A VALE of Glamorgan man knows all about taking a simple idea and turning it into one of the most successful businesses in the area.

Lyndon David Smith is just 35 years old, but already he has built up a motor factoring shop in Main Street that he says is second to none.

Taking on an existing business 12 years ago, Lyndon already had years of experience in the car parts market. But when he started this venture it was just him and his dad.

Lyndon told the News: "I was just 23 when the chance came along for me to buy this shop and the customer expectations that came with it. We are now one of the biggest in the area servicing Barry, Penarth, Sully, Dinas Powys and the rural Vale. But it hasn't always been easy. I started delivering engine and car parts to local garages. To begin with, it was just me and my dad Jack on the vans, and it was hard work."

LDS Motor Factors, named after Lyndon's initials, opened March 1, 1990. In 2000, Lyndon made it a limited company with him, his wife Louise and manager Peter White as the directors. And three-and-a-half years ago, Lyndon expanded his business by opening in Nant Garw Industrial Estate, Treforest.

He said: "The building I opened outside Cardiff is lovely. We service a huge area from that depot, and the building is 10,500 square feet in total. Considering LDS in Barry is 3,500 square feet, and we carry so much stock here, you can imagine our potential in the other branch."

As cars advance, so the motor factoring trade has to keep up. Lyndon said: 'It's a booming industry, and the explosion is massive. Whereas we would get the occasional strange request, we get them all the time now. And seeing as we can supply anything from car batteries and jumper leads to a whole engine, we have to have a really good relationship with our suppliers."

To make sure he can deliver the kind of service he promises, Lyndon deals with suppliers who can get him the most specialised parts within 24 hours, sometimes even quicker.

Growing in the last decade to a fleet of 12 vans between both warehouses, Lyndon is now looking to expand yet again. He said: "I think we have something exceptional to offer. Not only do we provide a huge amount of stock, can deliver to local mechanics and open to the public for retail, but I offer a no-quibble money back or exchange guarantee." For more information on LDS telephone 01446 736010