I didn’t follow a strong academic path at school, and on the day I left, I happened to see a sign in the window of Killis Kleaners that read, “Trainee Floor Sander Wanted.”

I walked in, met Mr Killi — a respected figure in the Sheffield community — and he gave me an opportunity that would shape my entire career. For that chance, I will always be incredibly grateful.

That was over 25 years ago, and from the very beginning, I developed a genuine passion for the craft. There is something truly rewarding about restoring a tired, worn floor and transforming it into something beautiful. Seeing a customer’s reaction when they walk back in and see the finished result is what has always made this work so fulfilling.

In 2013, I considered starting my own business, but life took a different turn as we welcomed our youngest son. By 2016, I realised I could no longer work for someone else — not because of money, but because my values and standards were different. Too often, the focus was simply on getting the job done quickly, whereas I have always believed in doing things properly, with care and attention to detail.

I wanted to build something different — a company built on quality, honesty, and craftsmanship. With the full support of my wife, we carefully reviewed our finances and took the leap to establish Ecofloor, a business dedicated to delivering high-quality floor restoration the right way.