Environet UK: Expanding after taking part in the Aston Programme for Small Business Growth

By Mark Thompson, director of Environet UK

AS a director of Worcestershire-based Environet UK I have been helping the fight against the invasive plant Japanese knotweed since 2011. 

Wanting to learn more about how to grow the company, I did a little bit of research on the Aston Programme for Small Business Growth. The content looked good and the timings worked for me, so I joined a group of 30 like-minded business owners earlier this year to take part in this exceptional programme. 

I am already seeing the outputs I was hoping for.

Delivered by the Aston Centre for Growth at Aston Business School over a period of five months, the Aston Programme for Small Business Growth is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The programme was designed specifically for small business leaders and addressed a range of issues faced by growing SMEs through practical workshops, a network of other growing businesses and one-to-one sessions with a business mentor, which proved a real asset to me. 

My mentor was inspirational. He had tons of solid experience and so was able to challenge me and give me sound advice that was practical and relevant to my situation. The programme really confirmed that we were on the right track and the workshops were great. It filled me with a sense of “you can do it”, and was motivating and encouraging.

As a result we have increased confidence to set and work towards ambitious targets, and we have experienced real growth. This year we have taken on eight new team members, with two of those roles being for our marketing and communications, and we are looking to take on more.

We have expanded into new territories, we are receiving lots of new enquiries and we have launched a new insurance product for Japanese knotweed that helps people when selling their home.

I was encouraged by how much I enjoyed the programme, given that I was away from my day job, and the amount of knowledge and skills I was able to take away. It was great. I would recommend the programme to other small businesses too, as it gives you increased skills and confidence.

We have grown already, with new team members and new products, and are looking to expand even further.

And furthermore, Aston Centre for Growth continues its engagement with us even though we have graduated from the programme, supporting our continued growth and involving us in the Aston Business Network.

For more information on Environet UK visit http://www.environetuk.com/.