THE wheels of fortune are turning for Rossendale businessman Harry Robson -- but then he has a knack for making his own luck.

When his corporate entertainment business needed some extra roulette wheels for a fun casino, Harry discovered they were both expensive and in short supply. So he took a bold decision to diversify into manufacturing and make the wheels himself.

Harry Robson Entertainment took on the challenge in January when it won a major contract to organise a fun casino for 25 consecutive nights in November and December. Harry was asked to supply 20 gaming tables and needed an additonal ten roulette wheels to top up his existing stocks.

A local cabinet maker insisted the wheels were impossible to make. But after some brainstorming sessions, Harry and his business partner Jason Duckworth set about mnaking the wheels in house.

The design of the wheels is based on a concept drawn up by their colleague Peter Richardson. Although the prototype is barely completed, they have already received their first external order for three wheels to be made for a customer in Ireland.

"We are keeping our manufacturing process a secret," said Jason. "But we have managed to devise a cost-effective method of reproducing the wheels. We have plans to expand this side of the business and also to manufacture other casino games such as the Wheel of Fortune, Blackjack and American Roulette."

The Harry Robson Entertainment business is based in Stacksteads and has been established for 20 years. Harry, 51, started a fun casino business from his garage, the first of its kind n the North West and only the second in the country.

His business now employs six employees and hundreds of casual staff who are taken on for the events they run. Turnover is currently around £300,000 and they are expecting a rise to £450,000 next year.

From Harry's garage, the business moved to a unit in Waterfoot, then to Helmshore and in February this year to the Toll Bar Business Park in Stacksteads.

The company provides a wide range of themed events, including race nights, muder mystery nights, Victorian funfairs and Scalextric racing. Its client portfolio boasts the Bank of England, HSBC, Marconi, Coca Cola, McAlpine, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Euro Disney in Paris.

Last year, entertainment agency Brian Durkin Associates was acquiredbled them to supply a variety of acts and celebrities for events throughout the UK and sometimes into Europe.

Harry Robson Entertainment has been happy to use the specialist advice that is available. The company has used a range of Business Link services since 1994 which has helped its development. In 1999, it received Investors in People accrediation and Harry has also attained NVQ Level 5 in Best Business Practices.

A Business Link mentor has also performed a role as a mentor, ofering guidance and reassurance when big decisions have needed to be reached.

Jason commented: "Our advisor has always oprovided excellent, impartial advice and, in my mind, the personal business advisory service provides us with real value for money."