North Shore key cutter celebrating 25 years of trade says 'personal touch' is secret to success

Graham Turner, 53, from Layton, said the secret to his successful business was "the personal touch."

His shop North Shore Key Cutting and Hardware Supplies on Dickson Road, which first opened as a cobblers and key cutters, celebrated its 25th year of trading on October 2.

Mr Turner encouraged anyone thinking of opening a business to "go for it," after leaving an unfulfilled career as an engineer to open his store.

He said: "My father-in-law at the time was a cobbler, so we opened the shop together 25 years ago, but I've had it on my own for 21 years.

"I do a lot of work for letting agents, but it has been very trying during the pandemic.

"I'm quite lucky because as a hardware shop I could stay open, and I have a lot of loyal customers. One customer has even been coming into the shop since we opened.

"I left my job as an engineer after nine years to open the business because I hated it. But this shop has never been a hardship, I enjoy doing it."

Entrepreneurial spirit runs in the family, as Graham's daughter Hayley Anderton co-owns Blossom Boutique in Thornton with her mum Caroline Wolstencroft.

And in the modern world of internet shopping, Graham attributed his success to providing customers with good advice, care and attention.

"You've got to give customers the personal touch, and you don't get that on Amazon," Graham continued.

"You can't get the same good advice on the internet either, and people need that. I always try to help local businesses out, it's important.

"If anyone is thinking of opening a business, just give it a go, I've never regretted it."