It  didn't surprise me in the slightest that Screwfix - according to its latest figures - is continuing on its upward spiral, for if the staff of the Epsom branch are anything to go by, the company treats its customers very well indeed. I'm not a tradesperson and clearly won't be spending a fortune at the store, but every time I venture in there I'm treated as if I'm the most important customer to ever have walked through the doors.

Warwickshire based home décor firm, UK Oak Doors, has this week spoken out in response to the fears that many companies today share - that of buckling to the pressures of the longest recession for more than 50 years.

"Every time I read the news it feels like another household name is entering into administration; yet despite so many companies crumbling to the pressures of the recession, some businesses are absolutely thriving and I wanted to find out why," said Managing Director Nick Lines.

Nick looked at two of the most successful businesses today, John Lewis and sister company Waitrose. Neither brand is known for its recession-beating prices - so why do they appear immune to its effects? Nick believes that the answer had to lie with their attitude to customers and although they're not stores I can afford to frequent, I couldn't agree more with his sentiment.

Where will I always go first when I'm in need of some DIY products? My local Screwfix.

But it doesn't stop there. I've found myself recommending the place to friends and neighbours and I feel sure that they in turn will recommend it to others. It's not rocket science, is it? And it doesn't cost anything either, so there's no excuse, is there, not to make each and every customer feel special?

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Yours,

Jan Hobbs