A SWITCHED-ON Chepstow man has built a successful business over the last three years out of the public's increasing demand for sound and light shows at public events.

Justin Kneath's company, Protech, provides audio visual systems for clubs and pubs, festivals, conferences and product launches.

It hires out and sells the specialist technology requir-ed and has developed a sideline in manufacturing safety cases to protect expensive equipment in transit.

Previously, Mr Kneath had tried working for other people, with varying degrees of success, before finally concluding he would not be happy until he worked for himself.

Having operated a part-time mobile disco business, he could see the need for a sound and light contractor but with no business history to draw on, raising finance to get started was a problem.

That's where the Prince's Trust stepped in.

Founded by Prince Charles to help young people get started, it was able to support Mr Kneath.

It secured him the services of retired accountant Glyn Watkins as a volunteer mentor and he helped the young entrepreneur draw up a business plan.

The plan was accepted by the trust, entitling Mr Kneath to a grant and a low-interest loan. Three years on, the loan has been paid off and if he needs any more the banks are now quite happy to risk their own cash.

Mr Kneath has just taken on his first employee and recently won the contract for The Coleford Festival.

Pictured: Justin Kneath shows a new custom-made flight case to his business mentor Glyn Watkins

He said: "Without the Prince's Trust and the help from Glyn Watkins none of this would have been possible."