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Angela Freear was made redundant by text message — so she set up in business on her own

Angela Freear was uncermoniously made redundant by text message after 10 years’ loyal service with a fire surround company.

But she is not the sort of person to sit back and feel sorry for herself.

Armed with her experience of the retail industry and detailed knowledge of the fire surrounds business, Angela decided to set up her own fire surrounds business.

The 38-year-old from Chadderton, has invested more than £23,000 — with her father Dave, also from Chadderton, as a silent partner — in Freear’s Flame Factory in Market Place, Shaw.

The business began trading in April — just weeks after the shock message on her mobile — selling fire surrounds and a host of associated products.

Angela is now establishing her fledgling company as a serious player.

In addition to surrounds, Freear’s Flame Factory offers cast-iron inserts, marble fireplaces, hole-in-the-wall fires, stoves and log baskets.

In addition, Angela, who has taken on a former colleague, Miriam Marsh, from Royton, as a part-time sales assistant, sells accessories, such as ornaments and pictures.

She said: “I was a bit shocked to be treated the way I was after 10 years’ loyal service, but I am fighting back. The business is steady now, after a quiet opening few weeks.

“I don’t mind who calls into the shop — people can browse, take a look at our ornaments, or look for something to brighten up their homes.

“I chose Shaw as there isn’t any competition in this industry and things are going well at the moment.”