Tree surgeon Chris Hartwell's new venture will, he says, offer a service that's a cut above the rest.

Chris, based in Six Bells, has launched Cleancut Tree Surgery and Maintenance with the help of a UK Steel Enterprise Kickstart grant, and is offering homes and businesses a comprehensive package.

Chris said: "People are so busy these days they often don't have time to get jobs done outside the house. I realised there was a gap in the market for a complete exterior service, looking after trees, garden, walling, hedges, pest control and cleaning and decorating."

And the same goes for commercial properties which want to ensure buildings and grounds look the best at all times, he said.

Chris spent 15 years running a cleaning business, and also worked for five years with a tree surgeon and landscape gardener.

He said: "I began adding tree work and hedge trimming to the cleaning side, and saw that a comprehensive approach would mean a better service to customers. If you are on site regularly, you get a better idea of what needs doing."

Cleancut operators are all fully insured and qualified to NPTC standards. The firm also offers discounts to older members of the community.

Support for the business has come from the UK Steel Enterprise Kickstart Fund, administered by Blaenau Gwent council.

Mark Hislop, of Corus subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise, said: "The fund has been able to provide a grant of £1,100 to enable Chris to buy essential equipment, and we are very pleased to have been able to help."

Leanne Connor, of Blaenau Gwent economic development, said: "It has been a pleasure to work with Chris on the grant. He has identified a gap in the market for this service and is very dedicated and determined to make his business a success. The council looks forward to working with Chris in the future." Support has also come from Business Eye, and additional funding from Finance Wales.