VISITOR numbers at Middlebrook Retail Park are up - despite warnings of a recession in the UK.

Figures released by park owners The Emerson Group revealed an eight per cent increase in visitors, year-on-year, from 2006 to 2007, and a 5.9 per cent increase to date this year.

A spokesman for the firm said that part of this growth could be attributed to the opening of a number of new stores by big name retailers, including Marks and Spencer in 2006, Nandos in 2007 and Homebase and Next Home in early 2008.

However, the upward trend in visitor numbers at the 634,000 sq ft retail park is not showing any signs of slowing down.

The upbeat news follows a warning from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) that the UK economy was about to tip into a recession.

A quarterly report from BCC shows that rising costs and an ongoing credit crunch have seriously dented business confidence.

The housing market is one of the hardest hit sectors, with mortgage approvals plunging 64 per cent in the last year and major housebuilders shedding thousands of jobs.

Ilona Krohn, principal economic adviser at Greater Manchester Chamber, said: "The biggest area for concern remains inflation. Businesses are increasingly concerned about inflationary pressures. Manufacturers also cite exchange rates as an area of concern, while service providers are more worried about competition."

Middlebrook managers said that they are not feeling any effects of what is perceived as a general retail slowdown in the UK, caused by consumers tightening their belts against recession.

Heather Crank-Ingham, marketing executive for Middlebrook, said: "Despite the difficulties facing consumers in the current economic climate, Middlebrook continues to record strong footfall figures and retailer performance - a testament to the hard work of our retailers."

She added: "The park offers a strong retail mix and free family entertainment activities, so it is more than just a shopping experience, families come here for a day out."

Scan Computers International Limited is thriving from its base at Middlebrook. The firm sells cutting edge PC technology that allows computer owners to upgrade their PCs with new software and hardware, rather than replace the whole machine. It has a 90,000 sq ft site at Middlebrook and has just tripled the size of its retail floor.

Elan Raja, a director of the family firm, said: "Technology is changing so quickly that we wanted to bring all the major manufacturers together under one roof, the new retail area has created eight jobs."

Scan is the third largest "e-tailer" in the UK, with a turnover of £52 million per year and 40 staff. The retail operation at Middlebrook attracts customers from across the country.

Mr Raja added: "The economic squeeze has not really affected our business. I think the items we sell are really a necessity for most people rather than a luxury. People can update and maintain their own PCs, spending a little at a time, rather than buying a new one."

The rise in visitor numbers comes as yet more household names establish a presence in the retail park. Costa Coffee, Phones4U and Greggs are set to join the park later this year and Carphone Warehouse is also planning to open a second store at the site.