A PENARTH dad has made it through to the last 30 in a national business award for people who overcame barriers to succeed.
Father-of-two, Graham Smith, started his Phoenix Snooker Services off Palmerston Road, Barry, less than a year ago.
He was given support from the Enterprise Rehearsal Scheme, run by the Wales Co-operative, and the local Enterprise Agency, Business in Focus, who provide financial assistance and ongoing practical advice, and he opened the business in November last year.
The 45-year-old from Windsor Road, said: "My son is very keen to join the business when he leaves school.
Josh is 15, and wants to follow in my footsteps. Eventually, I want to expand the business and employ more people."
He followed the family tradition when he left school at 15 to start an apprenticeship with E J Riley, the snooker table manufacturers. He spent ten years with them, and another ten working on the professional circuit and travelling world-wide.
His father contracted cancer, so he gave up work to look after his children and parents.
Graham plans to be in a position to employ and train others, including his son, in a trade that has given him the chance to rebuild his life, while caring for his family.
The Trading Places Awards were launched last month by the Department for Work and Pensions New Deal programme, along with Business Link and The Prince's Trust.
He said: "I love my profession, because I can see the enjoyment people get out of one of the tables I renovate. A lot of people are building extensions specifically for tables to be housed."
Graham has been to tournaments all around the world and has a very good reputation.
He said: "I have been getting a lot of business from customers who had recommendations from referees or other people on the snooker tournament circuit."
Graham's business will now go before the judging panel, who will select 12 national finalists, all of whom will receive £1,000 for their business.
