The owner of one of Woodford Green’s oldest businesses says he is taking new risks to succeed. 

Opened in 1959 by David Leake, DP Leake Television Ltd has remained in High Road, Woodford Green for over a half century, and is now attracting a different clientele for the first time.

Nasir Sharif, 55, owner of the electrical goods shop, took over in August and says he has already sought to change the clientele and types of products he sells.

The shop, which formerly sold just televisions, is now also selling washing machines cameras, headphones and tablets.

Mr Sharif, of Edinburgh Road in Walthamstow, said: “When I took over it was very quiet, run-down and there was a lack of income coming in. the shop was buying in stock from the clearance lines and it was dead stock.

“I am willing to take risks to help make this the thriving business it once was.

“If you don’t offer customers the best possible product, they won’t be any wiser and it’s good to show people the choice and quality of our products.”

Mr Sharif is the former owner of the Kitchen and Bathroom Design Centre in Walthamstow High Street, but he decided to shut up shop and move to Woodford Green as he saw an opportunity to re-vamp an already established name.

He said: “It was very important for me to keep the name because people around here know the business and it was important that people have confidence in the shop and to continue the customer agreements we have in place."

Mr Leake’s former right-hand man and long-serving store manager, Eddie Butcher, 66, continues to work at the shop.

He said: “Things have really changed. We are definitely attracting a younger market by selling cameras, headphones and tablets. Before our main market was 55 plus, but Nasir is taking risks and investing more into the business.”

Next year Mr Sharif plans to expand his product range and introduce upper-end kitchen furniture and shower products which can all be installed on-site by the company’s fitters, now supplied by a third party.