South African Scott Abramson emigrated to Ireland eight years ago with his wife and three kids in search of better prospects. A journalist with two community newspapers, and the proprietor of a sports pub, he choose Ireland, he said, on the recommendation of a British friend, who, having already made the move here, informed Scott of the general state of prosperity that was sweeping through the country.

"As well as being a journalist with two community newspapers, one a weekly and the other a monthly, I also worked on the advertising side of things. It was a real hands on operation, and as well as getting experience with the editorial side of a newspaper, working on advertising gave me the retail experience that would be necessary for me later on in life with Ballyfree."

On his arrival in Ireland, Scott immediately reverted to what he already knew, by successfully applying to a printing company. "At that stage it was all about getting a job, any job really. And seeing as I already had experience in the industry, working with the print company was a good place to start.

"I eventually got my work permit, and, after a year at the print company, I moved on. I saw an advert in Cobh for a position at An Poc Fada, the centre for refugee and asylum seekers. I cooked for them, which again, I had experience in, having owned and run a pub back in South Africa. For the next seven years I alternated between there and the Glenvera Hotel on Wellington Road. But after that much time I felt I needed another challenge and so I left my position there in search of something new."

For Scott, that challenge has come in the shape of Ballyfree Garden Buildings, a leading provider of garden structures in Ireland with over 30 years experience behind it. The family run business has, through over the course of its existence, earned a strong reputation for offering expert advice and impeccably designed garden sheds in all shapes and sizes.

While the people of Cork have been served by Ballyfree Garden Buildings for over 20 years through their display centre in Atlantic Homecare, Pouladuff Road, those who's homes or gardens are in need of some space, or perhaps some sprucing up, can now avail of another Ballyfree outlet, following the opening of their new store earlier this year at the Ballycurreen Industrial Estate, Kinsale Road. "Again I'm fortunate enough to be able to revert back to past experiences, namely the retail and market experience I gained while working with the two community newspapers back in South Africa. Having worked both sides, I believe I have a good understanding of the customers needs and so I take a caring approach towards the consumers. I promise to go out of my way to assist them in whatever way I can."

Manufactured at its facility in Wicklow, the Ballyfree product range utilises the best of Irish and imported timbers. The in-house production means the company is able to offer a most inexpensive means of increasing the storage space in your home, through a wide-ranging array of garden building products, from sheds to chalets, cabins to summerhouses and Wendy to tree houses.