WHEN web designer John Atkinson was left frustrated at the poor choice of accessories to complete his kitchen makeover, he decided to go into the DIY business himself.

He found the products he needed, then created an online store selling kitchen knobs, door handles, doors and worktops.

His business - www.withknobs on.com - is a natural progression from his already successful web design company, Orchard UK, located on the North-East of England Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), at Sunderland Enterprise park.

Mr Atkinson said: "If anyone told me a few months ago I'd be running another business selling kitchen door knobs, I would have thought they were losing their grip on reality.

"However, after doing my own kitchen makeover I wanted to complete the job with a new set of kitchen door handles.

"When I looked on the Internet I found there wasn't a lot of choice, and I saw an opportunity to provide a cost-effective alternative to customers."

What Mr Atkinson did not bargain for was the success of his new virtual shop.

He is already receiving daily orders and has recently opened a showroom in Sunderland.

He has found a successful distribution partner in the North and is tapping into established sales and delivery infrastructure to fulfil online customer orders.

Mr Atkinson added: "With the boom in home DIY our store hopes to provide a cost effective alternative to the big-market players."

The new e-commerce site has recently received Which? Web Trader accreditation, providing reassurance to customers buying on the web.