GREEN tuk-tuks selling takeaway coffee could help the unemployed get their lives back on track, according to a Derby entrepreneur.

William Overton has set up the Lean Green Bean Machine to encourage those recently made redundant to consider becoming self-employed.

The company, a mobile coffee franchise, uses converted tuk-tuks to sell coffee and cakes near railway stations and parks in UK cities.

The green tuk-tuks are converted to include coffee machines and all materials used are designed to be environmentally and ethically friendly.

Mr Overton, who will launch his business in Derby later this week, said he is looking for people from all over the country to join his franchise.

The 36-year-old, of Middleton Avenue, Littleover, said: "A lot of people are looking for new business opportunities, particularly during the recession.

"Franchising is great way to get off the ground. They would be able to get started straight away with us and they would find it easy to make money because so many people want ethically-sourced products."

Mr Overton will charge new franchisees an initial deposit of £5,000 to join his company, along with £400 a month to rent the tuk-tuk.

New members then receive training, including how to drive the tuk-tuks, membership of the Nationwide Caterers Association and a uniform.

The company also secures sites for them to set up shop and promises to service their tuk-tuk every year, replacing it after three.

Franchisees can decide when and how long they spend trading but, according to Mr Overton, if they sell 100 coffees and 50 cakes each day, they can make about £24,000 a year.

Mr Overton said: "This kind of job is perfect for people who want to work part-time."

Mr Overton said the company had already secured several sites in the UK and had attracted interest from people wanting to be franchisees.

Mr Overton has previously set up two business, one in ceiling heaters and one fitting household installations.

After selling the licence of his first business in 2005, Mr Overton retired at 33, living on royalties of £70,000 a year.

He said: "Early retirement is not something I would recommend, particularly for someone like me who is always on the go.

"I've carried on working anyway and the coffee idea came after I met a mobile vendor who was making £500 a day.

"I like to find new ideas for business and it's nice to know I can help out others who may be struggling."

Mr Overton will launch his business at the Friar Gate Studios on Thursday at 10am.