A North London energy expert has gone from a nine-to-five job to being Open All Hours.

Peter Daley, from Walthamstow, spent 14 years working for energy efficiency company Eaga, promoting the company’s fuel poverty scheme and heading up its marketing department.

However, after taking redundancy from its successor Carillion plc in April last year (2104), the 52-year-old opted for a complete change of career.

Having spotted that a nearby corner shop was for sale, Peter, who had worked in markets and shops in his youth, decided to make an offer on the business.

And now, with help from a Trust set up by his former employer Eaga, Peter is the proud owner of the K and D Supermarket and is fast becoming “the south’s answer to Ronnie Barker’s Arkwright.”

“They sorted out a Business Funding loan for me,” said Peter “and it was crucial in helping me get the shop off the ground.

“The loan came just when I needed it most, it paid for legal fees to complete the purchase and really was invaluable."

The shop opened in October, “and it’s got off to pretty reasonable start,” said Peter.

“It’s very different to my previous career – this is more physical and the hours are longer – but it’s become a proper family concern as my wife, brother, son and nephew all pitch in and help me out from time to time.”

Richard Marr, Chief Operating Officer at the eaga Trust, said: “Peter’s business is the exact kind of venture the Trust is looking to help.

“We’re delighted that with our help, he has been able to embark on a new career and become his own boss and we wish him every success

“Now, we would like to hear from other former Eaga employees keen to follow in his footsteps.”

To find out more about Business Funding click here.

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