AROUND 90 businesspeople took time off from the grind on Wednesday to celebrate the birthday of Scotland's most revered poet, Robert Burns.

The Burns lunch was organised by business support organisation Croydon Business Venture (CBV) and held at Selsdon Park Hotel in Addington Road, Selsdon.

Keeping to the tradition for the poet's celebrations, the meal started with haggis which was piped into the room by George Ferrier of the Glen Duart Pipe Band.

Speaking at the event, CBV chairman David Robinson said that the Queen's Jubilee and the London Olympics opened opportunities for a good year for the UK.

He added that there would also be chances for new and expanding businesses in Croydon with the planned opening later this year of CBV's new business centre as part of Barratt's New South Quarter development off Purley Way, Waddon. The centre will offer increased advice and support services and accommodation for start-up businesses and small firms looking to grow.

Mr Robinson said: "Businesses must take advantage of all the opportunities by being positive."