A CITY business is booming and helping others in the process.

Commercial property agent Hart & Co, established last November, specialises in selling small to medium-sized businesses, such as florists, post offices and guest houses.

Partners Ian Hart, 38, and Vicky Furlong, 42, say the business is going from strength-to-strength, partly due to the recession.

Mr Hart said: “We have seen an increase in interest since Christmas, particularly from those who have been made redundant.

“Many have received reasonable-sized redundancy payments and are looking to invest the money and find a new career or livelihood.

“Local people are wanting to buy local businesses.

“It is not just about the money, it is about quality.

“A lot of people are aged 30-plus and they want to be their own boss.”

Ms Furlong, who used to run her own business, said: “Taking over a small business is more likely to be a success than starting from scratch as you don’t have the start-up costs.

“The benefits of buying an established business are plentiful, the company already has a history and an established custom base.

“The site itself is usually set up with all the fixtures and fittings and has links with suppliers.”

The company, based on Nicholas Street Mews, urges people interested in taking over a small business to contact them.

Ian said: “Many people ring up not knowing what direction to head in, just that they want their own business.”