Crossword Genius

Boom and bust leaving business with an austerity champion (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spartan

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'austerity champion' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'boom and bust leaving business with an' is the wordplay.
'boom' becomes 'spar' (I've seen this in another clue).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'bust leaving business' becomes 't' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'spar'+'t'+'an'='SPARTAN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spartan that I've seen before include "Without comforts" , "Indifferent to luxury" , "Austere, lacking comfort" , "austere old Greek" , "Frugal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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