Centenary Business Centre was the ideal launchpad for Oliver's business

Six years ago Nuneaton resident Oliver Canty was keen to start up his first business.

He had a good idea, lots of expertise and energy and plenty of potential customers. All he needed was a base.

"I was getting dismayed," Oliver recalls. "All I could find were premises on three-year leases and I couldn't commit to that. As a start-up, you have no idea how things are going to go. You certainly don't want the pressure of a three-year lease.

"Then driving round one Sunday afternoon I came across the Centenary Business Centre. I didn't know it existed.

"But I'm glad I went out for that drive! It was absolutely perfect for us - and still is.

"We started off on a 28-day lease which was perfect because it lifted that pressure. Instead of spending time worrying about rent, we could get on with attracting customers.

"Basically, at the start I just needed storage space so we took a small unit, but we have now moved into a bigger area. It is great that we were able to expand within the centre because we wouldn't want to leave."

So, in 2010, Oliver's business, IC Solutions 24/7, started up at Warwickshire County Council-run Centenary Business Centre. It is still there but in bigger premises and with a hefty client-list. From its small Nuneaton base, IC Solutions 24/7 has built a global client-base, supplying environmental infection control products to the NHS, businesses and daycare children's nurseries across the UK, Europe, the United States and Middle East. The company now employs nine people, including three apprentices.

Oliver started up the firm from a strong backdrop. He has a medical background - both his parents were nurses and he was a nurse - but he always fancied a crack at business, fuelled by a formidable work ethic. For years, while he worked nights as a nurse, he spent the days selling blinds and then mattresses.

"I slept for four hours in the morning - that was plenty," he recalls. "I just wanted to get things done. I loved nursing but I also loved the buzz of businesses and selling.

"I always intended to go into business myself and thought I could make a go of it but it has been very pleasing how the business has evolved in the last six years.

"Our Dry Mist technology has proved highly effective and popular in keeping workplaces and nurseries bacteria-free. These days, rooms are full of computers and keyboards and mobile devices - high-contact software which can be a haven for the bacteria which leads to infection.

"Fortunately, technology is advancing so that we can combat that. Awareness of the issue is also growing. For example, if you are parents looking for a daycare nursery for a child, if there is a certificate on the wall saying the premises are protected by Whole Room Disinfectant Technology, it can only be a plus."

It's little wonder that ICSolutions 24/7 has prospered. But every business-owner, however talented and driven, can always also use a bit of luck. That's what Oliver got when he stumbled across Centenary Business Centre.

"The unit gives us everything we need and the management is excellent," he said. "The staff are really helpful and flexible and so quick to react if we need anything. That sort of support is fantastic to have at any point in business, but most of all in the early stages."