Running a business from home with your other half might sound like some people's idea of a nightmare. CATHERINE BRUCE spoke to one woman who enjoys mixing business with pleasure.

AT THE tender age of 27, Becky Quartermaine has achieved a lot.

She started her business Liquid Images just over two years ago with her partner, Tom Lambert, at her home in Kyme Street, York.

The idea was to sell photographs of York, which promoted the city and moved away from its traditional postcard image.

Since then, the pair have won Shell Livewire's York and North Yorkshire Young Entrepreneur Award 2003, started a prosperous website, which has seen their photographs sold all over the world from Australia to Afghanistan and branched out into greeting cards.

"We wanted to do something a bit artistic and photograph views that haven't been done before. There was a gap in the market," she said.

The couple were both unemployed and risked a lot to start the company. Now Becky handles the business side of Liquid Images while Tom takes the photographs.

So far the greetings card side of the business has been the most successful. Last year, they produced 10,000 cards and sold almost all of them.

Liquid Images also provides hotels and shops with photographs. The firm has just branched out into doing canvas prints and fine art photography.

"I love being self-employed. My philosophy has always been if you don't do it, you'll never know," she said. "We put a lot on the line, a lot of money, time and commitment. But if you have an idea, you have to go for it.

"Life's a big gamble anyway."

Becky first came to York to work for a film production company after studying Spanish and Communications at Huddersfield University. She met Tom on a filming shoot and they became a couple. She says while some people might find it hard to work with their partners, she wouldn't have it any other way.

Now the couple plan to start a family, something Becky feels will be easier because she works at home for herself.

"The business has leaked into every single room in the house but you need to be disciplined," she said. "I can't believe how far we've come but I still feel we are at the beginning."

For more information on Liquid Images, visit its website, www.liquidimages.co.uk

Updated: 10:01 Wednesday, June 16, 2004