WITH its green fields and fresh air, Ribchester is an unlikely base for a new internet-based company headquarters.

But, when deciding to move away from London and to turn his passion for cooking into a business venture, Colin Hinkley could think of no better location for silvernutmeg.com.

Just over a year ago, Colin was working in London and only dreaming of the day when he wouldn't have to fight his way onto the Tube.

Neither Colin, nor his Ribble Valley-born wife, Rachel, wanted to raise their two young children in London and both yearned to return to the North West.

Working in London as an IT Consultant, however, Colin tried in vain to find suitable work in the area and began to seriously consider setting up his own business.

"I had talked about it for years," says Colin, now managing director of silvernutmeg.com, "but had never thought of a good enough business idea - until now!"

Both Colin and Rachel are passionate cooks and love using the best and most stylish equipment. They had become increasing frustrated by the fact that they couldn't find anywhere to buy professional quality equipment in one place.

"I had realised that really good professional quality cookware is difficult to find - you can get the odd item from the department store, or from specialist cook shops, but you have to select from amongst thousands of lower quality items", he explained.

Colin realised that other people were as enthusiastic about cooking as he was and that they too would love to cook with the best equipment if they could just find it.

Silvernutmeg.com was launched to retail only the best quality cookware on one site.

All silvernutmeg products are made from high-quality materials - stainless steel, cast iron, chrome and wood - which means that they are not only functional, they look good too.

With offices within the Bee Mill complex in Ribchester, an ideal location due to its size and access to the motorway network, silvernutmeg stocks most products and can usually deliver items direct to the kitchen in less than three working days.

Colin is glad he made the move north. He said: "I used to look out of my office window onto the Hammersmith flyover...now I just step outside and I'm looking across fields of sheep and cows!"