Key to a new start

Stephen Duncan was forced into a radical reappraisal of his life last March after spending most of his working life behind an office desk as a marketing professional.

He set up Key Edge (Darwen), Park House, Park Road, a mobile locksmiths business, and is hoping to win the New Business of the Year Award in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Business Awards 2003.

"I had had enough of large businesses and I decided to start my own," said Stephen. "I investigated several franchise options before deciding to train as a locksmith because it is a recession-proof business in a clean trade with good prospects."

He admits it was a bold decision to completely change his life. "I had no previous experience," he added. "It was a big step to take and I only wish I'd taken it years before. I am a good example of what can be achieved when you set your mind to it."

Key Edge provides a 24-hour, fully-mobile locksmith service in the Blackburn and Bolton areas. Stephen's van has a satellite navigation system fitted to ensure a speedy response, carries all main locks as stock and repairs are carried out on customers' premises.

The 2003 Business Awards, run in association with the Learning and Skills Council Lancashire, will come to a glittering finale in February with the presentation ceremony at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel. The competition is also sponsored by PM&M Chartered Accountants, the East Lancashire Partnership, Jobcentre Plus and the University of Central Lancashire.

In addition to the main Company of the Year Award, which has a £2,000 prize, there are seven categories: New Business of the Year, Workforce Development Award, Marketing Award, Innovation and Design Award, Customer Service Award, Ambassadors' Award and Deal of the Year.

Entry forms are available from Business Editor Andrew Calvert, Tel: 01254 678678, or via the Lancashire Evening Telegraph website: www.thisislancashire.co.uk. The deadline for entries is January 31.