Many traders in Brighton have been tempted to take a leaf out of Eric Danot's book.

After setting down roots in the North Laine more than a decade ago, his bonsai tree shop is one of the area's most established businesses.

But the 52-year-old has been prompted to take extra measures to ensure his business continues to bloom as rents rise and sales are in danger of falling.

After 13 years of opening five days a week, tough times have forced him to extend his hours to seven days a week.

Mr Danot, who owns BonsaiKo in Sydney Street, said: "Many people are suffering and the independent traders get hit hardest. They don't have the resources of bigger companies.

"The North Laine is billed as the hidden jewel of Brighton but it won't be like that for long if rents continue to rise.

"It's in danger of becoming rows of coffee shops and shops selling clubbing clothes."

Although sales over Christmas were up on the previous year, Mr Danot said his financial year ending September 2003 was the worst yet.

Sales were 40 per cent down on his best year of 2000 to 2001.

Mr Danot, a former actor, said he started extending opening hours just before Christmas but would have to continue this year.

He said: "I had to do this to try to bring in more money. People seem to be being more careful with their money, while rents are going up."

Other traders echoed Mr Danot's concerns.

Grenville Nation, who runs furniture shop Ananda in Bond Street, said last year's sales were down on 2002.

He said: "2003 was a tough year. We've been here for 30 years and are fortunate because we have the resources behind us to keep going through difficult times. We'll just have to tighten our belts a bit.

"Sales were down, there weren't as many people in the streets generally, we all agreed on that."

Mr Nation, who imports furniture from South East Asia and Indonesia, said: "Brighton has a lot going for it but there are two main immediate problems - the difficulty of getting in and out by car and the proliferation of catering establishments. The latter is changing the nature of the North Laine.

"Many individual shops are disappearing because rent is too high."

The comments followed a report by the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership and the City Centre Business Forum warning traders to expect a gloomy 2004.

The report from consultancy firm Verdict predicted poor Christmas sales and a depressed 2004 would spell disaster for many independent traders expecting business to improve.

It said trading conditions were the toughest in four decades, with retail growth of just 3.7 per cent in 2003.

Tony Mernagh, of the Economic Partnership, said: "Small independents do not have the capital to weather prolonged periods of economic slowdown and many rely on Christmas to see them through the year."

Meanwhile, some businesses seemed to buck the trend.

Jenny Rowkins, owner of The Lavender Room, which opened in Bond Street in March selling jewellery, underwear, and gifts for women, was pleased with sales.

She said: "This is our first year, so we have nothing to compare it with, but we have a good feeling about sales.

"It depends on the type of business. Anyone selling gifts has fared quite well but clothing sales haven't done as well."

Peter Stocker, chairman of North Laine Traders Association, said: "It's been a difficult year for many.

"People have been more cautious with their money. Brighton is an expensive place to live, there isn't as much disposable income as there was three years ago.

"The big growth in rent doesn't help. The average rent for traders for a five-year contract is going up by 30 per cent."

Traders can get advice on rent reviews at Business Forum session on January 29.

For more information, call 01273 380040.

Thursday January 08, 2004