A businessman who started his career behind a shop counter at 20 has launched his own retail brand across eight high streets in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire.

James Moore has rebranded his eight established stores as Mintro, an independent name for buying and selling pre owned phones, technology, jewellery, gold and watches. The stores are in Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Rochdale, Stockport, Blackpool, Bradford and Huddersfield.

Moore began on the shop floor in 2009 and worked through every role in the business before buying his first store in 2017.

He went on to build a group of eight, previously operated as part of a national franchise. After 17 years in the trade, Mintro is the first time the stores have traded under a name of his own.

"I have done every job in these shops, so I know what customers like and what puts them off," James said.

"People want a fair price, a straight answer and to be treated with respect. That is all Mintro is. Fair, simple, trusted.

"I was born in a two up two down terrace in Reddish but spent a lot of my childhood at my nana's. Nobody handed me this. I would like people round here to see that you can start at the bottom and still build something."

Every item Mintro sells is tested and verified, and qualifying products carry a 24 month Mintro Guarantee. Customers can buy, sell or use the buyback service in store, and a new website at mintro.co.uk lets customers buy and get a price for their items online.

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The launch has meant new signage and a refreshed look in every store, new technology and a training programme for every member of staff. All 40 staff across the eight stores have kept their jobs.

"The high street is not finished," Moore added. "These stores have been part of their towns for years and the same local teams are still behind the counter. We have just given them a brand that matches the service they give."

Mintro has also recently become a proud sponsor of Stockport County Football Club, extending its support for local communities beyond the shop floor.

The Stockport store is at 107 Prince's Street, Stockport SK1 1RW and is open Monday to Saturday.