SWINDON entrepreneur Billy Gibbs has just set up his own business providing a safer way to buy and sell pre-owned smartphones.

In the UK, prior to the release of Billy's business, PhoneKick, there wasn’t a user-driven marketplace completely focused on rehoming mobile phones.

The website he has developed offers a checking service to ensure the phones are ready to re-home and directly connects users to make transactions safer and simpler.

Billy, a fan of technical trends, said: "If you’re looking to purchase a pre-owned phone, you’re most likely browse on a general marketplace or auction site, since that’s what I’ve done, but there is no assurance with these types of websites.

"I’ve had parcels arrive and they don’t match the listing’s descriptions or pictures. And when it has, there have been other security concerns, like the phone is bound to outstanding finance, subject to an insurance claim or counterfeit.

"We’ve even bought a phone that was found to be reported stolen and needed to be handed over to the police. It just becomes a big hassle.”

Billy says PhoneKick prevents these issues through their advanced background check, shielding people from buying a reported stolen, blocked or compromised device.

"Unlike other 'quick' buy and sell sites, PhoneKick solely focuses on rehoming phones to prevent sellers from being bombarded with enquiries that fall well below the asking price," he said.

"This targeted approach is more likely to attract serious buyers, specifically looking to purchase a phone, rather than people just looking for the best deal possible on all types of goods. Another option is to trade your phone in, but this significantly reduces the seller’s cash return.”

To launch the platform, PhoneKick is giving away a brand new iPhone 7 Jet-Black limited edition model.

There are six ways to win, so visit the PhoneKick website to find out more: www.phonekick.com