Aquatics expert looks to scale start up enterprise

Rotherham-based Carl Goodman is setting his sights on scaling his ethical aquatics business after calling on help from the Sheffield City Region Launchpad programme.

His love of all things aquatic began in childhood, but he first began exploring the idea of earning a living from his long-held hobby in 2019, having spent several years working in unfulfilling customer service roles.

When he discovered a pet store he had supported for many years was closing its doors, the 25-year-old decided to take the plunge and reached out to Launchpad, a programme which provides tailored business support to new and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Working alongside an experienced business adviser, he secured the licenses he needed to trade in live animals, and began putting his plans into action.

Goodman decided to initially base his business at home and set about building a large, insulated summer house which could house a diverse range of fish.

Through his work with the Launchpad programme, Carl learned how to write a business plan, as well as gaining an insight into how to build a website and attract customers via social media.

Now he has expanded his fledgling start-up, Sustainable Aquatics, to larger premises, creating three new jobs and a haven for aquarium enthusiasts.

The new centre which is based in a converted former industrial unit at Eastwood Trading Estate has enabled him to increase his diverse range of freshwater and tropical fish tenfold.

Goodman said: “One of the reasons why I wanted to run my own business was to play a small part in protecting wild tropical fish stocks.

“As a student I was shocked to learn how marine ecosystems are being decimated, due to the practice of harvesting wild fish, which often find themselves in unsuitable aquariums across the world.

“I called my business Sustainable Aquatics because all the fish I sell are sourced from captivity and can be traced to individual breeders across the world.

“I was referred to the Launchpad team who not only helped me to understand my legal responsibilities but also helped me to develop the essential business skills needed to build and grow my business.

““Working with a business adviser proved to be an invaluable experience. One of the best parts about the experience was the questions I was asked.

“The advice I received wasn’t prescriptive, but it helped me to draw my own conclusions and it has given me the confidence in my ideas to expand the business into new premises.”

Darren McDool, business advisor at Launchpad, said: “The success Carl has enjoyed illustrates how the support provided by Launchpad can help new entrepreneurs to overcome the potential barriers many face.

“Despite lockdown forcing Carl to delay the planned relocation of his new business, he has successfully adapted his business model accordingly.

“One of the unique elements of the Launchpad programme is that we don’t just help new entrepreneurs to create their business, but we provide ongoing support as their business grows and evolves.”

Launchpad is the Sheffield City Region’s key business support programme for new business.

Financially supported by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by local authorities within the Sheffield City Region and the Prince’s Trust, the programme provides free help and support to budding entrepreneurs in the City Region.