Member Article

Nicholson’s Group helps to nurture budding North East entrepreneurial talent

A Teesside transport business is looking to to nurture young business talent in the region after supporting a horticulture entrepreneur.

Northumbria University graduate Dan Robson launched Green Digit Ltd to supply herb and flower seeds in environmentally friendly packaging known as SeedCell.

The Nicholson’s Group was able to provide a package of support for Dan with advice and mentorship, as well as warehouse space, an office and delivery services free of charge.

Green Digit Ltd has now blossomed into its own 2000sq ft manufacturing facility and offices in Gateshead, supplying SeedCell to Homebase, B&Q, Oxfam and The Science Museum in London.

And now Billingham-based Nicholson’s Group, which comprises Nicholson’s Transport as well as storage company Box Clever, is seeking to help another budding entrepreneur.

Managing Director David Nicholson said: “We have always supported young people to achieve their potential, whether that’s with staff gaining qualifications or outside with young businesses who clearly have the potential to grow but could do with some help to set them on their way.

“Dan is a great example of that. He’s worked hard over the past couple of years and is beginning to see that commitment pay off. But now he has moved on, it is time for Nicholson’s to find the next young business to support.

“We are looking for a small manufacturing business which needs the help of the transport networks and infrastructure we can provide, with logistics and deliveries. We are really excited about who that could be.”

Dan launched Green Digit Ltd after developing an interest in guerrilla gardening where ‘undercover’ gardeners tidy up and tend to neglected patches of wasteland or public green spaces.

That inspired him to design an environmentally friendly seed biodegradable dispenser which can be planted into the earth. After initially securing an order for 10,000 SeedCells to stock department stores and garden centres in the south of England, Dan asked Nicholson’s Transport to help send the packages safely on their way.

Two years on and Green Digit Ltd has secured significant investment from venture capitalists Rivers Capital and moved into its own premises at the Baltic Road Industrial Estate in Gateshead in January.

Dan, who is 28, said: “It has been great to move into our own facility as it is gives us the capacity to take control of the manufacturing process and the potential to grow and employ more staff.

“The support we have had from Nicholson’s Transport has been fantastic. Breaking into retail is incredibly difficult, so knowing we did not need to worry about transport and storage when we were starting out was a relief and allowed me to concentrate on building networks and getting a foot in the door with the large retailers.

“I am incredibly grateful to David and the team at Nicholson’s as they helped us in so many ways, from wrapping and stacking pallets to invaluable business advice and support.”

David Nicholson added: “I know how difficult it can be to get a new business up and running as I started this firm when I was 17. But we want to help those young entrepreneurs with the right drive and enthusiasm and can’t wait to get started on our next project.”