A COUPLE with a burning ambition for their own fireplace showroom have warmed to the task.

Andy and Stephanie Booth had run Booth’s Heating Solutions for the past 13 years but recently had had yearnings for a fresh challenge.

So when Andy’s friend, Chris Carr, who ran Fireside Studio in Tonge Moor Road, indicated he was looking to wind down, their dreams looked to have been answered.

And now after a major renovation project over the past few weeks the Booths, who live in Bromley Cross, are looking forward to taking on their new venture.

Stephanie told The Bolton News: “Andy had always had wanted to own his own fireplace showroom.

“But while Chris was still in business it isn’t something he would ever have done, as he didn’t want to be in competition with his friend.

“The business had been going for 25 years and he had been there for 18 of those.

“When Chris said he was looking to retire though, we talked about it and decided to take the plunge.

“The business was going to close down until we purchased it and we have gone through an extensive refurbishment.

“We have dramatically improved the appearance of the shop and are hoping that it will bring more business to the area rather than being a vacant shop that could have been empty for years.

Chris has also agreed to lend his industry expertise and work for one day a week in the shop, at the corner of Bleak Street, as the couple start out.

Stephanie added: “We are looking to attract business from other areas so we’ve designed the showroom to appeal to a wider audience.”

The pair already have experience of working across a wider Greater Manchester footprint through their central heating and plumbing work, which has earned them a commendation from the The Best of Bolton business awards.