The company's name, Saltream Ltd, gives you the first clue, that is when you discover what it means. It's the 11th century name of the village of Sawtry, where Simon and his family live.

So, it comes as no surprise that his company, based in Huntingdon, specialises in the ancient art of stained glass work. Its creation, repair and restoration is the driving force behind the business's successful niche enterprise.

And it's certainly not all church and commercial work, as more and more individuals employ the skills of Simon and fellow glazier Gary benwell.

Double glazing and locks repair and replacement make up about half of Saltream's sales. But the stained glass side is growing as more people look for more interesting decorative glazing and need repairs.

Simon reckons he can repair a stained glass crack so it's "90 per cent invisible" on close inspection – and almost undetectable from a metre away.

His skill has been gathered over many years.

"Even when I was employed I did stained glass work just because it was fun," he said.

Simon started out straight from school and spent 20 years at Hunts Glass, as did Gary.

A glazier named Alan Creasey did all the stained glass and leaded lights work at Hunts, and Simon admits to having been baffled by the skills involved.

But he learned over time, to the point of mastering copper foil stained glass and glass art.

He then worked for the Highway Emergency Services (which became Home Serve) in Peterborough, specialising in leaded lights. While there, he enhanced his stained glass experience by doing a two-week course at Ely Cathedral.

After being made redundant, Simon set up on his own about six years ago. He originally worked from home in Sawtry, from a barn.

That is until the business outgrew the premises and he relocated it, earlier this year, to Phoenix Court, in Huntingdon. Gary joined the firm two years ago.

Simon and Gary see themselves as "old school" craftsmen who push themselves to go that extra mile.

They take on intricate work, such as cutting holes in glass, and putty glazing, creating work which sets them apart from the vast majority of glaziers.

"I would never attempt work I could not fulfil to a very high standard," said Simon.

He is interested in conservation and has joined the Institute of Conservation (ICON).

In addition, he is working towards CVMA accreditation, a global standard in stained glass.

Such is Simon's care and attention, and exacting professionalism, that he will "never be beaten on tough assignments.

"It once took me three months to get a colour match for a pink dog rose design," he said. "But when you see the finished door panel looking just right, it's time well spent."

Simon will provide a thorough report for stained glass work.