Young entrepreneur opens precision parts factory

Shaun Rowcliffe said with the right support he was able to pursue his own business

A young entrepreneur has opened a factory producing precision machine parts for a range of industries including space, defence and motorsport.

Shawn Rowcliffe, 22, completed a five-year machinist apprenticeship with the defence giant Babcock before deciding to branch out on his own.

He has now opened a factory near Exeter as a franchisee of Isembard - this will be their third site in the UK, with one also in the US.

He said: "I think it was just an opportunity to put my own stamp on things and have a bit of pride in what I do - it's very exciting that I've managed to do this on my own."

"I'm a machinist by trade, not a businessman, so I'm learning as I go but with the right support it's all possible," he added.

Mr Rowcliffe is the first franchisee to partner with the London-based start-up.

It said the opening of the factory was a "major milestone" in its plan to "re-industrialise the UK".

"We will trigger a second industrial revolution," said Alexander Fitzgerald, founder and CEO of Isembard.

He said: "I think what most impressed us about Shaun was his fundamental initiative - after the first call he was already finding sites.

"People think if you build a big factory you get loads of efficiencies, but what you discount is the efficiency of someone really invested in running their business."

Four months in, Mr Rowcliffe said he was already considering looking at extending the machining hours at the factory through increased automation and possibly employing another member of staff.