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<\/p>\nAN ENTREPRENEUR has revealed how he went from borrowing money from his mum to buy deodorant to becoming a millionaire.<\/p>\n
Darren Briggs was aged 38 when his mum gave him \u00a32.50 for antiperspirant before claiming benefits.<\/p>\n
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But now he is director of a company raking in \u00a3200million and spends his Fridays learning how to pilot helicopters.<\/p>\n
He lost his job, business and relationship just 15 years ago, having taken up a career as a civil engineer after leaving college in Pembrokeshire, Wales.<\/p>\n
His dad was a roofer and mum ran a small paper shop, where he first started out doing a paper round.<\/p>\n
Darren travelled around the UK in his role, but returned home to Pembrokeshire following the death of his dad from cancer aged 55.<\/p>\n
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It led to his introduction to the oil industry, obtaining a role with Elf Oil and Total UK.<\/p>\n
The experience led to the lightbulb moment spotting a gap in the market for providing oil price data to independent petrol stations.<\/p>\n
Darren created BigOil.net, which provides data to help petrol retailersget the best deal for their supplies.<\/p>\n
The business generated enough interest to secure a deal with BP, before selling it to the Petrol Retailers Association in 2007, WalesOnline reports.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n He then focused his attention on digital advertising firm Big Media Group Ltd, but the firm did not hit anywhere near the level of success.<\/p>\n Instead, the company racked up hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of debt.<\/p>\n Darren took eight years to pay back what was owed and, at 38, he signed up to receive benefit payments.<\/p>\n He began working as a consultant and slowly rebuilt his credit rating, before purchasing the first petrol station of his newly-formed Ascona Group. It was followed by a second forecourt shortly after.<\/p>\n The firm now has a network of 64 sites across the UK and served more than 300,000 customers each week.<\/p>\n He faced further financial meltdown when he was sued by a major PLC, but the case was dropped before reaching court after a two-year battle between lawyers.<\/p>\n Darren said: "It's about the right product at the right time at the right price.<\/p>\n "If you do that, then you're halfway there."<\/p>\n He also purchased Cornwall Garages for \u00a313m, adding to his forecourt empire.<\/p>\n Darren added: "We look for an unloved forecourt. Sixty per cent of independent garages are owned by families and there comes a time they want to sell or retire. <\/p>\n "There's plenty out there. The challenge is having the money to spend."<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/retail-store-wilko-wilko-british-840802951.jpg\")
<\/picture>\nHuge blow for Wilko as major firm rubbishes rescue bid claims<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n
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<\/picture>\nCrunch time for Wilko as rescue bid deadline PASSES – latest on jobs and stores<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n
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<\/picture>\nWilko redundancy talks to 'restart tomorrow' if bid for stores and workers fails<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n
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<\/picture>\nWilko deadline TODAY will decide chain's fate as last-minute bidders compete<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n
Read More on The Sun<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nI’m a mum & found UK’s best adventure park, kids love the rides & there’s no queues<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nLove Island star signs six figure deal after fast fashion backlash on show<\/h3>\n
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