Matthew Riley (35), founder of Nelson-based Daisy Communications, is now chief executive officer of the £200m company, having completed an acquisition and reverse takeover of two well-known telecoms firms.

The floatation of Daisy Group PLC is the fruition of an eight-year journey that began with the former apprentice establishing and operating his business from his garage, with just three staff, in 2001.

Pitching itself as the David to BT's Goliath, the telecoms firm has enjoyed much success in recent years. Growing to be a £20m turnover company in its fourth year of trading, Daisy was named the fastest growing technology company by the Sunday Times in its Tech Track in 2005. And in 2007, Mr Riley was named Bank Scotland Corporate Entrepreneur of the Year, winning £5m for the business.

It was following this award in 2007 that Mr Riley was introduced to and mentored by businessman Sir Philip Green, and that relationship has played a key role his company's recent success, floatation on AIM.

The newly-combined business will be a strong small-medium business player in the UK telecoms market with more than 40,000 customers and revenues of around £100m., with Daisy Group PLC being a leading provider of integrated voice and data services to this market.

Mr Riley said: "Over the last eight years, Daisy has grown to be a substantial provider of cost effective communications services, with over 30,000 SME customers.

"Our intention to list on AIM is great news for the local community and is a reflection of the hard work of all of Daisy's employees over the years. This is the beginning of a very exciting phase for everyone at our Nelson office and gives us the firepower to continue growing and investing in the area."