Celebrity knock-out; Stephen O'Neill hit on a novel idea to keep customers happy - he just pampers them, he tells SASHA MANSWORTH.

Byline: Sasha Mansworth

IT'S the ultimate in luxury living made desirable by the rich and famous. A- list Hollywood stars have long bossed around their staff who carry out the most peculiar demands at their master's beck and call.

But now the Scots have the opportunity to do just the same and have someone sweep up after them, celebrity style.

Not only will they be met at the front door with a welcoming smile, but they can enjoy the luxury of having their car parked for them, laundry collected and shopping bags emptied on their behalf.

Sounds too good to be true - and in many ways it still is.

For the luxury service is only available in brand new developments, most of which are still being built.

But surprisingly enough, living the life of a star doesn't cost as much as you might expect. Even though the service is aimed at high-flying executives and successful businessmen, anyone moving into a new property could well have access to it.

Stephen O'Neill kick-started the concierge service in Glasgow 18 months ago as a part of his factoring business, Newton Property Management.

He said: "This kind of service is only viable in a sizeable development to ensure that the cost stays quite low. We are only charging pounds 700 a year and that's including insurance.

"And when it's shared by a large number of people it's not all that much to pay for a high quality service."

Stephen believes by taking care of his clients' laundry and washing their car, they can put their free time to greater use.

He says: "It's a simple idea but it works. If people are ready to pay for someone to sit near their door and open it when they arrive then surely they want this character to work for the money - not just fill in crosswords. And I also like to see people working for their salary.

The property market is now so competitive at the moment that extra things like this can really make a big difference."

Stephen, 46, was struck by how old-fashioned the factoring business was. He was determined to bring the service into the 21st century after hearing so many horror stories of how businesses and properties were being run.

He came to the conclusion that professionals would be more than happy to pay for a factoring service if it proved to be a hassle- free service and something that made their life that little bit easier.

Stephen said: "I think people will start picking up on this, but so far there's not really been much in the way of competition."