MOST people who launch new businesses dread the bubble bursting.

But York entrepreneurs Kevin Francksen and Angie Mazs revel in it. The bubblier the better.

They have launched The Classic Champagne Company, from their home in Howard Drive, Rawcliffe, thanks to help and support from York Business Advice Centre, the local provider of Business Link services.

Their love of wine was one of the reasons they first fell in love. Kevin, a former head chef at Middlethorpe Hall, York, first met Angie when he was a temporary chef at Craigellachie Hotel, in Banffshire, Scotland, where she was a receptionist.

At every opportunity, they travelled to France to sample wines, but somehow always defaulted back to the Champagne region, even when together they later moved to York.

The think bubble began to form when they sampled Champagnes from the smaller houses that the French kept for their own consumption - houses too small to have the capacity for significant export.

Why not start a business that ensured the discerning hotels and corporations

of Britain could benefit

from these rarities by the caseload?

Angie said: "We registered the business in France in just four days to make the whole trading process easier, then rented warehouse space in Harrogate."

Just lately, in the run-up to Christmas, the couple have been visiting Champagne up to three times a week,

broadening their 30 product stock, including Barfontarc from the Aube area - the

only co-operative in France to produce its own Champagne; Drappier, a small house in Riemes; and Prieur, produced by villagers in Bergere.

Angie said: "We needed someone to talk to about our idea and check through our business plan to make sure it was sound, so we contacted York Business Advice

Centre.

"We met with business adviser Mike Everitt and he looked at our plans objectively, highlighting areas of weakness.

"He gave us peace of mind, and pointed us in the right direction for all kinds of information relating to our business, including VAT and customs and excise.

"We attended the Business Link Enterprise Show in May, where we acquired lots of useful contacts and information."

Mike guided them towards the It's Your Business event, hosted by York Business Advice Centre, which led to the appointment of a new agent and two Champagne tasting bookings.

Angie said: "The help and support we've had so far has been great, and throughout our first year in business Mike will be spending time with us, giving us pointers and tips on ways to improve our working practice.

"We believe this support will be invaluable to our long-term success."

Kevin said: "Hopefully we will move to France within the next five years.

"Meanwhile, we look forward to supplying all the good hotels and businesses in York and North Yorkshire."

Updated: 10:19 Wednesday, November 30, 2005