What I did before

I started with Rover in 1990, and spent 15 years in CO2 and spotwelding on the Rover 25, 45 and 75 series.

I was officially "absentee cover" so had to know the ropes for everyone's job as I had to be able to stand-in at short notice anywhere on the production line.

What I'm doing now

After the closure I went to work for our family optical business, helping in the shop and dispensing spectacles. I had always been interested in
computers and ended up building a website for the business. From there I did a website for my wife's school and now I'm running my own little business developing websites for schools, and a few commercial ones.

If you'd told me 5 years ago I'd be running my own website development business

I'd just have laughed at you!

Top 3 tips I'd pass onto someone else facing redundancy

I'll leave that to my wife, Faye!

Single best memory from my job

I really enjoyed the characters and close friendships of the Rover/Longbridge community.

Biggest thing I've learned

There is really a lot of help and support available from friends and family - you will be surprised how willing people are to offer help and advice.