Richard Brooks is a big believer in the power of advertising through the local press.

Mr Brooks laid the foundations of Cowley-based firm Carpets 4 Less just 18 months ago and business has been booming ever since.

And advertising in the Oxford Mail on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday has been a major factor in helping him drum up trade at the growing company which now has four staff, with one just recruited recently.

He explained: “Initially we advertised to get our name out as a new company.

“But now we use a voucher offering readers an extra 10 per cent off and that we can get feedback on how successful the campaign is.

“We have tried every type of media but it is the Oxford Mail that really works for us.”

Carpets 4 Less sells a wide range of carpets and flooring from its base on the Horspath Road Industrial estate and despite the recession is well ahead of its projections for the first 18 months in business.

Mr Brooks added: “Newspaper advertising is helping us build the business faster.

“I would recommend it to anyone setting up in business – it really is good value for money.”