Looking back on 35 years on the high street, the owner of an electrical shop has recalled how terrible weather gave his business an early boost.

A couple of weeks after Steve Marley opened his own business in September 1987, the Great Storm hit Kent, sending a flurry of customers his way.

“I had just left Real Fusion and started my own television and aerial repair business, working from home, when two weeks later the hurricane hit,” said Mr Marley, 67.

“I was suddenly inundated with work, and a friend and I teamed up to help everyone whose aerials had been blown off their roofs.

“That storm gave many small businesses in the area a lot of trouble at the time, but for us, it was just what we needed to get going.”

The grandfather-of-two says a shop on Whitstable High Street came up for sale the following year, where Mr Marley opened the Advance electrical sale and repair store.

The electrician and his wife Anne ran the shop - later renamed Advance Domestic Appliances Euronics Sales and Repairs - together for more than three decades.

Fending off much competition from other electrical stores, the trend towards online shopping and the Covid pandemic, the pair say dedication and good customer service have been key to their success.

After 36 years helping people with their electronic appliances, Mr Marley retired yesterday, passing the business over to long-time employees Michael Jenner and Pam Burpitt

“It’s a weird feeling,” he remarked ahead of his final day. “I’ll walk out of here and I’m not going to be around much really except to cover holidays. We have always gone the extra mile for our customers, doing the little odd jobs and our customers appreciate it.

“So it’s nice to leave feeling completely reassured that Michael and Pam will continue to look after customers the same way I always have.”

In retirement, Mr Marley says he looks forward to spending more time with his grandchildren, travelling the world with his wife and focussing more on his hobbies - golf and Manchester United.

Asked what advice he would give to a small business owner starting today, he added: “Put the hours in, work hard and you’ll be a success.”