Pictured above: Stuart Woodings, Charlotte Nutting of Linder Myers and Stephen Evans of Pooks

There is further evidence that the economy is picking up as new businesses open and current businesses expand in Shropshire.

One firm of Solicitors in Shrewsbury has seen a significant improvement in new business enquiries and the opening and expansion of existing businesses in Shropshire. Commercial property lawyer, Charlotte Nutting of Linder Myers LLP, has seen a number of her clients commit themselves to new leases of retail units in Shrewsbury and Ludlow and hopes this heralds the return of confidence in the commercial market.

Early in May Charlotte completed a letting agreement on behalf of Stuart Woodings who runs an antique jewellery store, County Goldsmiths, in Shrewsbury. Says Charlotte, "Stuart has an antique jewellery shop in Welshpool and was looking to expand his business into Shrewsbury. He has acquired the lease on premises in Butcher Row and I am sure he will enjoy much success there".

Charlotte also toasted the expansion of another Shropshire business in May, that of Jane Cresswell of The Ludlow Curtain Company who moved to larger premises in Ludlow.

Charlotted added, "It is exciting to be working with vibrant businesses keen to make their mark in undoubtedly tricky trading conditions. This shows that retailers are prepared to commit themselves to a new or a larger venture if they have confidence in their product or business. People are gradually regaining confidence in the economy and we can only hope that such confidence is maintained."

Shrewsbury firm Pooks were the letting agents in respect of both moves.