Just a few weeks after securing the support of businesses across Croydon to implement a Business Improvement District Croydon Business' chief executive is standing down.

Angelina Purcell, the founder of the two-year-old organisation, has decided to hand over the reigns in order to devote more time to her family.

The decision has shocked the business community and will now no doubt throw open the question about who could possibly replace Ms Purcell.

She will vacate her position on June 15 but Croydon Business has assured clients that it will continue as usual.

Ms Purcell is said to be upset to be leaving but feels the role requires more time then she is currently able to give.

A spokesman for Croydon Business said: "Angelina has been a great figurehead for Croydon Business and the local business community as a whole and those of you who have had contact with her, probably know that her enthusiasm for the success of local businesses like yours is endless. Over the next three months it will be business as usual at Croydon Business."

Ms Purcell, 45, from Norbury, has been one of Croydon's most vehement supporters and in 2003 she was awarded an MBE for her services to trade and business devlopment.

The spokesman added: "Rest assured that wherever Angelina has been, past, present and future she does literally tell everybody how vibrant and exciting Croydon is."

She will be recruiting her successor herself and is said to be keen to find someone with a passion for the borough.

Under her leadership over the past 22 months, Croydon Business has not only secured the BID but also LEGI funding of £77million and contracts to deliver the Croydon Enterprise scheme across the borough.

Ms Purcell has spent her entire career building business networks in Croydon, she joined Croydon Chamber of Commerce in 2002 as chief executive following a role at Croydon Council as business development officer.

She is also a qualified teacher and business consultant.