A YOUNG entrepreneur has followed in his father’s footsteps by launching his own business.

Joe Nicholson, from Sadberge near Darlington, has launched his own online furniture company called J.N. Rusticus.

The 21-year-old is the son of Dave Nicholson who owns The Nicholson Group, which comprises of Billingham-based Nicholson’s Transport, lorry-mounted crane operator Nicholson Hiab, and storage firm Box Clever.

Speaking about his new website, that will sell home and office furniture from around the world, Mr Nicholson said: “Getting the first container of furniture from India was incredibly exciting and made me realise that now I had a business and was ready to go.

“With my dad running a successful transport business, I have been involved with the industry most of my life.

“It’s a sector I understand, so I knew my business idea had to involve logistics and fulfilment.”

Mr Nicholson is now planning trips to China and Indonesia to expand his product range.

“We want to bring high quality, ethically sourced hand-crafted furniture to customers here. Items that will enhance the look of their home and in many instances be a talking point.

“I always wanted to do something on my own and the J. N. Rusticus idea had been forming in my mind for a while.

“Eventually, the aim is to bring in a container of furniture a month from a range of designers and manufacturers across the world.”