Released on = August 9, 2006, 3:59 am

Press Release Author = How2Become

Industry = Consumer Services

Press Release Summary = How2become LTD ( http://www.how2become.co.uk ) has been
announced as a HSBC start up stars South East Regional winner.

A £4.99 book he read at Christmas launched Richard McMunn into a second career that
could replace his full-time job as a firefighter.

Titled 'Entrepreneur - be your best and beyond', it set Richard thinking about what
he could do. After a half hour on the internet, he realised that nowhere could you
find insider knowledge, tips and advice that could really help you get a head start
in the career of your dreams. And so the idea for his new business was created.

The name came easily - 'how2become - be what you want' - and Richard immediately
started writing 'How to become a UK Firefighter', which went on sale in June 2005.

Press Release Body = FIREFIGHTER TURNED ENTREPRENEUR WINS HSBC START-UP AWARD

How2become LTD ( http://www.how2become.co.uk ) has been announced as a HSBC \'start
up stars\' South East Regional winner.

A £4.99 book he read at Christmas launched Richard McMunn into a second career that
could replace his full-time job as a firefighter.

Titled 'Entrepreneur - be your best and beyond', it set Richard thinking about what
he could do. After a half hour on the internet, he realised that nowhere could you
find insider knowledge, tips and advice that could really help you get a head start
in the career of your dreams. And so the idea for his new business was created.

The name came easily - 'how2become - be what you want' - and Richard immediately
started writing 'How to become a UK Firefighter', which went on sale in June 2005.

Since then he, and his business partner Peter Gardner, have produced 20 guides with
more in the pipeline. They all contain information from specialists in their field,
with insider advice on interview questions, exam strategies, application form guides
and other details that are legitimately available, but often hard to obtain. Richard
also applies for jobs himself, goes through the selection process and then creates a
guide based on the knowledge and information he has gained. He recently successfully
passed the Probation Officer selection process.

In the beginning sales were slow, but a revamped website combined with Richard and
Peter's sheer determination, paid off and they soon found that they needed to take
on extra staff.

Richard still works as a firefighter, writing guides, going through selection
processes, researching and pursuing new contacts in the evenings, but the
multi-tasking may not last much longer.

With a new website almost completed and registration of the 'how2become' trademark
imminent, the company is poised for a major step forward. Eventually Richard and
Peter would like to offer a mentoring service to complement their guides and there
is also the potential to expand abroad.

The site can be found at http://www.how2become.co.uk

Notes for editors
Further information, graphics and details of success stories can be obtained from:

Richard McMunn / Pete Gardner
How2Become Ltd
5 Warnford Gardens
Maidstone
Kent
ME15 6PH

Telephone : +44(0)845 4190544


Web Site = http://www.how2become.co.uk

Contact Details = Richard McMunn