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CEREMONY: Beverly Lindsay, Collin Lawson and Bishop Dr Derek Webley (right)

IN THESE tough times it’s a rare achievement for a business to double in size – even more so when company director Collin Lawson could sit back and enjoy his retirement.

But 67-year-old Collin enjoys working too much to put his feet up at Micro Drive Controls Ltd, which he has run in Tipton, West Midlands since 1988.

His company provides the sheet metal industry with high quality control systems and supplies numerous companies world wide with such equipment. During an open day at his newly expanded business, guests enjoyed a tour and a celebratory meal.

Bishop Dr Derek Webley performed the opening ceremony and blessed the extended premises, wishing Collin luck in his new venture.

Bishop Webley said: “It’s a tremendous achievement, particularly with businesses facing so many financial challenges that Collin has been able to expand his company.

“He is a very positive role model for the BME community and should be commended for this.”

Collin, who is a member of the Association of Jamaican Nationals, came to the UK from St Anne’s, as a boy of 12, travelling on his own to be reunited with his parents who were already here. The father-of-two began his career in the Royal Air Force before moving to Germany where he became a systems design manager, speaking fluent German.

He then decided to move the business to the UK and suffered his share of setbacks before launching his third and present company in 1988.

“You could say I had perseverance and it paid off,” said Collin, who lives in Great Bridge, and employs three people. “The saying is if you enjoy it, then it can’t be work - I still arrive every morning enthused and energised. It’s fun, varied and I love working with people. My extended premises are giving the company a new lease of life.”