Setting up your own business is a tough task, but when you want to improve the state of the planet as well as generate money, then it becomes even harder. However, this is precisely what Growaforest founder Christian Woolfenden has set out to do.
Name: Christian Woolfenden
Age: 26
Business: Growaforest
Type of business: Conservation
Start date: Jan 05
When did you first decide you wanted to start your own business?
It is something I’ve always wanted to do. For as long as I can remember I’ve sold things, as a child it was anything from pond plants to tropical fish, Christmas trees to home grown strawberries. Always wanting to run a business rather than become a millionaire.
Tell us about your business
Growaforest is a company aimed at improving the state of our planet. We are realistic in the belief that we will never entirely move away from CO2 production and we recognise that we all contribute to it in most things that we do. Our aim therefore, is to make it as easy as possible for individuals and companies to do their bit to reverse their own CO2 emission; by planting trees. These trees not only fight global warming by naturally absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, but also create new wildlife habitat and improve biodiversity. We try to ensure that all planting areas have public access for everyone to enjoy.
Growaforest is also an ethical business. It was created to have a positive, rather than a negative impact on the environment and people's quality of life. Although Growaforest is run as a business by volunteers, we reinvest any profit back into the green growth of the company.
Currently, our key investment areas are: Purchase of land to grow wholly owned forests for public recreational and educational use; Investment in renewable and sustainable energy projects which enable individuals, companies and nations to become greener, and save money; Investment in education and marketing to increase awareness of the action needed on climatic change.
We are working to raise awareness about carbon reduction and we aim to help our customers to reduce their carbon emissions through the growing of new trees.
Was it your first business idea and where did it come from?
No, I’ve had loads of ideas in the past, but this is the first one that kept me awake at night – I just couldn’t get it out of my head because of all the additional thoughts the original idea kept generating.
Was your decision to start a business inspired by any other companies or individuals?
It was partially inspired by a friend of mine who kept complaining how guilty he felt about all the pollution he was causing each time he flew from the UK to the US for business.
What makes you think there’s a market for your business?
There has been a huge amount in the press recently about blue chips needing to better deliver against their ‘green’ policies. UK consumers are becoming more aware about their impact on the environment. There are already companies out there who offer similar solutions to global warming. Global warming is big on corporate and government agendas. Also, consumers are always looking for new, novel gifts and the reaction from the public so far has been very positive.
Once you’d decided to start a business, what did you do first?
I purchased the web address, found out how much it cost to plant tree, then I rang a friend who had web development experience
What research did you do?
Lots. I sought to understand what kind of competition existed, what products they offered, the weaknesses they had. I then dug into the financials of the project and pulled together a business plan to work from. It’s fair to say I researched a lot of stuff as I went along, and as the need arose.
What advice did you seek?
I used business link. It was very helpful, as it provided good advice on setting up the company at Company House. In doing so it saved me a bit of cash, because I applied directly rather than going through an agent.
What other help did you get?
I got help from two friends; one helped take my designs and developed the website, and the other helped me develop the logo and consumer packs. Both worked in the relevant business, so it was great to have them involved.
Does the government need to provide more help to people trying to start a business?
I actually found all the government stuff really helpful. I got great advice on which grants and loans were available, info on tax and VAT, trademark application etc. I found the websites and people really helpful.
Talk us through the process of writing your business plan.
Business Plan is probably a bit of an overstatement. I simply drew up a list of things I needed to do in order to launch the site – everything from buying the web domain, to integrating online payment. I then prioritised the list, put dates against actions, and got on with it.
