Sometimes childhood dreams do come true - just ask the precocious schoolboy with a fascination for gadgets and gizmos who grew up to head one of the county's most successful electronic security firms.

These days, Paul Mahoney is managing director of the Dependabel Group, the Southend-based installer and maintainer of electronic fire and security equipment, with an average annual growth rate of 47 per cent over the past four years.

As a child, Paul's aptitude for electronics could have left teachers and classmates at Prince Avenue School, Westcliff, in little doubt he was destined for success.

"I have always been into electronics and technology," he recalled. "I remember my classroom was the only one at the school with its own alarm system and doorbell."

In 1985, aged 17, he was snapped up by Dependabel as a trainee engineer. After six years he moved on, but returned in 1994 and bought the company two years later.

The company now has offices in London, divisions specialising in high security commercial and residential systems, and is about to move from Farriers Way to new headquarters on Rochford's Britannia business park.

More in today's Evening Echo

Published Tuesday, April 9, 2002