WHEN Kristian Lay began his career he was tempted by the bright lights of London.After achieving an MA in economics at Edinburgh University, he found himself number crunching for a major oil company.

WHEN Kristian Lay began his career he was tempted by the bright lights of London.

After achieving an MA in economics at Edinburgh University, he found himself number crunching for a major oil company.

But after spending much of his spare time with a spanner in his hand doing his own DIY, he decided that life at a desk wasn't for him.

Leaving his job behind, the 29-year-old came back to his home town of Lowestoft and went back to basics, enrolling at college.

Now he is running his own successful plumbing and heating business, using his Danish heritage as inspiration for the name of the company, Viking Plumbing and Heating.

Kristian, who is One to Watch for 2009, said he realised that he didn't need to live in London to achieve what he wanted to do.

He said: 'Lowestoft has always been my home and after deciding to give up my other career this was the place I wanted to return to.

'I was fed up with not seeing tangible results for my work; there was no physical result. I had been fortunate enough to have an insight into renovating property and of all the trades plumbing seemed the most interesting.'

Kristian is fully qualified in plumbing, which includes certificates for water regulations, energy efficiency, unvented hot water and solar domestic hot water heating.

He is now in his second year of Corgi registration after training with MGB gas services. 'When you're learning a new subject, previous qualifications don't count for anything. I was in a mature class and there were lots of guys there that could bring a lot to the table. The most important thing you bring into a new career is a willingness to work and learn. I also find that because I'm now doing what I really want to do I enjoy it immensely.'

Since deciding to go self-employed two years ago, business is going from strength to strength, allowing Kristian to cover areas from Lowestoft to Southwold, and Beccles to Norwich, putting in heating systems, bathrooms and boilers, as well as offering landlord checks, boiler services and repairs.

In the future he plans to expand his operations, hoping to also teach self- employment skills and promote plumbing to youngsters.

Telephone Kristian at Viking Plumbing and Heating on 01502 587398 or 07970649476 or go to www.viking-plumbing.co.uk

Ones To Watch is being promoted by The Journal and the Make Your Mark campaign.