An industrial unit once housing a cannabis factory is now a thriving business employing four people.

The unit hosting Quality Tyres in Radcliffe Road was just a 'metal shed' before 20-year-old Finn O’Connor and co-owner Shamus Farooq got their hands on the site.

They took over just months after police uncovered hundreds of cannabis plants at the unit in February 2023.

It was discovered after police and firefighters responded to a blaze at a terraced home in the street.

Finn told the Echo how it took the pair six months of clearance work before they could open in February this year, and that the business has grown to now employ four people.

He said: “It took us six months to sort the place out. We were aware of its history but saw it as an opportunity to do some good and open the place up again in what is a competitive industry.

Police in Radcliffe Road last year (Image: Newsquest)

“I was previously a self-employed personal trainer, and then a barber, I’ve always been my own boss, and this move was something I was keen to do.

“When we first moved in the site was basically a metal shed and we had to remove 12 tonnes of soil, re-fit the electrics, flooring, and lighting."

He added: "We have a really good relationship with the residents, and they all come and see us and get their tyres serviced.”

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Among those working at the site include Finn's childhood friend Josh Mugridge.

“We’re community focused, I’m working with people I’ve known for years, and we have a great relationship with our customers,” said Finn.

Inside Quality Tyres (Image: Quality Tyres)

“We do anything tyre related – wheel alignment, services, brake pads – and then we have a secondary business called Quality Customs where we offer a wrapping service and car modifications.”

Finn also promises to match or better competitors’ rates, saying he is aware of the impact the cost-of-living crisis has had on people financially.

He added: “It’s been a difficult few years, coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic and then into the cost-of-living crisis, that’s why we pride ourselves on our lower prices and the quality of services we provide as we want to make things easier for people, not more difficult.”