A MAN who once worked as a kitchen hand at a Worcester nightspot has achieved his ultimate dream and bought the business.

Dean Hill worked his way up through the ranks at Tramps to general manager before buying the club, along with over-23s’ nightspot Velvet and pre-club bar Mode, for £2 million earlier this month.

The 37-year-old has risked everything he owns to invest in the Angel Place business.

He said: “I started here in 1990 right at the bottom, part-time in the kitchen.

“Then over the years I moved to the bar, glass collecting, cloakroom, front door, reception, assistant manager, manager and general manager.

“I think this is why I put my neck on the block to invest in it.

“I tell the staff, it’s an inspiration for you guys.

“I started in this trade just before I was 18 and now 19 years on I own the business that I started at the bottom of pretty much when I left school and college.

“If you put your mind to something you can go ahead and do it.”

Mr Hill, of Leigh Sinton, bought the business from Nexum Leisure, which has owned the nightspots since 2007, with the help of a loan from Downing Corporate Finance.

He became the director of Tramps Nightclub Ltd after a deal was struck and contracts were exchanged within six weeks.

He said: “It’s been a big shock for me but it literally came on the market in mid-April and I then enquired whether I could do a management buy out.

“I was very nervous as there were three or four operators trying to purchase us so for me to get it was fantastic.

“Everything I have and own is secured against this deal so it’s a serious commitment and big step for me.”

Mr Hill said his first move will be to spend £150,000 on a revamp of Tramps main room.

He hopes no longer having to refer decisions back to head office will give the business greater flexibility for the future. He said: ”I’ve got huge faith in Worcester as a growing city.

“I’m Worcester born and bred so I’ve seen where it was and where it is now.

“I think the future’s going to be very positive.”