BUSINESS is booming for a former fitter who helped set up his own venture thanks to a government initiative.

Geoff Collinson, who is 60 and from Rishton, is one of more than a 100 people in East Lancashire to find work after joining the New Deal 50 plus scheme, designed to get people aged 50 and above off benefits and back into employment.

The voluntary scheme offers a minimum take home income of £170 a week; tax free Employment Credit of £60 for one year; a personal adviser to help search for work and an in-work training grant of up to £650.

Geoff joined the scheme when it was launched in April after seven months claiming benefits. Although he spent most of his working life as a multi-skilled maintenance Geoff had not worked since August 1999 when he was a salesman selling specialist equipment to the electrical trade.

Now he is his own boss after setting up an odd-job an handy man business -- The Small Jobs Company.

With his No Task Too Small logo Geoff has spotted a gap in the market specialising in the jobs that the big boys won't touch.

He receives an extra £60 a week on top of his income from the New Deal scheme plus help to pay for his van.

"New Deal 50 plus has given me a whole new lease of life. Starting my own business seemed like the best way forward when I couldn't find a job and it has paid off," said Geoff. "To people who tell you you're too old, I've proved that you never are."