TRADING without a shop front is a tough business but Trophy Pet Foods franchisee Glen Price has found himself enjoying the challenge of hunting for new customers in south west Hertfordshire.

Mr Price, 58, of north Watford, began selling pet food and accessories as a shop-at-home agent in September.

His office is a van and the business specialises in providing its own brand of pet foods delivered direct to the customer's doorstep.

His service covers Watford, Rickmansworth, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead and he has encountered some interesting animal feed requirements during his first few months.

He said: "The biggest seller is chicken and rice mix for middle-aged dogs, but I've had a lot of requests for wild bird feed, especially at this time of year, from people who have big gardens."

Mr Price previously spent 25 years in the IT sector although this was far from steady and he was made redundant three times. After the third time he decided to find another area to work in and spent several months researching business opportunities.

He settled on the Trophy Pet Foods franchise because he has always loved animals.

Business has been built up through canvassing and knocking on doors to find new business. He also runs a stall at St Albans market and took up pitches at car boot sales early on.