Pictured above: Erewash Partnership chief executive Ian Viles (left) presenting a membership certificate to Tom Williams of Williams Professional Decorators on becoming the 400th supporter.

Derbyshire Enterprise agency Erewash Partnership has notched up a record number of supporters.

The number of associate members who support the public/private partnership has passed the 400 mark, and it was one of the area's youngest firms that achieved this accolade.

Williams Professional Decorators, of Shipley View Estate, Ilkeston, was set up less than three years ago by Tom Williams, a former footballer. He was just breaking into the first team with Notts County when his planned career was threatened by injuries.

He switched to taking an apprenticeship in painting and decorating with a Ripley company, setting up his own business after qualifying.

The company does private and commercial work and as a sub-contractor has been doing decorating work on the renovation and refurbishment of premises in Heanor Road, Ilkeston, under a Partnership-led scheme to create offices for new and growing businesses.

Tom employs his father, Danny, to do sales and administration, and has two teenage apprentices as well as being able to call on other experienced workers. His company has already achieved the Investors in People award. 

Tom said: "The Partnership sounds just the business to help a young company like ours because of the advice that it gives and the networking opportunities, which we are keen to take part in and hopefully attract new work." 

Partnership chief executive Ian Viles said: "We are also pleased to welcome Williams Professional Decorators as our 400th supporter. People are increasingly recognising the benefits of networking - a very effective way of meeting other people and attracting new business."