WHAT started out as a lifestyle choice to give up smoking has turned into a successful business venture for one Hampshire entrepreneur.

Just over a year ago David Extance made the decision to switch to e-cigarettes, which use a vapour instead of tobacco.

After successfully kicking the habit he quickly realised he could have a share of the e-cigarette market.

He set up his own manufacturing plant to make e-liquids, which he now distributes around the world.

David acquired premises in Romsey that used to belong to a pharmaceutical company and adapted the site for his needs.

After a number of modifications the plant now boasts air filtration systems in the main laboratory which then extends into a blending facility and a state-of-the-art extraction system.

The company produces a number of different flavours of e-liquids in quantities of up to 25,000 bottles.

Lonjas UK is now a company which has a six-figure turnover and employs six staff at the Winchester Hill industrial estate.

Daily Echo:

David, 44, from Southampton, said: “It has been an incredible growth, really.

“From me giving up cigarettes in November 2013 to what we have today, it is amazing.”

The company mainly exports to Ireland, Russia and Denmark but deals are also being negotiated as far afield as the Seychelles.

“It really is a growth market and here we can do it efficiently and to the highest standard with the facilities we have,” David said.

“We are getting new orders in every week and it is really taking off for us.”