DESPITE economic woes continuing to plague the high street and shoppers worrying over spare cash, a rural business centre is bucking the trend.

Figures just released from Backridge Farm, Twitter Lane, Waddington, have revealed that on-site retailers have seen a business boom over the last 12 months.

Candle manufacturer Melt and P and J Palmer Hair Salon have seen an increase in turnover of 30per cent compared to last year, while Wish Gifts has seen a 12per cent increase.

Backridge Farm owner Richard Drinkall, owner of in said: “It’s fantastic that businesses here are doing so well and shows that the unique shopping experience we offer here is successfully competing against the high street.”

With a total of 23 businesses operating from the farm it has come a long way from its origins as a dairy farm which Mr Drinkall chose to convert for firms to use.

Cheryl Hook, director of Melt, said: “Retail is going through a tricky time, but there is still the opportunity for businesses to press on, evolve and do well.You have to innovate by selling more unusual products”

Siobhan Howell, the director of Wish Gifts, puts her success down to increasing ranges and offering products that are not sold elsewhere locally.

She said: “We have extended our toys and gifts to appeal to older children, so customers can shop with us as their children grow.”

Paul Palmer, of P&J Palmer Hair Salon, said: “New and innovative experiences such as the introduction of our own branded hair care range has contributed to our success this year.”