Member Article

Sustainable consultancy invests for growth

A fledgling North East firm is accelerating its growth following a successful cash injection.

Gaiacene, a sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) company, recently won £3000 grant from the Investment for Growth fund, which aims to help firms improve and grow.

Managing director, Craig White, launched the company in 2012 and has already established an annual turnover of £110,000. He decided to apply to the Investment for Growth Programme, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, to develop the company’s marketing strategy and new website in order to reach new markets and expand its customer base.

Managing director, Craig White, said: “The investment has been a welcome boost and will help us with our ambitious growth plans. My goal is to establish Gaiacene as a leading expert sustainability and corporate social responsibility consultancy and deliver high impact results for our clients.”

“While 75 per cent of our sales have been repeat businesses or referrals from satisfied clients, I knew a clear marketing strategy and new website was essential to help build upon this success. Thanks to the support received from Investment for Growth we’re well on the way to achieving that.”

Craig has 20 years of experience working in the sustainability and CSR sector and has a reputation for delivering successful projects that provide sustainable outcomes and benefits for businesses, organisations and communities both in the UK and abroad.

He added: “The Investment for Growth application process was simple, straightforward and was approved very quickly. The Investment for Growth team was very supportive and I would recommend them to anyone looking to grow their business.”

Investment for Growth advisor, Colin Bunn, said: “Gaiacene is a great example of a North East company demonstrating confidence by investing in its future. This investment has proven Craig’s desire and intent for Gaiacene to become a successful high growth business.”

Craig has also been approved as a business coach through the GrowthAccelerator programme. He will provide sustainability and CSR advice to enable SMEs to achieve high growth.

He said: “I am delighted to be providing business coaching through the GrowthAccelerator network. Gaiacene are excited to support any businesses that seeks to utilise the significant business benefits that a sustainable approach to business provides.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by We Are Sparkle .