It may be doom and gloom for the banks – but the credit crunch has brought good fortune to some businesses.

Cash converter firms and charity shops in Kent are experiencing a sales boost as more cash-strapped customers struggle to save the pennies.

Both the Maidstone and Chatham branches of Cash Converters said its pawn broker and buy back service had increased significantly in recent weeks.

Maidstone branch manager Vanessa said: “It’s been very busy lately, with a lot of new customers and regulars coming in more often.

“And there’s a lot more selling than buying back.

“It’s bound to be the credit crunch affecting people.”

Barry, at the Chatham branch, said their clientele had changed as well: “It has been busy lately, and I believe it’s because of the credit crunch.

“Not many people talk about why they are there, because it's mostly a private process. But we have seen more people of a ‘better class’ coming in as well.”

Charity shops are also faring better, as more people from all walks of life hunt for bargains.

"We're doing really well because of the credit crunch,” said Jonathan Hunt, manager of Cancer Research, Ramsgate.

“Particularly because we're a discount charity store where everything's a pound.

“There was a bit of snob thing with some people who'd never come in, but now they're trying it because of the credit crunch. It's across the board now, class wise."

However, some discount stores are still suffering.

Poundstretcher in Tonbridge said customer numbers had increased but fewer people were actually buying; trade was down around 75 per cent compared to this time last year.

Donations to charity shops have also taken a tumble recently.