The weekend is almost here; two days of peace, quiet and of course rain. So nothing new there but we do have some more good business stories to tell. It will interest you if you're a tradesperson or DIY enthusiast. If you're not, I'll be honest and tell you to stop reading now.

SMC Operations is perhaps best known as a ready mixed concrete supplier in Shrewsbury. From their Shawbury base, SMC's recognisable blue and yellow concrete trucks are zipping along with small loads for local people doing a bit of DIY. But they are now expanding and diversifying to offer Easyflow Screed, a revolutionary floor screed. Perfect for underfloor heating, it's affordable, self levelling and quick drying. Click here to find out more.

Speaking of trades, we've also got LG Blower Specialist Bricklayer Ltd coming onboard soon.

Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors is another Shrewsbury business with something positive to shout about. They have just expanded its Employment Department with the welcome addition of Jenny Gibson, who joined the firm as a solicitor at the beginning of the year.

Jenny, who was previously with niche employment specialists PJH Law, says, "I am delighted to be back working in the West Midlands and to have joined John Merry's team. I am now looking forward to getting to know the local business community and to spread the word to businesses in Shropshire that they have leading legal expertise on their doorstep."

John Merry and team - which also comprises solicitor Kate Attwood and partner David Battisby - provide expert advice for employers and employees. Specialist health and safety advice is also provided by partner Jo Griffiths.

And now for market news....

Shrewsbury's Sunday Market based at Harlescott Park & Ride will see a change of management on February 1st. Following a tendering process, Town & Country Markets were chosen by SABC to run the Sunday Market for the next three years.

Town & Country Markets hope to bring in more traders and boost business at the Sunday Market and are relishing the challenge. They already operate the successful Wellington Market as well as other retail markets throughout the UK. Ray Gall, Operations Director for Town & Country Markets, said, "We are delighted to be given the opportunity to manage Shrewsbury Sunday Market. There are some great traders on the site selling some fine products every week. When you combine the quality and value they provide, together with our professional marketing strategy, I am confident that this market can provide a great day's shopping for all the family."

The popular Sunday Market has been running since April 1995 and was originally managed by the Borough Council. Councillor Tudor Bebb, Portfolio Holder for Markets for the Borough Council, said, "I would like to welcome Town and Country Markets to Shrewsbury and feel that with their experience they will be able to bring their expertise to Shrewsbury Sunday Market..... We wish them every success in their new partnership with the Borough Council."

For further information please contact Jean Wigley, Asset & Markets Officer, on 01743 281120 or jean.wigley@shrewsbury.gov.uk.