Mark . . swapped pinstripes for overallsFINANCIAL futures trader Mark Embury has turned his back on the world of high finance to launch his own plumbing and drain repair business.

Mark, aged 30, was a derivatives broker in the London Metal Exchange for eight years, working for financial institutions such as Credit Agricole Indosuez and Cargill Financial Markets.

However, becoming disillusioned with "just moving numbers around", he has decided instead to run a Drain Doctor Plumbing business covering the Swindon and Gloucester area.

He explained: "Working in the Stock Market is all about moving numbers around and has very little relevance to real life.

"I was sick of it and wanted to do something that provides a real service that people genuinely appreciate."

Mark, who also spent a year as a fashion model after obtaining an economics degree, is enthusiastic about his change in lifestyle and optimistic that with one million people living in the combined Gloucester and Swindon areas, he can build a fleet of 10 vans within five years.

"I believe there is a great business opportunity to build a reputation for delivering exceptional standards of quality and customer service," he said.