It is from Woolworths to windows for these two store managers from Scarning.Lee James, 38, and Stuart Ford, 35, are among the 27,000 people being made redundant following the collapse of the high street chain, and now they are focussing their time on developing their own business, Stulee Window Cleaners, which specialises in window cleaning for domestic and commercial properties, and general office cleaning.

It is from Woolworths to windows for these two store managers from Scarning.

Lee James, 38, and Stuart Ford, 35, are among the 27,000 people being made redundant following the collapse of the high street chain, and now they are focussing their time on developing their own business, Stulee Window Cleaners, which specialises in window cleaning for domestic and commercial properties, and general office cleaning.

They started their business up to earn some extra pocket money about 18 months ago and now have more than 600 customers across Norfolk.

While Mr James was general manager of the King's Lynn Woolworths and Mr Ford was general manager of the Norwich store, the pair decided to employ four staff to do most of the cleaning and they concentrated on the marketing and managment side of their business in their spare time.

But now they are going to put all their energies into expanding Stulee Window Cleaners and getting involved in more of the cleaning themselves.

Mr James said: 'We are now looking forward to the next chapter in our lives. It is just sad that it has happened in this way with Woolworths closing.'

Mr Ford said: 'Everything we learnt at Woolworths we can use in our business, it is just on a smaller scale. Woolworths has taught us how to look after our customers and staff, and to lead by example.'

The pair, both fathers-of-three, added that they would never have met or gone into business together if it had not been for Woolworths because both moved to Norfolk because of their jobs with the retailer.

Mr James, originally from Peterborough, was manger of the Dereham Woolworths from 1999 to 2006 when he moved to the King's Lynn branch.

Mr Ford, originally from Durham, came to Norfolk to manage the Woolworths store on the Riverside Retail Park in Norwich.

For details of how to get more information on Stulee Window Cleaners visit www.Stulee.co.uk