WHEN redundancy hit workmates Frances Curtis and Glen Storey they were determined to fight back - and now they have done just that by setting up their own business.

WHEN redundancy hit workmates Frances Curtis and Glen Storey they were determined to fight back - and now they have done just that by setting up their own business.

Frances Curtis and Glen Storey were both made redundant when Brantham-based kitchen fitters Transform ceased trading.

Undeterred, and with more than fifty years combined experience in the trade, the pair decided to go it alone.

“I have never done anything else,” said Frances of Ditchingham Grove. “Glen used to fit and I used to sell so I suppose we make a good team.

“It was a real shock and a real shame. The administrators just came in and said that was it. But you've got to be proactive in this day and age. You can't afford not to be.”

Their new company, GPS Interiors, started trading at the beginning of this month.

Offering a complete design and installation package, the pair are already busy keeping up with demand.

“At the moment we're doing very well. We have already completed a couple of jobs. We have a website on the way but recommendation has always been the best form of advertising. We're just looking forward to the future now.”

Meanwhile businesses from across the region are being encouraged to show how they are fighting back by entering the Business in the Community's annual Regional Awards.

The awards are open to businesses operating or based in the East of England who bring responsible business practice into their mainstream operations.

Mike Brophy, Regional Director for Business in the Community in the East of England, said: “In the current economic climate, competition for business is ever more competitive.

“We believe that those companies who have strong responsible business practices are the ones that remain competitive.”