A York man who used his redundancy payment to start a new business and a new life has had his achievements recognised with a national award.

Mark Thompson, one of hundreds to lose their jobs when the Terry’s factory closed in York, has been named Franchisee Of The Year.

He bought a franchise in Chemex International, the Europe-wide supplier of cleaning and hygiene products, and has never looked back.

From its base in James Street, York, his business, which serves a large part of North Yorkshire, has more than doubled its turnover since 2005 and he is forecasting sales of more than £200,000 this year.

Recently, he was voted the Chemex Franchisee Of The Quarter for his supply of a wide and growing number of businesses across the county, including local authorities, care homes, hotels and restaurants and schools and colleges.

The Chemex International Awards were held at a ceremony in a hotel in Dudley, in the West Midlands.

“I was absolutely stunned when they read my name out. It is such an honour to win this in the face of stiff competition from my colleagues across the UK and Europe,” said 43-year-old Mark, of Beckfield Lane, York, who beat off 70 rivals for the accolade.

Chemex managing director Melvin Lusty said: “Mark has showed great skill and determination to build up a successful business in a relatively short period of time. Even in such difficult economic times, he is still increasing his business by ten per cent a year.

“Mark found himself in difficult circumstances four years ago but he is a wonderful example of what can be achieved with a ‘can-do’ attitude and the support and guidance from a franchisor like Chemex.”

Chemex Yorkshire can be phoned on 07710 281197.