|

Bill Tierney swapped his factory overalls for a smart chauffeur's uniform when he set up his stretch limousine hire business. He spent more than 20 years at a powder coatings plant in Reddish, Stockport, before leaving last month to concentrate full-time on his new enterprise. The 51-year-old and his wife Denise, who live at Charlesworth, Glossop, have invested £45,000 in their venture, Top Class Limo. They bought a white, eight-seater Lincoln Town Car equipped with a bar, mirrored ceilings, DVD screens, compact disc player and flashing lights. At first, Bill ran the operation part-time, but it has taken off and he is hoping to acquire a second car and employ a driver within a year. Bill said: "It all started about six months ago when a friend's daughter couldn't find a limo for love nor money to get to her school proms. "We thought there must be a gap in the market. I carried on my job for a while, but it has taken off and I'm doing this full-time. I do the valeting and driving, while Denise takes care of the bookings. "We do surprise pick-ups at the airport, weddings, trips to the races, concerts, nights out and school proms. We have even had a booking for an eight-year-old's party - his parents hired the limo to take his pals to the bowling alley" Denise said: "Bill holds the door open for the customers and it makes them feel really special. There is a bottle of bubbly waiting inside for the adults - soft drinks for the children." Author:Kevin Feddy
|