Launching a building company in the heart of a recession was a challenge and John has met cashflow issues by sub-contracting Premier Construction to the leading fitted wardrobe company Sliderobes.

“It means the ideas I have are taking longer to develop but slowly we are buying tools and machinery to be able to advertise our products and get recognised for them,” he added.

“I believe in taking things slowly and creating a good foundation so that you can build to any height.”

The business has moved into premises where there is room to develop a café this spring, which John’s wife will run, together with a showroom and workshop.

After overcoming some financially-challenging times, John said: “I'm now heading towards a prosperous future for my family. I have good morals and I'm offering jobs and training for local people.

“It’s not easy but it is rewarding. I’m now seeing major progress and 2012 will be a big year for me and Premier Construction.”

The Gazette’s If We Can You Can Challenge, run by The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, is open for entries until Wednesday, March 21. Entries must be submitted online at ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/challenge.

A unique prize to help them on their journey awaits the winner, with the Forum and its partners Eversheds, PwC and Yorkshire Bank offering a bespoke package of support and on-going advice.

Following a public on-line vote, the winner of the IWCYC Challenge will be announced at an awards dinner following The Entrepreneurs’ Forum annual business conference at the Hilton Hotel, Gateshead, on Thursday, May 17.