AN ENTRPRENEUR has set up an online buying service for her furniture and interiors store.

Nicola Garrington, who has been running her furniture store Vive, in Scotswood Road, Newcastle, for four years, has set up an online service, vive direct.com

The 40-year-old started her career at 18 with the John Lewis Partnership, then set up a satellite Principles branch for the Burton Group, at the Gateshead MetroCentre, where she produced the highest sales increase across the division.

She then ran an interior restorations business for ten years, with services that included joinery, French polishing and re-upholstery.

With experience of restoring and building furniture, she set up the shop as the next stage.

Vive sells dining tables, chairs, sofas, beds and bedroom furniture, occasional furniture, kitchens, original artwork and accessories.

Initially, the online store will focus on smaller items, such as small accessories, unusual artwork and gifts.

However, bulky goods, such as settees and beds, will follow within several months as stock arrives the company has ordered begins to arrive.