AN INDEPENDENT trader today said he is confident Ipswich can make it through the downturn and prosper. Despite the doom and gloom, Alex Firman of St Nicholas Stores is remaining positive, adapting to keep in touch with his customers' demands.

AN INDEPENDENT trader today said he is confident Ipswich can make it through the downturn and prosper.

Despite the doom and gloom, Alex Firman of St Nicholas Stores is remaining positive, adapting to keep in touch with his customers' demands.

His shop, which opened a year ago as a deli in St Nicholas Street, has grown thanks to the success of the lunchtime rush and loyal customers.

“The lunch side of the business is growing and growing,” he said. “After a year trading, trying to suss out the situation and what the shop was supposed to be we are finding out exactly what our customers want and we are excited about offering them great lunches. It seems to be what people want.

“Sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries, anything people can take away and eat on the go.”

Mr Firman admits he had to change his original view of what his business would be, accepting his shop was too small to house Ipswich's “best deli” instead focusing on what his customers want.

“We are doing what we can and because we are a small business we are quite adaptable and can cope and change to keep giving customers what they want while keeping prices down,” he added.

“When I opened a year ago, I had hoped to be starting to make money by now but it is looking like another year of mediocre profit.

“But we are hopeful we can stick it out.

“I am confident of Ipswich as a community, we have lots of offices in the area and lots of repeat customers, our loyal customer base growing and growing.”