A BUSINESS owner has turned his weekend hobby into a new enterprise by opening his own scooter shop.

Martin Stones has had an interest in scooters - particularly classic 1960s Italian models such as Vespas and Lambrettas - for much of his life and has now realised his dream of owning his own scooter shop by opening GB Italia Scooters next door to his existing shop Stones Carpets in Chapel Street, Leigh.

“Scooters have been a passion of mine for a very long time so to be in a position to open a business dedicated to that is fantastic. There are not a lot of shops like ours in the area,” Martin said.

“Being close to other towns including Warrington, Manchester and Liverpool will hopefully bring more people into our town.”

The shop sells new LML Vespas scooters as well as parts and accessories, and also has a workshop for general tune-ups.

NatWest relationship manager Suzanne Unsworth helped Martin secure a £5,000 overdraft to aid with start-up costs.

He added: “We are a very niche shop, and Suzanne and NatWest understand this and have been really helpful in getting things started.”

  • GB Italia Scooters is holding a fundraising opening day on Sunday, March 3, in aid of Leigh-based charity Just BU, which supports adults with learning difficulties.

For more information about the fundraiser visit GB Italia Scooters or call 01942 608438.