Tyre Safe York Ltd

The two men have recently launched Tyre Safe York Ltd, a mobile puncture prevention firm.

Together they invested £3,000 in equipment and a van to offer businesses and car owners a chance to reduce carbon emissions and tyre wastage from under-inflated tyres.

They are predicting a first year's turnover of £25,000 as they insert Punctureseal, into tyres to ensure that punctures are fixed as they happen and that constant air pressure is maintained.

Now Craig and Ian are entering their venture in both the New Business Of The Year and the Think Green Business Of The Year categories in The Press Business Awards 2007.

Craig said: "Having done our research over several months, we found many people were driving with under-inflated tyres, which can be dangerous, costly and are also illegal. In an independent test, 90 per cent of vehicles were found to have their tyres wrongly inflated.

"Under-inflated tyres can reduce miles per gallon by 15 per cent and higher carbon emissions are produced. Tyre life is reduced by 30 per cent, therefore more tyres are thrown away and drivers risk up to three points on their driving licence and a £2,500 fine per tyre."

Punctureseal, which consists of a blend of chemicals and includes fibres and polymers, is said to allow tyres to maintain correct air pressure constantly, by sealing any porous leaks and minor rim leaks as well as preventing punctures and blow-outs. It is claimed the sealant can improve tyre life by 30 per cent and fuel economy by up to five per cent, The pair's new website, www.tyresafeyork.co.uk gives more information plus an estimate, depending on tyre size. An average-sized family car costs from £60 for four tyres.