As a senior manager at a leading finance company he had fulfilled all his ambitions within his corporate life and was ready to try something different, namely running his own business.

It was the training and support and the business model offered by automotive paintwork repair specialists ChipsAway International that appealed to him.

The company has around 350 franchisees nationwide, operating from fully equipped mobile workshops, providing same day high quality repairs to minor car paintwork damage at a fraction of the price of traditional body shop methods.

Mr Birks said: “Running a business is hard work, but when it is your own business, the effort is definitely worthwhile.”

The franchise also allows him to work more flexibly.

He added: “I have two young sons who I now get to spend more time with, and I have more time to pursue my mountain biking, canoeing and hill walking hobbies. I feel as though I have made the change from having a well-paid existence to having a life.”

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