I'd previously tried to get into the appliance testing industry off my own bat, but found a lot of potential customers were put off by dealing with a solo operator. I saw becoming a franchisee of a network as a good way to go forward, and became one of Calbarrie's early franchisees in 2001.

During my first year most of the testing was done by myself, and I was pleased with the results. Early on I won a contract with Kent Fire Brigade, and also won new business with the MOD. As I gained more contracts I took on a part-time engineer and, after a set back when I suffered sciatica, in the last two years the business has gone from strength to strength.

As the business has expanded my role has changed to focus on visiting clients, managing staff, and developing the business. I have four full-time plus two part-time engineers, and by May next year I will need 10 engineers to serve the contracts I've got signed up, such as one with Dartford Borough Council to service its fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and fire alarms.

My territory originally covered a portion of Kent, then four years ago I invested in the rest of Kent plus East Sussex. I've since reshuffled to include the SO and DA postcodes plus Croyden, while releasing part of West Sussex. At the moment we're turning over £250,000. Next year's turnover will be £450,000 as it is at the moment, not including new contracts we will win. I would like it to be £600,000 by the end of next year.

Once you get to a certain size, it's much easier to develop the business. For instance, in March I employed a salesperson who has so far won £120,000 worth of additional business. I'm also working with head office looking at new ways of running the whole concept, such as by using paperless testing and allowing engineers to download their results to speed up the service.

Calbarrie is very realistic in terms of what you can and can't achieve, and gives a lot of support when it comes to winning big contracts. Our client list includes a lot of blue chip companies, which instills confidence in potential new clients. It's given me the confidence to go out and get large contracts myself.

I have been named Calbarrie's 'Franchisee of the Year' based on improvement, turnover and enthusiasm. I always put 110 per cent into what I do, and am now going for ISO 9001 accreditation for my business. I would like to keep the business building, and eventually hand it over to my children.