AN ONLINE office furniture store set up by a young entrepreneur from Almondsbury has won a national award.

Paul Randall’s firm has been recognised by the Online Business Awards (OBA) – winning the Office Equipment, Supplies and Furniture category.

The 31-year-old took studied a degree in Business Studies, and later set up Rainbow Zebra from his home, five years ago, with little experience of selling online.

He taught himself the basics of online marketing and worked with web developers to launch his site in 2011. The first order for a chair came in only two weeks later.

He set up a small equipment warehouse in Thornbury and last year he took on his first employee, 36-year-old sales executive Joanne Nelmes.

Together they have begun to double the average monthly turnover, and are set to hit a million-pound turnover this year.

At the awards they were presented with a trophy and given permission to use the OBA logo on their website.

Paul said: “I’m delighted to receive this award. It’s great to have recognition for all our hard work over the last five years.”

Rainbow Zebra was selected for having an easy-to-use website, with a lot of product information and reviews.

“It’s good to show to potential customers that we have been awarded for being a user-friendly website. It will also help us to stand out in a crowded market,” added Paul.

The OBA, in association with Talk Business, focuses on enterprising UK companies with a powerful online presence.

Dominic Lill, online editor at Talk Business, said: “Paul truly shows what hard work, persistence and entrepreneurial spirit can do.

“In the short space of five years, Rainbow Zebra has gone from strength to strength.”

To view his site visit rainbowzebra.co.uk.