The business: Eurolink estate agent, 9 London Road, Reading.

The boss: Surjit Jutla, 47.

What's your business about? "We deal with all aspects of property lettings, selling and management."

Do you have any employees? "We have five employees and we also use contractors for various things like renovating and other building-related issues."

How did you start? "We started over a decade ago now with a handful of properties to let and manage.

"It progressed from there and then we became affiliated to the National Association of Estate Agents and the business built up over the years.

"Like any other business, it was very hard and still is now - running a medium-sized business is never easy, as opposed to corporate businesses because they have much more support.

"It's stimulating but hard. We have to cope with changing legislation all the time but we have got very good staff and I love every moment of it.

"My background is in engineering.

"I worked for different companies for 14 years but then I got a little bit bored and I wanted to get into property."

What do you like about being your own boss? "The independence, making your own decisions and seizing opportunities."

Do you think the Government and local authority do enough for businesses? "Let's put it this way: they could do a lot more if they consulted with us and organisations like the chamber of commerce or Business Link.

"It's not that they have bad intentions but for some reasons they do not take time to consult and hear it from the horse's mouth.

"I'm a member of the chamber of commerce and Business Link and they help address issues with small businesses.

"No serious business can afford not to be a member of the chamber of commerce because you get the benefit of talking to other like-minded people.

"They may be running different businesses but, at the end of the day, business is business and it gives you a sense of community.

"My message to small and medium-sized businesses which are not yet members of the chamber of commerce is: ‘Just go there and you will realise the wealth of knowledge they have got and the number of issues they can assist you with'."

What's your view on the economy? "The economy at the moment in Reading and the Thames Valley is

very good and there's a feel-good factor around.

"Recently, there's been a concern with people buying property to let but as far as the economy is concerned we are very confident about the future."

How is the future looking for your business? "The future is very good but at the same we are all facing a lot of challenges like competition, changes in legislation or local issues like parking and transport.

"As we are near the town centre, the big thing that has affected us recently is parking restrictions."

What would be the biggest threat to your business? "The biggest threat is going to be when changes are imposed by the Government or local authority without any consultation."

What is the key to your success? "Dedication, hard work, your staff - they are the biggest assets that you have - and knowledge and experience."