Lancaster business partners who met working in city vape shop open new carpet and flooring business during coronavirus pandemic

Steve, 34, has worked in the flooring industry for 20 years and moved to Lancaster three years ago to live with his partner.

He took on the managerial role at Totally Wicked in New Street, where Max, 27, a former Heysham High School pupil, had been supervisor for six years.

The pair said they found an immediate connection, working well together, a decided to launch the new business venture, despite the challenging trading environment.

Steve said: "It was a dream of ours to be our own bosses and I saw a market for a new carpet shop specialising in families and their wants and needs.

"We saw a market for a new, modern, customer focused flooring shop dealing with families and students. giving good quality flooring at unbeatable prices while maintaining the best possible service."

The company originally started last year, and Steve said once they had built up a reputation, they decided to open the shop in Ullswater Road.

Steve said: "The idea to open the shop was agreed in January before Covid-19.

On March 23 2020 we had to suspend all agreed fittings and measures for our customers.

"As we had built good relationships this was dealt with swiftly and we had a great response from our customers who were more than understanding.

"It has been a real challenge to get this far and just hope that all our hard work pays off."

The company covers Lancaster, Morecambe, Garstang, Kendal, Blackpool and everywhere in between.

They have three staff members as well as self-employed fitters, and hope to open a number of stores with a warehouse to facilitate them all.