TWO young entrepreneurs are reflecting on success after launching their own business to supply motorists with replacement wing mirrors.

And Philip Seaton (25), and 30-year-old Steven Speed, who run their online company from Moyse Avenue in Bury, have benefited from backing from the Bolton Business Support Unit. The Bolton Council regeneration advice service received funding from regional organisation Chamberlink in March to expand its services to Bury.

And Wing Mirror Man, which was established two months before, became an early beneficiary. Now, according to Philip, the phones have not stopped ringing since.

He realised there ws a gap in the market as there was no cheap way for people to buy replacement wing mirrors. He explained: "Car main dealers treated such products as an opportunity to make money and charge high prices. If the vehicle concerned is relatively rare, like a Citroen Synergy, Saab 95 or Skoda Octavia, then getting one at a reasonable price was impossible."

With the help of friend Steven, who soon became his business partner, they searched the internet and found three or four suppliers who could supply more than 1,000 different wing mirrors.

Steven said: "Within a week we knew there was a business opportunity. I went about finding a web designer, while Philip sorted out the supplier contracts. We went live within two weeks and, since January, the phone has hardly stopped ringing.

"We are often asked for the wing mirror to be painted and we outsource this to a local paint shop. It would be nice to do this in-house especially as the equipment is fairly straightforward. This is an investment we intend to make very soon."

The Bolton Business Support Unit has provided advice on all aspects of running and developing the business.

Philip said: "With the unit helping us, the future looks bright."