Frank takes up a partnership with Carla, their relationship grows and they become engaged. As the wedding plans progress Carla realises that she still has feelings for Peter and she calls off the wedding. Frank rapes Carla at her flat, and she later reports this to the police. Frank is arrested but later released on bail on condition that he stay away from Carla and the business. Frank's mother steps into his shoes at the factory and interferes with Carla's life, making it harder for her to run the factory. Frank steals the clients from "Underworld" and sends in men to take his share of items and stock from the business to set up his new business elsewhere in the area. With no work for the staff, Carla makes the decision to lay off staff. First is by mutual agreement with Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly), who walks out as she was the last to be employed at the factory. She is followed by Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) for the same reason. Carla also dismisses Sally Webster (Sally Dynevor), who is upset that Carla has done so, as Sally has worked for the factory and been loyal to the business for many years. Frank approaches Sally and offers her a supervisor's job at his new factory which she accepts. Frank later returns to "Underworld" merging his business with Carla's, bringing his staff with him.