AFTER pooling their life savings into setting up their own business two former workmates are seeing the gamble start to pay off.

Gavin Shires and Peter Bateman, both 34, have been working in the building materials and supplies business since they were 16.

The two businessmen met when they were taken on by the same firm, but after a lot of talking they decided it was time to go it alone.

The pair opened the doors of their business - PGM Building Supplies, 56 King Street, Millom - on May 5.

They admit it has been a nerve-wracking time, but after working for other people for so many years they knew the time was right.

The pair have been joined by Peter Jamieson, 40, who has been in the trade for 19 years and is now busy taking care of yard and counter sales while Mr Shires’ wife Mandy deals with admin for them.

The three are working out of their offices in the firm’s shop area. There is also an open yard, an inside storage area/shop, as well as insulation kept separately in an upstairs section. They have their own HGV delivery wagon which Mr Shires drives, offering flexible delivery times and next day delivery.

Mr Bateman specialises in counter sales.

Talking about their business, Mr Shires said: “We felt after all the years we had spent building up in-depth knowledge of the trade it was time to do it for ourselves. Peter and I talked about it for some time after seeing an opportunity for business in Millom.

“We guarantee customers a professional and friendly service every time and expert advice if they need help with their building or home improvements.

“We use only the best suppliers so everything we have in the yard is of the highest quality.

“One of our main aims in starting the business is to provide people in this area with top quality gear at really affordable prices. This has meant taking the time to go further afield to ensure we have the best possible suppliers as well as using local firms.

“We are slowly but surely starting to be known and attracting more attention which is good.

“We feel more confident now, but when we first decided to go for it we did lose sleep. Having put our life savings into the business we really want to make it work and are looking to gradually build up and then when the time is right expand.”

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As a new business they are still adding to their stock base but they have a wide array of essentials ready for collection or delivery.

Just some of the stock on offer are bathroom suites, SBS plastics, plumping and drainage fittings, paving, walling, paths and edgings, coatings, sand, cement, plaster, sealers, insulated boarding, all insulation, waterproof products, tiling and timber, including decking and adhesives.

They also stock landscaping supplies including gravel and slate in both bulk and handy bags. The businessmen were keen to stress that they will deal with big orders for tradespeople, as well as help individuals looking to do DIY jobs around their home.

Mr Shires said: “Basically we can cater for everything both inside and out of the home and people can drop into the yard for a chat or give us a ring.

“We will happily cater for everyone including advising on the quantity people will need to complete their job.

“We are open from 7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and then 8am until 1pm on a Saturday.”

For further details people can ring PGM Building Supplies on 01229 772380.