An Andover plumber has received a boost after striking out on his own with his own business.

Andrew Hoare, a plumbing and heating engineer, has spent the past 15 years with different employers within the housing and building industry. However, after being inspired by a family member, he decided to take the plunge and set up ATH Gas Services,

Now, having applied for Test Valley Borough Council’s Business Incentive Grant fund, Andrew has been awarded £750 to help with the start-up costs.

Andrew Hoare, said: “Thank you so much to Test Valley Borough Council for awarding me the grant. I was keen to set up on my own after seeing the success of my brother as a self-employed electrician, who was also lucky enough to receive a Business Incentive Grant.

“I feel ready for this next step on my own as I have gained a wealth of experience over the last 15 years.”

TVBC’s £750 Business Incentive Grants have been given for a number of years, with firms including gardeners, electricians and even drone photography receiving the payment over the years.

The grant is available to anyone looking to set up their own full-time business in Test Valley. Anyone who successfully applies for the grant will receive £750 if their business is still going strong six months later.

Councillor Tracey Tasker, who presented the cheque to Andrew Hoare, said: “It is great to be able to offer support through a Business Incentive Grant to a new local start-up and I wish Andrew all the best in his new venture.”

The news follows the recent awarding of Business Incentive Grants to two pet businesses in Andover, the Dogchester Hotel, which provides kennels for dogs while their owners are away, and Pickle and Friends, a doggy day-care business which relocated with British forces from Germany to the UK.