'I used to be a Cardiff cabbie – and now I provide transport for celebrities'

PICTURE: JONATHAN MYERS

- LUCY JOHN Reporter [e-mail]

HE first time we rang business owner Martin Edwards, he was on his way to the Savoy in London to meet a client. But less than a decade earlier he spent his days as a taxi driver parked up at supermarkets around Cardiff - a job he had done for the previous 20 years.

"I enjoyed what I did," he said. "I enjoyed driving the taxi, but if we had never taken the leap I would still be doing that today."

His business is called MET Executive Travel, a Cardiff-based travel service that transports the likes of celebrities, CEOs and sports personalities across the city and beyond.

And it all started "from nothing", other than a comment made by his wife Nicola, a surprise phone call, and a lot of hard graft.

The couple are now friends with many of their high-profile clients and even get invited to celebrity events, while the company's projected annual turnover is now in excess of a quarter of a million pounds.

Speaking about how it all began, Martin, 46, and Nicola, 43, said they hoped their story inspired anyone who dreamed of starting their own business to give it a shot.

"If someone is out there and they've got an idea, just go for it," Martin said.

"It comes with the stress and the pressure, but just go for it - just do it." Growing up, Martin said he left school aged 16 without any GCSEs.

He said he had no real plan, but knew he enjoyed driving and was a hard worker.

He said: "I didn't have any idea about what I could do with my life. I went to college and got a couple of part-time jobs.

"I always loved to drive so as soon as I got my driving licence I got a job as a delivery driver, which I did until I was about 20.

"Then I had spoken to many taxi drivers who said you could work as many hours as you want.