Environmentally friendly solutions – Green Fence Ltd
The story
In 1998 after many years working in the financial services sector.
His endeavours highlighted the environmental and sustainable benefits of products made from British straws and miscanthus grass, in particular straw pellets.
Straw is 100% renewable, requires no pesticides, has high yield, encourages wildlife and has natural anti-bacterial properties.
Following extensive research and considerable product development David opted to wood chip and straw in terms of both absorbency and in helping keep horses hooves healthy and free from infection.
The innovation focus
Equine bedding is a very autumn/winter seasonal product so David sought to nearby crops. Further investigations showed that slugs don’t like the spiky and ultra-absorbent surface of the straw.
Subsequently, the idea to slugs, pets and wildlife.
David came to-one support from his coach he worked on the development of both business and marketing plans, finance raising and a pricing strategy.
He also attended masterclasses on ideation, business evaluation, market analysis, product development and commercialisation. The business also received support from Focus Digital, an ERDF programme at CUE Business Solutions to develop digital branding.
The success
Slugless launched in June 2017 at Gardeners’ World Live Exhibition at the NEC, and is now also available in garden centres nationally and online. It’s establishing itself in the market place as a viable eco-friendly alternative to other chemical based products.
e: innovation@cad.coventry.ac.uk w: cuebusinesssolutions.com