A FATHER-OF-TWO who lost his hearing as a child is determined that his disability shouldn't prove a barrier to running a business.

So Mr Mark Thompson has decided to launch his own company and is believed to be the only deaf plumber in Greater Manchester.

Although he may have to fall back on the services of an interpreter for communication purposes, Mark is confident that his deafness will not hinder the progress of his newly-launched firm.

The 44-year-old has just established Gazgo Plumbing, Heating and Maintenance and has taken delivery of a new van emblazoned with the company name. City and Guilds-qualified, Mark is putting his years of expertise and experience in these trades to good use by deciding to "go it alone" in the world of business.

Running a business for anyone can be daunting and Mark accepts that his disability is an obstacle which he is determined to overcome to achieve success.

Mark, of Fernview Drive, Holcombe, explained: "I lost my hearing at the age of just three months when I contracted meningitis. But ten years ago, I was able to get a cochlear implant which has really benefited me."

The implant, which can bring a sense of sound to the profoundly deaf, is a sophisticated electronic device. It comprises an external element which sits behind the ear and a second portion that is surgically placed under the skin.

The cochlear implant embraces a microphone, speech processor, transmitter and receiver/stimulator.

Mark admits that the implant has made a huge difference. Although the equipment does not restore hearing, it can improve sound and allow the user to understand speech.

"My speech and hearing has improved dramatically. I can't believe just how good it is," he says. "To be honest, I couldn't have gone ahead and launched my own business without this implant. That's just how important it is to me."

Mark, who is City and Guilds qualified, added: "Previously, I had worked for a firm in the Salford area for 15 years. But unfortunately, I was made redundant and that came as quite a blow.

"Now, I've used some of my redundancy money to establish Gazgo.

"One of my best friends, who has his own business, urged and encouraged me to set up on my own. There are so many advantages and benefits involved in working for myself."