YOUNG businessman and born and bred Brightonian Sam Bishop is celebrating 10 years of success for a company he started when he was just 19.

The anniversary is being marked with the launch of new premises for Bishop’s Property Services on Graham Avenue in Portslade.

There is also a special 10 per cent discount deal to customers in the Greater Brighton area throughout May.

After completing his plumbing apprenticeship at City College Brighton and Hove (now Greater Brighton Metropolitan College) in 2007, Sam made the bold move to start his own plumbing business when he was still a teenager.

The business has gone from strength to strength and he now has a team of more than 20 staff working for him.

In addition to the core plumbing service, his firm now also undertakes a variety of property services, including electrical, building, painting and handymen.

The new premises were required due to the growth of Bishop’s which will now stock its own materials, enabling the company to provide an even more efficient and reliable service for its customers.

He said: “I think the key to our success is that we employ the best people who take pride in their work and have great customer service skills.

“As a proud Brightonian I also wanted to put something back into the community and provide opportunities for the local workforce so supporting apprenticeships has been very important for the business too.”

The opportunities that Sam has consistently provided for young people was acknowledged last year with his former college presenting him with the ‘Golden Alumni’ award for outstanding ex-students during its annual awards ceremony Jayne Boyd, apprenticeships manager at Brighton Metropolitan College, said: “It’s been inspirational to see one of our former apprentices make a big success of running his own business from such a young age.

“I’ve been delighted to see Sam’s business thrive and as well being a fantastic supporter of apprenticeships, I think he’s a great role model for any young person with aspirations to be their own boss and make their mark in the local business community.

“We wish Sam and his team all the best on their 10th anniversary and congratulate them on their impressive new premises.”

Bishop’s Property Services can be contacted on 01273 701237 or alternatively you can email office@bishops-group.com