A KNUTSFORDIAN swapped gavels for bidding paddles to set up his own furniture and interiors firm.

James Broad, 22, launched his own online retail business four months ago, with Timeline-Interiors already making its mark.

Starting out life in a container, the ‘labour of love’ business is now run from a Congleton self-storage unit.

James said: “I began my love affair with antiques as an auctioneer before moving on to work at a furniture company. I knew I wouldn’t be satisfied until I was my own boss but wanted to follow my vintage passion. I run my own enterprise, restoring pre-loved furniture so it can be cherished by new owners from as far afield as London and Edinburgh.”