When an opportunity knocked for 26-year-old Lewis Blanchard, it was the perfect fit.
He was approached about taking on Humber Carpets, Flooring and Beds, and its shop on King Street in Barton.
Lewis, who had built a first class reputation as a self-employed flooring fitter, had no hesitation.
“You can't have any regrets and I thought, why not?” he said.
Advice was sought from RNS partner Robert Smith, his limited company's trusted accountant, and, since tweaking the name and establishing Humber Carpets and Flooring Ltd last April, Lewis has not looked back.
“It's been an interesting learning experience but enjoyable,” he said.
“Being responsible for the business is more intense than I was used to as a self-employed fitter.
“Now I employ a person in the shop, engage a self employed fitter two days of the week because it's too busy for just me, and my dad, Rick, is also self employed, helping out three days of the week in the shop and measuring jobs.”
He thanked Robert and the RNS team for their advice and support.
“They've been brilliant, whether it be payroll, help with VAT or company accounts and planning.
“I'm busy running the business and I just appreciate them supporting me on the financial side so I don't have to worry about it.
“Nothing gets submitted without them running it past you.
“Ever since I've known Rob from being self employed, I've always been well looked after and respected.”
Lewis' specialism is luxury vinyl tiles but the firm also supplies and fits carpets and other floor coverings for domestic and commercial customers.
“As soon as I left school I went into floor and carpet fitting and so will have been doing it 10 years in June. My dad used to fit flooring and it's something I've always known.
“It's the job satisfaction I most enjoy. From the survey to the job complete is a transformation. A good floor can make up for average work elsewhere.
“We're the last trade in and tie everything together. With LVTs it is all about the preparation and getting it as smooth as it can be.
“I've been lucky with the people I work with. Fitter Christopher Brumby has the same mentally as me – you only leave a customer when it's the standard you would expect in your own home or premises.”
He is also pleased with the shop's location.
“Barton still has a busy high street. Shops are doing well and it's great to be part of it. We've modernised with new signage and it's going well.
“Word of mouth is so important in a community like this. I want to grow our reputation for quality and let's see what we can do.
“I'm at the right age to give it a real go and am determined I'm not one of those people who wish they had done something when they were younger.”
Robert wished Lewis well with his venture.
“He has the right attitude and the business is going great guns,” he said. “From our perspective, it's terrific to support a young entrepreneur who's taking his first steps in business and is a high street retail success story.
“We keep the business on track with essential compliance and he does the graft and showpieces his quality work on social media. It's a perfect combination.”
Contact Lewis via Facebook or call (01652) 634272.