BUSINESSES in the north of the county and on the Welsh borders have been shining through the economic gloom with news of their success.

In Kington Tarmac denied rumours its depot in the town was in difficulty and worries over its sponsorship of local sports teams like Luctonians and the county bowls league were also refuted.

Executive director Martin Riley said there were no plans for jobs cuts and that moves to split the UK firm into two separate companies earlier this year would secure it in the long-term and enable a better response to demand when the market recovered.

He said: “The changes taking place will mean that Tarmac will continue to be a strong, responsive company, but essentially it is business as usual for us all. In terms of sponsorship, I'm sure everyone appreciates that the economic climate means we need to be prudent, but we're committed to supporting local community projects where we can."

And in Presteigne good news also arrived for employees of manufacturer Mangar International in the shape of Wales’ Secretary of State Paul Murphy, who dropped in last week to celebrate its continuing success in the face of the current climate.

The firm, which invented the world’s first portable bath lift 25 years ago and has since become a well-known designer of household equipment for disabled and elderly people, was preparing to greet Mr Murphy and Brecon and Radnorshire MP Roger Williams on a visit to look at how Mangar is helping healthcare professionals improve the provision and standard of equipment.

Managing director Andrew Barker said: “Our workforce has increased year on year – we are even recruiting at the moment – and we were recently selected by the Best Companies survey as ‘One to Watch’. These certainly are positive times at Mangar International and we are pleased to be able to share our success story with the Government.”