Just a fifteen minute drive from Caterham, in between Merstham and Redhill just off the A23, is a development called the 'Holmethorpe Industrial Estate'. The estate is home to many excellent retail and manufacturing outlets as well as services such as car repair and courier companies. Steve and Sharon Cooper of Cotto Tiles haven't looked back since relocating to Holmethorpe from Woldingham five years ago. "We were in a rural setting in Woldingham, flanked by cows and horses. so it is much better for us to be here alongside a bathroom shop and a kitchen shop!" said Steve.

Bob Richards of Loxwood Fireplaces also finds the estate well-suited to his business. "Being located away from the town centre and the high street means that although we have fewer people walking through the door, we know that visitors to our showroom have usually looked us up on the internet before they come, and we can give them plenty of attention. The units on the estate are nice and spacious, so we have plenty of room to showoff our fires and surrounds, and there is also free parking for our customers." Close by to Cotto Tiles and Loxwood Fireplaces, in Ormside Way are two other spacious showrooms - Ashbee & Wood kitchens and Lewis Charles bathrooms. But there is much more to discover across the whole estate as Brian Mayell of Cartec car repairs points out: "People don't realise how big the estate is when they get here and they are amazed at how many different kinds of businesses are here. This is an ideal location for us because there are lots of parts suppliers on the estate."

The Holmethorpe Industrial Estate is easy to spot from the A23 - just look out for the big Space Maker building by the traffic lights before Gatton Corner. Remember to check opening times with retailers before setting off.