A CITY magician has conjured up a new business after a lifetime learning the trade.

Andy Nicol launched his enterprise, Justin Allusion, offering to entertain with his magic act at corporate events, parties, armed forces functions, cruise ships and more.

The prestidigitator from Plympton started learning tricks as a young boy after a conjuror at Tavistock's Goose Fair captured his imagination.

Now at the age of 39 he has gone solo, showcasing his talents at an Outset Finance networking meeting at Studio Lounge, Millbay Road.

"I'm ecstatic. To be able to go out and say I can do my own work and support myself doing something I love is incredible."

The magician has been performing part-time for eleven years after his hobby developed at a young age.

"It has been a very natural progression," he said.

"I loved magic as a lad. I met a man at Goosey Fair selling tricks and then I saw an American on television doing David Blaine-type stuff. Since seeing him I decided I wanted to learn how to do it properly so I joined a magic circle in Plymouth."

He said this move helped build his confidence and his repertoire of illusions.

"I taught myself from books and set myself up with an agent – in this industry much work comes from word-of-mouth."

"I've gone so long from one job to another that I don't necessarily enjoy that I wanted to do something I loved all the time."

He said his motto had been 'never give up'. He practised for nine months every evening and lunch break, the act, received with rapturous applause, which launched his business at the networking event.

"I've been working constantly and sometimes I think 'is it worth it?' but you cannot give up – it's never too late."

He met someone who'd also used Outset to launch their business.

"They said they couldn't have done it any other way," he said.

"They have helped me with market research, cash flow and forecasts and all for free. They've been invaluable."

To use Andy's services contact admin@showbizuk.com or visit www.showbizuk.com or call 0845 2575868.