Soldier Becomes Tiles Entrepreneur

The home renovation and improvement industry has seen a sudden spurt in demand for tiles in the past 4-5 years, and the internet has been one of the prime factors that has played a role in this phenomenon, the reason being that when there are so many options to choose from at the click of a button, more and more homeowners are looking to utilise the benefits of tiles in all areas and rooms. Some of the most popular materials for tiles are limestone, marble and travertine. An apt example of how this industry has grown is the true story of a soldier who left the army to become an entrepreneur in this domain.

Andy Whitley was one of the key members of the bomb disposal squad in Bicester, and was entrusted with the duty of ensuring the equipment was in proper shape for the explosives expert to disarm improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In 1996, in the role of staff sergeant, he also operated the robot used to search buildings and areas for bombs in Northern Ireland during a seven month tour. He has also fought in the first Gulf war in Iraq. With more than 20 years of service, Whitley has worked in different parts of the world including Cyprus, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Germany and the Falkland Islands. After leaving the army many years ago, he retrained as a tile and kitchen fitter following many successful attempts at do-it-yourself projects. Ever since he took this step, there has been no turning back for this dynamic individual, as he has continued to surge ahead in an industry that is bound to go only one way up! Last week was even more special for him, as he, along with his wife Nicky, set up Alchester Tiles at Telford Road, Bicester. However, he still talks about his days in the army with fond memories.

In his own words, I always liked a challenge in the Army, and thats how I promote myself.

Its nice to look back on those days and memories, and its my experiences then that allowed me to set this business up because it put me in the right frame of mind and gave me the right attitude.

The Whitley family comprises of Andy, Nicky and their two sons, Daniel, 20, and Scott, 18. Scott intends to join the army just like his father.

This is just one of the many success stories pertaining to the tiles domain, and the demand is bound to increase in the times to come, opening new avenues for more entrepreneurs to rise.

www.BuyTiles.com
Unit 5, Off Littleburn Road
Littleburn Industrial Estate
Langley Moor, Durham, DH7 8JF, UK
Contact No.: 0845 901 3321
Fax: 07006062549
Email: info@buytiles.com
Website: http://www.buytiles.com/

Aaron Ace is a renowned interior designer who has had more than 20 years in the industry. His most prolific achievement has been his bold usage of tiles as an integral part of interior design, and is responsible for bringing about awareness regarding the benefits of using tiles. Know more about Tiles.