Two Cheshire-based entrepreneurs have launched a VIP electronic cigarette concession in the city’s Forum Shopping Centre to give addicted smokers a healthier alternative to tobacco.

Des Piercy, 55 who lives in Westminster Park and his 59-year-old brother Nick, who lives in Ellesmere Port, are using their 30 years of retail experience to declare war on cigarette addiction – a curse that has already touched members of their family.

Des explained: “Our late step-father suffered smoking related conditions in his later years and my brother Nick began to feel the side effects of tobacco addiction as he got older.

“Nick and I decided to see if electronic cigarettes might help him to quit and after a great deal of research we found Manchester-based VIP electronic cigarettes.”

Nick added: “The more we researched VIP, the more impressed we were. The company has invested significantly to produce a product that is both satisfying yet entirely safe for the user. The company has conducted its own extensive research in order to meet the needs of the modern smoker.

“The smooth and realistic smoke-like vapour produced by their electronic cigarettes perfectly mimics cigarette smoke and provides the user with a nicotine boost. However, the VIP e-Cig contains no tobacco and no tar.”

Des and Nick were so impressed by the results of their research into VIP that they applied for a concession to embark on their mission to help smokers stub-out their addiction.

“We’ve both worked successfully in the retail sector for more than 30 years,” added Des. “But we are both entirely committed to helping smokers quit the habit so they can lead healthier lives.”

After investing more than £25,000 in a modern sales unit on the ground floor of the Forum Shopping Centre, Des and Nick launched their new business at the end of June.

Des said: “Business is steady and we seem to have attracted quite a lot of interest from the public.

“I also believe our customers are pleased that we will absolutely not supply e-Cigs to under 18 year olds because we want to help those who are addicted to tobacco to quit the habit and lead a healthier lifestyle.

“We’re not in the business of introducing youngsters to new and unnecessary habits.”

The Forum Shopping Centre’s centre manager, Lawrence Allen said: “I am delighted to welcome VIP to the Forum and wish them every success.”