take 3 Recession babies
To many the idea of setting up a business in the depths of the current economic downturn is madness but we meet three entrepreneurs who thought differently and fi nd out how they are getting on
Name of business: FOOTPRINTMATTERS2U Ltd
Sector: Environmental, Waste and Recycling and Sustainability When did it start? Feb 2009 How many employees? 20
Why did you decide to take the plunge during the economic downturn? Because we saw a need for our services and believed in our skills and knowledge to make it work.
Why did you choose this particular sector? I am a hazardous waste technician and understand the current requirements of the waste and recycling industry, my business partner, Andy Scott is involved in energy effi cient replacement lighting.
How has it gone? Exceptionally well, substantial growth year on year. From a nil starting balance to nearly £750,000 turnover end of year 3 and still in the black at the bank.
What’s been the biggest challenge? Containing the growth within the profi ts of the business.
And your biggest success? A few major successes, obtaining the full waste management package for Sogefi Filtration (Framm Filters) in Llantrisant, becoming the preferred electrical and hazardous waste supplier to Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust and most recently becoming the preferred recycling supplier to Panasonic in Cardiff.
Have you had any help from business support providers? Yes, the waste resource and action programme (WRAP)
What do you know now that you wish you’d known before you set up the business? That we should have ventured into this business a long time ago.
If you had a magic wand, what would you wish for to improve the economic conditions? A fair reduction in fuel duty and business rates and a fairer Welsh system for assisting businesses in ALL area’s, not just the ‘perceived poorer’ area’s.
How confi dent are you about the future? Very, we are continuing to grow and expand
Tim Hourihane and Andy Scott, of Footprintmatters2u
and becoming noticed by industry and public sectors alike. Recycling and sustainability are here to stay, the awareness is growing and people are continuing to look to save money, something we do exceptionally well, whilst giving ‘peace of mind’.
What are your plans for the business over the next couple of years? To increase our operational premises, to continue to save money for the private and public sectors and to employ more local unemployed people.
What advice would you give anyone wanting to take the plunge at the moment? To believe in yourself. There are lots of WAG support services to help you plan and develop your dreams, be confi dent and motivated, enthusiasm for your product or service can become infectious, we’ve done it.
THEbusiness QUARTER 45
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