Ashley Smith started his company, GaraDry, in 2009 from a small shed in his parent's house and with only £1,000 from inheritance. The business specialises in designing, manufacturing and selling the world's largest range of threshold seals for residential garage and commercial doors.
The 43-year-old said: "The fact I started the business with a £1,000 inheritance from my uncle proves that a large amount of funding is not always needed to start a business and to be successful. Drive and determination is often equally, if not more important. GaraDry is actively recruiting, employing 11 people and growing in sales over the last three years. Overseas sales now also account for 33% of the business, exporting a range of products to more than 40 countries, including most European countries and even Australia.