With a history of setting up sound businesses, Alex Browne is bound to become a big noise in the business world in York.

Remember Alex? He scooped the Young Entrepreneur Of The Year title in the Press Business Awards in 2003.

That was for the successful sound studio he set up in Acaster, which became a honeypot for every major and aspiring band in the city.

He was young enough then to go for the same title in this year's awards, but now with a new venture. That is why he is also pitching for the New Business Of The Year title.

Having sold Pig Hut to a consortium of three musicians last year, 25-year-old Alex started Sound Solution Acoustic Consultancy Ltd.

His firm gives acoustic advice to construction firms, builders, developers, architects and local authorities.

After only five months, the company, based in Nun Monkton, turned over £60,000. That allowed Alex to take on an acoustic consultant, and helped buy hi-tech measuring hardware and software.

Inquiries from the likes of oil company Shell, as well as large construction firms, augur well for a projected turnover of £180,000 in the first year.

Alex's links with sound are more inherited than accidental. His father, Stuart, runs a soundproof manufacturing firm, Noise Stop Systems. Alex rents space at his father's Nun Monkton firm.

Alex said: "I like to measure my success and my title win in The Press Business awards did just that. I'd like to do it again."