AS a matter of course, business owners protect themselves against health problems and loss of income.

Drivers protect themselves against breakdown, and home owners protect themselves against intrusion.

It is therefore interesting that with more businesses relying upon PCs for the vast majority of their work that so many are taking so long to protect themselves here, too.

Security and protection are arguably the biggest concerns in our increasing reliance on PCs. Last year, market research company Keynote estimated a £4.86 billion cost in breaches of IT security to the UK Economy with projected increases of 14-15 per cent annually.

For small and medium sized businesses in particular, a lack of time and knowledge can mean work slows down or stops completely. It is downtime they can ill afford.

The IT repair industry does offer many solutions for businesses, with high street retailers providing after sales support. However, this often means long, frustrating phone calls to call centres, and while many retailers offer call out visits for businesses, an average wait of three days is a very long time when their computers are used so frequently.

So cue Chris Halloran of Amberworks (Bolton), who hopes to fill the gap with his local 24 hour PC troubleshooter business.

After been made redundant from a highly paid job as a Financial Director, Chris decided a fresh start was what was needed.

"I was tired of accountancy and wanted a new challenge after years of living in a comfort zone. I saw the opportunity to set up my own business in IT repair and launched in September 2003," he said.

He decided a franchise was the best option and discovered Amberworks, a Manchester-based firm which offers individuals the chance to start their own computer maintenance company.

Soon, Amberworks (Bolton) Ltd was born. Focusing on mainly small and medium sized businesses the company marketed itself on providing the customer with an IT 'one stop shop' which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It's a service that could extend to people working from home, too.

"The angle was to provide something different. Through the franchise, I had the 24-hour back up support of a head office, but retained the freedom and flexibility to operate solely, allowing the service to operate in a fast and personal way."

"Businesses like the fact that they can talk to the same person every time when dealing with a problem. I usually talk to them on the phone but they also have the peace of mind that I can go and see them if necessary."

According to Chris, there are three types of customers who employ his services.

He said: "Firstly, there are growing businesses requiring installation or networking of new systems. Secondly there are those who call us in one off panics when viruses hit or they seem to have lost information."

The final group are those who seek piece of mind by employing Amberworks on a retainer basis which guarantees them round the clock service should anything go wrong.

With a plain English approach and friendly support via the telephone and in person, Chris believes the small monthly fee is excellent value for the reassurance they feel in having someone on call'. He describes the service as "The IT equivalent of the breakdown cover provided by motoring organisations such as the AA"

"I will either visit them personally or the Manchester office provide 24/7 technical support that is available on any problems we may struggle with. We have never left a job unfinished."

Chris admits that he found it a difficult market to break into, and, like many new businesses, struggled in his first year. He said: "The first nine months of trading were awful. I lost thousands, and it left me regretting my investment. In May 2004 my wife and I took the decision to re-mortgage the house and give it a further three months.

"I pounded the streets delivering thousands of leaflets advertising the service. I also telephoned companies but struggled to get past the gatekeeper. At times it was frustrating but then trade started to arrive. The first year ended with a respectable turnover."

A significant turning point for the company came in January 2004 when Chris joined OnTrack, a local networking organisation formed by Bolton Business Support Unit. He was introduced to other people and other networking groups and says he has never looked back since. He is now on course to break the VAT threshold of £58,000 when his second year results come around in August, an achievement he is clearly proud of given the slow start.

"We now have three people part time, available on a 'when required' basis. It's growing steadily."

Chris also recently converted his garage into an office and workshop to provide a better base, and branded his car with the new logo and telephone number. The short term emphasis will be on mobility and keeping overheads to a minimum, but he is excited by the fact that in the near future he may have three to four full time staff including an administrator and other engineers.

So from a flickering flame, Amberworks Bolton has emerged as a business that is now shining brightly. For his part, Chris may burn the midnight oil from time to time - but then he wouldn't have it any other way.