In his previous job as a vehicle technician and training manager for Honda he spent a lot of time working away. He felt he was missing out on family life and that he needed to address his work/life balance.

Having decided to work for himself, Mr McLaren took a closer look at ChipsAway, a provider of SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) repairs and other operators in the same market.

He said: “ChipsAway offered a great franchise package, an excellent programme of training and support, and a respected reputation in the industry.”

The weekend of his business launch saw him write estimates for work worth £9,000 and take firm bookings worth £5,000. Since then new business has continued to flow in.

He said: “I enjoy a superb lifestyle now; I can collect the children from school and still get a full day’s work done, and I’ve managed to maintain the same income levels as before.”

Information: www.chipsaway.co.uk