Mike Lennon's exploits were featured in an article in The Falkirk Herald in April this year.

And now he is applying his crafty skills to Refinish – a car painting and finishing firm that he has opened up in Stirling's Broadley Business Park.

To help him start things up, Mike (40), of Craigs Crescent, Rumford, received a loan from DSL Business Finance – becoming the first business in Central Scotland to receive a loan from the not-for-profit Glasgow-based business support agency's £1.5 million loan fund.

DSL, which can provide loans of up to £50,000, recently expanded into the area to help small and start-up businesses – many of which are having difficulty getting money from the bank due to the credit crunch.

Eunice Lancaster, DSL manager, said: "We are delighted to have given our first loan to a Falkirk businessman and wish Mike every success with Refinish. DSL has already given £5 million of loans to more than 500 businesses in Glasgow and West Central Scotland since it was established 15 years ago.

"We now hope to provide loans to companies, charities and social enterprises in Falkirk to help them create jobs and investment, in the area."

Refinish will concentrate on minor dent and paint repairs to cars but Mike, who has worked in the motor trade for 25 years, has experience painting everything from bikes to boats and fire engines to furniture – and, of course, guitars.

He said: "The refinishing process is similar regardless of what is actually being painted. In light of the dreaded 'credit crunch' I see great potential for services such as kitchen cabinet refinishing and similar products where customers can change the look of their homes – without the need to replace items – for a fraction of the cost.""