Most entrepreneurs dream of their businesses going with a bang. But at the Oxfordshire Shooting School, there are several bangs a minute when it is busy – and that is the case most of the time.

Fortunately, the noise levels aren’t likely to upset the neighbours as the fledgling company has set up a base at Enstone Airfield, where the constant sound of shotguns is carried away by the wind.

The business was set up by Charlie Stewart-Wood and Roy Turner in February and is already attracting significant clientele ranging from novices to stalwarts of the Oxfordshire shooting scene.

They are attracted by new facilities including eight layouts for clay pigeon shooting with various levels of difficulty available, while simulated flush shooting is available using a high tower.

And a newly constructed lodge also allows members and visitors to take time out for refreshments and enjoy the surroundings.

Mr Stewart-Wood, 27, said: “We specialise in bringing new people to the sport – we are teaching a lot of children how to shoot and running inter-school competitions.”

This immediately raises issue of licensing youngsters to shoot – recent figures obtained by the BBC show 13 children under the age of 10 have been issued with shotgun certificates in the UK over the past three years, with the youngest being seven.

But Mr Stewart-Wood said: “The certificate is just a piece of paper. People of that age can’t just go out shooting on their own.

“We have four instructors here and knowing how to handle a gun is what we focus on. It is not just about going out to shoot clays, it is about having respect for the sport. As long as it is done properly, it is safe.”

Mr Stewart-Wood added that many fathers brought their children to the school to learn how to shoot and handle a gun correctly and safely.

It is also a busy period for people practising for the game season which is now in full swing and runs through the winter until February.

The idea for the Oxfordshire Shooting School developed after Mr Stewart-Wood joined Witney-based gun retailer Francis Lovel & Co, which specialises in English shotguns and rifles such as Purdey and Holland & Holland. Prices range from £1,000 to £60,000.

The two businesses complement each other perfectly and now the shooting school has a footfall of about 170 people a week.

Annual turnover at the school is predicted to be £160,000 on the back of a £60,000 investment in facilities.

Mr Stewart-Wood added: “It is a big area for shooting and not everyone shoots game. Many of our customers are not out to shoot anything live — they just enjoy the sport in a different way.”

Members or guests at the club do not need to own a gun. A suitable model will be provided for a lesson with an instructor who is always on hand.

Lessons start from £25 an hour for a complete novice, who will try their hand at clay pigeon shooting with a group of up to four others.

Individual lessons cost £65 an hour for non-members, with membership reducing that price by £15. Clays and boxes of cartridges cost extra.

The Oxfordshire Shooting School also offers a full range of corporate packages which can include anything from flying helicopters to falconry thanks to link-ups with venues including Heythrop Park and Blenheim Palace.

Mr Stewart-Wood added that after six months, the school is becoming busier and he is learning more about the business and the requirements of those using it.

For example, he is discovering many experienced shots want to use the facilities, as well as those looking to learn about the sport.

He said: “We do get experienced people because everyone needs to practise, no matter what level you are at.”