Member Article

Gardener hedges bets with expert start-up advice

Burton local Paul Williamson has been inundated with new work since teaming up with Blue Orchid, one of the UK’s leading business start-up support specialists.

Paul Williamson Garden Services launched two years ago as a one man garden maintenance business, offering affordable garden care for a host of regular customers as well as one-off jobs. Services range from traditional clearing and mowing to hedge trimming and pruning, as well as weeding.

Prior to starting his business Paul, 58, held a long-term sales and marketing role where he honed strong skills in customer service. While rewarding enough, the daily commute and long hours meant he struggled increasingly with poor health and fatigue. “I was putting on weight too, whereas now I’m probably fitter than ever,” he said, commenting on the physically demanding nature of his work outdoors.

Forced to focus on his wellbeing, Paul made the decision to start a home-based business using his passion and aptitude for gardening. “I’ve been a gardener since I was five really; it’s in my blood. When I was 10 or 11 I would meticulously mow the lawns, and I remember adults would comment on how well I worked.” Working from home gave Paul flexibility over his working hours, and also avoided any costly overheads.

After two years of trade, however, it was apparent that seasonality was inhibiting business growth. With demand for services and the ability to work greatly diminished in winter, Paul sought the help of his local MP to discuss ways his business could combat the bad weather challenge. Paul was referred to the local Enterprise for Success scheme, funded in part by the European Regional Development Fund.

Through the scheme Paul was able to attend a series of training workshops, and was also paired with his own Blue Orchid business advisor who helped Paul to properly assess his business needs. “My business advisor, Andy Blakemore, was very insightful. We looked at ways to expand the operating season for my business and also refined the existing offering. Things are already picking up”

Supported by Andy, Paul now has a formal business plan. Paul Williamson Garden Services has since gained much of its business from word-of-mouth customer referrals, and will continue to grow services across Burton on Trent with a view to hiring its first staff.

Blue Orchid business advisor Andy Blakemore will work with Paul until the business reaches its third year. “Forgive the pun,” Andy said, “but for its industry Paul Williamson Garden Services really is cutting edge. Paul is very responsive to my business ideas, and he is always testing new gadgets independently that can make his services even better. Together we’ve fine-tuned his business and set achievable, exciting goals.”

Paul encourages people contemplating their own business to take the chance and speak to a specialist service like Blue Orchid. “It’s not just advice you get; it’s motivation. There are plenty of opportunities out there for people wanting to start up. Provided you follow some basic rules of business, you can do almost anything.”

For more information about the services provided by Blue Orchid, please visit http://www.blueorchid.co.uk/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Blue Orchid .