"I've done various jobs, each giving me skills necessary to running a business. I started off working as a joiner which gave me valuable practical experience and since then have had several management jobs, which  included estimating, buying and managing teams of staff.

I bought the franchise because, although I found the jobs very challenging, I thought the idea of running a business would be much more rewarding, I like the idea of looking at myself in the mirror and knowing I am the one who can make or break it.

I was attracted to this particular franchise when I originally looked at the Disaster Restoration side of ServiceMaster but found that Furniture Medic fitted with all the experience I have. It's also very satisfying to have a business with results you can see and a craft that you can develop.

I enjoy the variety - everyday is different and the customers and furniture you work with vary as well. There is enough backup from ServiceMaster to feel supported but enough scope to develop your own work customer base as well.

Working for yourself is never easy; no one should go into it expecting it will not be as hard as working for someone else - it is. However you have your  success in your hands and you can mould and shape it in to what you want it to be.

You have to be a great ball juggler but by doing that you develop lots of skills you may not develop in the workplace.

ServiceMaster provides a lot of support, from the constant programme of technical training to the comprehensive support site with everything from employment law to restoration guides. They also ensure that all the quality and legal angles are covered. It can be quite daunting in today's blame culture to run your own business. ServiceMaster will make sure all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed.

I run the business with my partner who is basically responsible for the financial side but she also gets involved with the business development. We employ 2 full time staff; one to run the office and a full time technician.

I would certainly never return to employment."