A project which started off as a ploy to get a date has developed into a thriving business for a Keynsham couple.
Three years ago gas heating engineer Ben O'Sullivan agreed to make a radiator cover for his friend, Laura, after she had moved house.
The good deed led to a date and then to marriage, and the couple, who have a one-year-old son Max, have seen their fledgling business flourish alongside their romance.
Mr O'Sullivan said: "She was a friend and had bought a new place. I offered to cover her radiator that she didn't particularly like. I had no idea how to make radiator covers so I put myself under a bit of pressure.
"We started to date and gradually over time neighbours who had been into the house liked the cover and I ended up doing some for them.
"I did some for family and on Facebook I got some orders."
It was before the couple's son was born last year Mrs O'Sullivan wanted to decorate the nursery and it dawned on the pair that there was no company that produced radiator covers for a nursery.
Mr O'Sullivan said: "There were just conventional covers but nothing individual. Laura got the ball rolling and came up with some more designs."
The company, called Totally Rad, is producing 12 designs for radiator covers, which are now made at its new workshop in Timsbury.
Mr O'Sullivan said they had been surprised at the company's quick success.
He said: "Radiator covers are a luxury, they are not something people say they need to have, it's more an addition but people still like them. I think it's because the covers are removable and you can still get access to the radiators."
At the moment Mr O'Sullivan is still working as a heating engineer but hopes if things continue as they are that he will be able to focus entirely on the new business.
Totally Rad is set to appear on television soon after making several radiator covers for ITV's 60 Minute Makeover and the couple hope to return to the show next year.
