CINDERFORD businessman Paul Smith is a shining example of how good practice and hard work can pay off.
In just 14 months he has built up a thriving cleaning company and as a reward for his efforts he has been named Gloucestershire's young entrepreneur of the year. He has picked up a £700 prize and is now bidding for a regional title.
Paul, 30, quit a factory job to set up 'Reflections', a window cleaning business.
And he decided to start as he meant to go on.
He explained: "I've got a wife and four children so whatever I did needed to make money, and fast. But I also wanted to build up a real business to be proud of."
Now, 14 months down the line, he has a clutch of contracts all over the Forest and he has two employees and a pair of very smart vans.
Paul received advice from Business Link and they were so impressed with his commitment and attitude they suggested he should enter the Shell Livewire competition open to young entrepreneurs aiming to start and grow their own businesses.
Business adviser Paul Bevan said: "Paul has worked incredibly hard and deserves his current success and more. He is very businesslike in his attitude and is obviously in this for the long term. His vehicles are smart and he and his staff all wear uniforms and the whole operation is very professional."
Having sailed through the first heats he is now looking forward to the regional heats to be held in Bristol next month.
Paul said: "I bet they haven't had a window cleaner before. But I'm as keen as the next entrepreneur to grow my business and whether I'm up a ladder or in my office I make sure my customers are treated efficiently and regularly by me and my team."