MOST business people fear deflation as much as inflation, but not husband and wife team George and Karen Clague, of Stamford Bridge.

Their new business, Punctureseal (York) Ltd, means that deflation is an unlikely scenario!

Ex-soldier George, who now works on the ingredients team at Nestl, in York, was one of only 332 reservists called up in the Gulf War.

It was while serving with the No.2 Signals Regiment from York in Ummgasar Port, Iraq, that he decided the would be the master of his own fate from now on - and on his return he bought the franchise.

Now the couple are pitching for the New Business of the Year title in the 2004 Evening Press Business of the Year awards.

As a vehicle mechanic in the army, George, 38, was impressed with the puncture prevention product.

Punctureseal claims not only to prevent punctures, but also to maintain correct tyre pressures, extending tyre life by an average 25 per cent and reducing fuel costs by up to five per cent.

It is a pink viscous liquid containing minute rubber fibres. Once installed it forms a liquid inner tube of two to three millimetres within the tyre. When a puncture occurs, internal pressure forces the rubber fibres into the hole, permanently sealing it - a process which, says Karen, has been tested at 156 mph.

Their demonstration tyre has deliberately received 58 punctures and is still going!

Humberside Police have asked the couple to participate in their "Bike Safe" events - a big endorsement for the product which can be installed at one of three centres - Huntington Service Station, Huby Service Station and H & A Bell in Driffield.

Updated: 08:43 Friday, August 06, 2004