Eastway Tile & Timber

Few women elect to open up a business in the hardware and DIY sector of retail. A mans world?

Not really, as women are the big deciders in spend for tiles and floor covering as Lisa Howard noted. "I have been involved in this business for about 15 years when I decided I had enough experience in the product and sales to branch out on my own," Lisa Says.

"I love the work. I feel that when people are buying timber floors, marble tiles and so on that this is a big lifetime investment for them, the purchase can run to a lot of money. So I offer a full service, will go to peoples houses to advise on what tile or flooring could be best for them.

It's about taking the time to find out what sort of effect or room they want to achieve." Being a woman in the trade is only an advantage, Lisa feels, as women seem to hold the ourse strings on the home decor.