A HAMPSHIRE businessman has turned a struggle to find a decent plumber into a million-pound business.

Bruce Greig, 29, launched 0800handyman after waiting at home for three days for someone to come and fix a leaking pipe.

In the end, he did it himself and that moment of DIY provided the inspiration for a business plan. He realised there was a great need for a professional handyman company which turned up on time, did the job well and didn't charge the earth.

Three years on, his company is on track to double turnover to £1m this year.

The company, which Bruce runs from a London office and his home in Shawford, near Winchester, has grown to cover most of the capital as well as Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and Devon.

In the next 12 months, the company will expand to include as many as 50 franchises across the whole of the UK. Franchises soon to be launched include Brighton and St Albans.

Bruce, a psychology graduate from St Hugh's College, Oxford, believes the business is successful because of the growing number of professional couples, families and young singles who do not have time for DIY.

Bruce said: "People have a traditional view of tradesmen that they don't turn up on time, are surly and drive a dirty van. We aim to be the opposite of that."

The majority of Bruce's franchisees and handymen are graduates themselves, many of whom have given up successful, well-paid jobs in the City to join the company.

Apart from an interview and a test of their practical skills, all potential employees have to undergo a multiple choice personality test to assess their levels of motivation and trustworthiness. Ninety per cent of applicants fail to make the grade.

The most common call-outs are for drilling expertise to hang pictures, mirrors and notice-boards, carpentry such as assembling flat-pack furniture and electrical jobs.

More unusual assignments include requests to cut a chopping board in half so it would fit in a family's dishwasher, fit miniature light bulbs in a doll's house and connect home stereos.

The company charges £30 for the first half hour and £20 for each half hour after that.

Bruce's handymen get around in London on branded scooters and in other parts of the country in liveried Minis. All employees wear a company uniform and are expected to look clean and smart at all times.

Bruce, 29, who is married to Robyn, said: "We are tapping into a growing market in which people don't want to be bothered with doing jobs around the home."