A whizzkid entrepreneur who set up a thriving business aged just 12 has taken on a new apprentice... himself!

Ben Towers is in the unusual position of being his own boss and an apprentice at the same time.

Because while his most of his friends have gone back to school this term, Ben has stepped out full time into the world of business having finished his GCSEs.

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However, rules dictate students can’t leave education until the age of 18 – so he’s employed himself officially as an apprentice.

The computer whizz and former Rainham Mark Grammar School pupil, from Oak Avenue, Gillingham, started his own business at the age of 12, launching a website and graphic design business in the hope of emulating Apple founder Steve Jobs.

From that first £50 sale, over 10 times Ben’s weekly pocket money, Towers Design has grown into a company that employs 15 consultants and has over 750 clients.

Ben said: “It’s strange because all my friends have gone back to school and there I am in the office running the office – while also being an apprentice.

“It’s a bit mind-boggling.”

“It’s strange because all my friends have gone back to school and there I am in the office running the office" - Ben Towers

But he added: “It’s going really well. Earlier on today we launched our social media workshops – we want to help small business with social media.

“You’ve got big companies like Virgin putting millions into social media but smaller business can’t afford to.”

To celebrate the sixth anniversary of the business – as well as his 17th birthday – Ben is offering his customers a special offer on business cards and personal calling cards.

Visit www.towersdesign.co.uk