A TRADER says she is glad to be flying the flag for independent retailers as she celebrated the one year milestone for her fledgling business.

Martina Hunt, owner of artisan High Street grocer Gather and Hunt, told the Marlow Free Press there is still a place for smaller retailers.

She said: "I think independents play a very big part. "The high street has changed, you have to be innovative and modern, moving with the times.

"We are very pleased to be there on the high street, otherwise it'll become very homogeneous."

She said many high streets had begun to look identical.

She said: "I think people are saddened to see the independents leaving, but the only way to keep them is to shop there.

"There's a place on the high street for big brands but there has to be a place for small business otherwise I don't think we'll pull out of this recesion."

She said trade had been in line with expectations when she started out.

She said: "We are very aware of market conditions.

"No matter what is said about London and the South-East people are finding it tough and are conscious of their disposable income."

Asked why her company has been a success so far, she replied: "I suppose we are quite different to any other food offering in the area because you've generally just got supermarkets.

"We've made some fantastic loyal customers and they like the tasting events we regularly hold.

"They become fanatics about certain products and have really supported us.

"I think there's a shift in mindset to supporting smaller British food producers."

There is an online arm to the business as well.