A MAN made redundant from Nissan has achieved his lifelong dream of becoming an entrepreneur after setting up his own business.

Kevin Cooke took voluntary redundancy from the Japanese car maker’s Sunderland plant earlier this year, when the economic downturn forced the company to make 1,200 job cuts.

Mr Cooke, from Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, spent 12 year at Nissan, starting as an apprentice. Now he has set up Ground Lock Property Maintenance and Locksmith Services.

“I’ve had an interest in locksmithing since I was a child, and during my career at Nissan I began to combine this with some property development in my spare time.

“It became something I began to think I could turn into a business, but because I was working full time this was little more than a dream, until I was offered voluntary redundancy.

“I began my career as an apprentice at Nissan when I was 17 and enjoyed my time there, learning the skills and techniques of successful production, until I took redundancy.

“I always had the ambition to start my own business, but I think Nissan brought about the experience and confidence needed to be pro-active in a working environment.”

Mr Cooke was supported in setting up the business by a start-up assistance package from the North- East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC).

Chris Craig, business advisor at the North-East BIC, said: “Kevin’s story is an inspiring one because it proves that sometimes redundancy can be channelled in a positive direction and lead to bright new horizons. His determination and varied skills are testament to Nissan because I have little doubt his time there has played a major part in their development.”