A March man's dream of opening his own shop is set to become reality this weekend.

George Phillips started his specialist model company Phillips Hobbies when he was a 13-years-old pupil studying at Neale-Wade.

Now 21, he will launch his first shop at Unit 6 March Enterprise Park, Thorby Avenue, March, on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September from 10am to 4pm.

Having built up a loyal customer base online over the years, George now wants to serve the people of March.

"This is my first shop - so I am keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well," said George, who was one of Dragons Den star Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday winners in 2020. 

Phillips Hobbies has also been listed as one of the UK’s most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday campaign in 2023, and was shortlisted for eBay’s Above & Beyond Award in 2024.

George said: “Phillips Hobbies will always be more than a business to me.

“It is a part of who I am, and doing this feels surreal because it’s something I’ve always dreamt of.

“I will do all I can to build a business that the community can be proud of; where all people can discover the joys of more traditional hobbies.”

The shop will stock a selection of model railways, Diecast collectables, plastic kits, Scalextric, jigsaw puzzles, construction toys and farm toys.

Opening discounts will be available and only card payments are being taken to begin with.

George added: “I know from the messages of support I’ve been receiving that this is something many in March have wanted to see for a long time, and I can’t wait to meet everybody soon.”

To find out more about Phillips Hobbies, follow their Facebook page or visit https://www.phillipshobbies.co.uk.

(Image: George Phillips, director of Phillips Hobbies) (Image: Phillips Hobbies) (Image: Phillips Hobbies)