A Swadlincote man who followed his dream to open up a computer business in Australia 27 years ago, has swapped repairs of screens for the rebuilding of his old life after opening a new business in Burton’s Market Hall.
Steven Warnes, 61, started out as a computer salesman, but when a staff shortage saw him volunteer to be a computer technician, he found his calling and never turned back.
He said: "I always wanted to do computer science at university but I found programming really boring and dropped out. I preferred doing upgrades and repairs rather than tinkering with software, but working with computers has always been something I have really enjoyed.
"I was born and grew up on Goseley Estate but moved to Australia when I was 15. It was there that I discovered my passion for all things computers and I have been doing it for 27 years.
"As I was getting older it started to become too hot and I have been quite homesick for a long time, so I decided to come home and set up shop. I sold everything and packed up and now I am starting afresh here, doing what I love and what I know."
To get back into the swing of things Steven, who sells new and refurbished computer systems, laptops, audio, video and computer accessories, set up a pop-up stall in the market hall to reintroduce himself to the people of Burton.
The venture was a great success and when a unit became available, Steven took the plunge and opened Warnes computers.
He said: "It is going really well. I sell new and used computers and it has proved really popular so far, with the laptops flying off the shelves. People are very friendly and I have started to build a nice customer base from recommendations.
"I think customers like to come here because I have a chat with them properly and try to steer clear of computer jargon, but they also get a good service and a reliable computer.
"There is nothing that can’t be fixed even if I have to rip it apart and start again. I want to spread the word and let people know that I am here to stay."