A FORMER RAF serviceman who took a medical discharge after being injured at work has unlocked a new career for himself.

Mark Maloney left after being involved in a motor accident and had to forge a new life for himself back home at Battle Hill in North Tyneside.

He had served in Germany and Bosnia before moving to RAF Connisby in Lincolnshire where he served as a fireman.

“The nature of my injury was such that I could not move into the civilian fire service, but I was determined to do something myself,” said Mark, who originally served in the Army before moving to the RAF.

“In a way, the forces are your life and adjusting to the world outside can be a difficult transition. I found myself drifting and I wanted to take more control of my life.

“Being my own boss seemed to be the answer but I wanted the backing of a franchise so I would have some security behind me.”

He took a number of jobs, including taxi driving, before retraining as a locksmith and looking at starting a franchise. He saw the Lockrite opportunity advertised and was advised by the company to speak to The Business Factory in North Tyneside for advice on setting up a venture.

The North Tyneside Council-funded body is run by enterprise agency Tedco. It helped him to put together a business plan, set up a simple accounting system and to raise the cash needed to buy into the franchise.

George Wafer, from The Business Factory, said: “Like many ex-forces personnel, Mark found himself at a crossroad.

“He took the right step in finding out what new opportunities are out there and then took action.”