A new Internet business providing personal information cards has already proved to be a big hit with holidaymakers. uCardit is producing durable and waterproof credit card-sized plastic cards which can hold vital details, such as a photocopy of your passport, or emergency contact numbers.

The firm, based in Chalgrove, took two years to get up and running but is now set for success.

Director Shaun Mahoney, 41, said: "I had lots of ideas but, whenever I looked at the list, this one jumped out at me. The fact that it was a genuinely useful service was particularly important.

"It was the one friends and family talked about and came up with suggestions for why they would need a uCardit."

Mr Mahoney studied civil engineering at Plymouth Polytechnic but wanted to do something more people-orientated.

He went backpacking for 14 months before returning to do a master's degree in ergonomics at Loughborough University. After 12 years as a consultant in ergonomics, six of these running his own consultancy business with a co-director, he felt he needed a change.

He started thinking of business ideas and came up with the concept for uCardit. Customers log on to www.ucardit.co.uk and can design their own cards, depending on their needs.

After a false start with software development, Mr Mahoney's enthusiasm was boosted when Business Link said he could be eligible for a Broadband Exploitation grant.

He said: "It got me over a significant hurdle. The grants gave me something when everything was looking rough."

One of the areas for uCardit he identified was for medical use, especially for people who might need assistance occasionally, such as those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy or allergies.

The card could contain contact numbers, their GP's telephone number, and an explanation of their condition.

The cards are also ideal for travellers. Passport and insurance details can be put on the card, along with other useful information. Cards can also be left with family, friends, or even fellow travellers.

An example of a situation when the system would have become vital is during the tsunami disaster when a durable, waterproof card with a photo and personal details would have helped to trace or identify victims.

uCardit is registered with the Information Commissioners Office for data protection and card details can be stored securely on the website using a password or all records can be deleted.

Mr Mahoney added: "The uCardits are currently popular with travellers but our next focus will be on working with charities, as I think they could help people with a whole range of medical problems.

"I am very grateful for the help I have received in getting to this stage. The future is looking very positive."

n Contact: Shaun Mahoney, uCardit, 01865 891457, email shaun.mahoney@ucardit.co.uk