He really values being his own boss and having the flexibility to fit work around his interests. However, the support offered by his area manager as well as head office means he doesn’t feel isolated.

Hillarys advisors are provided with all the tools they require for the job. Customers contact head office direct to arrange appointments, giving advisors the time to concentrate on providing an excellent service.

The window of opportunity came about after Bob, who had lived on the island for 24 years selling bathrooms and kitchens, responded to an advert in his local paper looking to recruit an island-based Hillarys advisor.

"It was really my partner Christine who suggested that we apply as she's originally from Glasgow where Hillarys is a very well known and respected company," says Bob. "And despite all the gloom and doom surrounding the homes and retail sectors, we were confident that the quality and wide choice of competitively priced, classic and contemporary products offered something very different to what was currently available and would be very well received. We have been proved right and thoroughly enjoy what we do."