Redundancy was the chance to start a new chapter for former IT worker Derek Evans.
The 67-year-old grandfather-of-three was made redundant from his role with an IT and communications company at the beginning of 2012.
He used it as a spring-board to launch his own franchise with Voucher Packs.
Derek, who runs Voucher Packs Preston, said: “I chose Voucher Packs because it was familiar territory in terms of dealing with the public and dealing with other businesses.
“You’re more in control with your own destiny with your own business.
“The return you get is directly equivalent to the amount of effort you put in.