Couple are 'sold' on a new life in the sun.

Byline: By SAMANTHA CLARKE [e-mail]

A COVENTRY man, who thought he would mark 30 years with the same company this year, is instead looking forward to a new life running his own business abroad with his girlfriend.

Steve Sidwell, of Edgefield Road, Walsgrave, had worked for PGM Ballscrews since the age of 16, straight after leaving Caludon Castle School.

But after being made redundant when the Wyken company closed down last year the former supervisor decided to use his redundancy money to help him and his partner Julie Moore move to start a new life in Fuerteventura.

The couple's plans were almost scuppered as they struggled to sell their house.

But within five days of changing estate agents, the property was sold and the couple bade a fond farewell to friends and family to set off for the Canary Isles.

Before leaving, Steve said: "I was obviously shocked to be made redundant but now I look on it as probably one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

"I have always wanted to move to Spain since I first went on holiday there 20 years ago, but I would never have done it so soon.

"It's a really big step and we are both really excited and are looking forward to living in a slightly warmer climate.

"We have a lot of good memories of Coventry but this is a brand new start. We are going to take a break for a while and then will look for a sandwich bar or similar business to run."

Karin Kains, sales negotiator for Shortland Horne, which handled the sale of their house, said: "We are really pleased to have helped Steve and Julie. It's great to see that they have turned adversity into something really positive."

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ON THE MOVE: Julie Moore and Steve Sidwell are given a send-off by Karin Kalns, of Shortland Horne