A few weeks ago, The Argus published a "baby biz" feature on my pre-owned video games business, Game Player, in Baker Street, Brighton.

The initial publicity came from my bank, HSBC, after I entered for a business award it runs.

This article, in turn, triggered a letter which was published on your Letters page (February 5), entitled: "Gary isn't really that far ahead of the game" and criticising me for "not being innovative", among other negative comments.

The writer of this was A James Duffy "from Rottingdean", who is actually 19-year-old James Duffy, who works one day a week for Gamestar, in London Road, which just happens to be my nearest competitor.

What makes Game Player special is our commitment to providing first-class customer service normally unusual in a shop supplying used products.

This service includes a free membership scheme providing instant discounts, "cheat advice", free servicing, a "try before you buy" scheme, price matching, next-day return, a swap scheme, a mail-order scheme and eBay shop, to name but a few.

Everything I have learnt from more than 15 years working in retail has gone into the business.

Game Player's reputation is second to none.

It recommends, and is recommended by, many other game shops, including High Street stores - but only those which do not need to resort to dirty tricks and which remain professional in this competitive industry.

To them, I say thank you.

-Gary Noakes, managing director, Game Player Ltd