers will keep returning.

Husband and wife team John and Veronica Slater of Back to Basics have been providing professional massage and sports therapy treatments at their Endwell Road premises for the past ten years.

John said: "We offer a rare combination of incredible customer service with a pleasant and friendly atmosphere."

Treating muscular related problems including stress and sports injuries through massage therapy, John said the treatments they provide are exceptional value for money and they endeavour to help people with busy schedules by offering early morning, late evening and Saturday morning appointments; they also provide home visits within the Bexhill town area.

American John trained in California whilst Veronica trained at Hastings college and since they set up their practise in Bexhill, it has gone from strength to strength.

Twice winners of Bexhill Achievers Awards, Veronica said John has helped many people since he arrived from America in 1999.

She said: "John's clinical expertise and ability is strong: however I believe his greatest asset is one of caring and concern. His concern for people, desire to help them and extreme compassion for his fellow-man brings together a uniqueness that is so needed in the health professions."

She added: "He is always ready to brighten someone's day and give120% to help them."

Another business, who will also be celebrating ten years trading in the town in March is MJM hair salon in Western Road.

Proprietor Michele Meyer said they give service with a smile and that despite the current economic climate they are still "quite busy."

She added: "It's always quieter in January but we always try to keep the public happy; giving good service and always smiling!"

One of Michele's clients, Asbasia Atkinson, has been a regular customer at the salon for the past ten years.

She said: "It's nice to come here, the atmosphere is always happy right from when you walk through the door. I'd dread moving away as I've had

Michele to do my hair for so long."

Brenda Evans said she also enjoys having her hair styled at the salon and said: "Everyone is so friendly."

House of Cards director Dionne Bennett said the success of her Devonshire Road business is thanks to the continued support of local residents.

She said: "I've been in business here in Bexhill for eight years and whilst it is hard at the moment one positive thing I can say is that we have a lot of local support and it's one of the reasons why we are still here."

Dionne said that taking care of the needs of the people who support her is a major reason for the shops continued success and by asking, and listening, to customers comments the business has expanded and grown.

She said: "We've evolved over the years to try and be different to other shops. We started off as a card shop and we now sell things we have been asked for."

These include a range of delicious Belgian chocolates, gift ware, lamps and exclusive fashion items.

A customer comment book keeps Dionne and her staff on their toes and she said they always listen to what customers have to say.

She said: "The customer comments book has really helped the business and helps to tell us what the customer wants, they let me know which direction to go in. We're in a difficult market at the moment so it's also important to keep prices competitive."

The book contains much praise for the shop, and include comments such as, 'bright and cheerful', 'wonderful shop '“ can't walk past without coming in', and 'thank you so much for your help'.

Dionne said even though negative comments are rare, even those still help. She said: "We aim to take care of the people who really do support us."