A FORMER Almondsbury student who set up a business in his parents’ room is now on track to earn his first half million.


Paul Randall, 30, who has a warehouse in Thornbury, set up online furniture store Rainbow Zebra from his family home four years ago.


He grew up in Almondsbury and studied at Almondsbury School, and Marlwood School in Alveston, before leaving a potential retail career with Marks and Spencer to set out alone.


He taught himself the basics of online marketing and internet best practice before working with web developers to launch the site.


The entrepreneur, who studied business studies at Plymouth University, said: “It was a bit daunting and at times I wondered how I could pay for the bills, let alone pay myself a wage. 


“But I had nothing to lose and thought I’d give it everything I had. I was ecstatic when I made my first sale - for one office chair. 


“I had studied business, but there’s no greater training than on the job. The first couple of years were tough, but I learned a lot."


Mr Randall has since taken on staff, including sales executive Jo Nelmes, and hopes the company will continue to go from strength to strength. 


The firm has had record sales of £57,000 in July - £20,000 up on its previous record.


He now lives in Brislington and is set to be married to his fiancé, Mel Shenton, 26.


“I am on target to make half a million now and have no plans to slow down,” he said.


“My mind is constantly buzzing, thinking about new ways to grow. It’s great that I now have a team member I can share ideas with.”


He is looking to become a corporate partner of Children’s Hospice South West, which involves donating a percentage of profits to the charity.