business resource
How to build the next big green idea into a sustainable business in association with SHELL SPRINGBOARD
Creating a low carbon future requires us to reimagine the status quo – and some of the biggest innovations are being driven by dynamic start-up enterprises. Winners of Shell Springboard, a nationwide search for the next big idea in low carbon business, represent some of the boldest commercially viable solutions to the energy challenge.
But as many young SMEs know, it’s not enough to have a big idea unless you can build it into a sustainable business. We’ve asked three past Shell Springboard winners – Select Innovations managing director David Aarons, Cella Energy ceo Stephen Voller, and Carbon8 Systems founding partner Paula Carey – to share their practical wisdom with GreenWise Business readers.
Here are their top 10 tips on how to turn a green idea into a sustainable business:
2. Get your message right – try to come up with a simple one liner that can be the subject of an email, such as ‘longer lasting batteries’ or ‘cheaper petrol’
3. Choose people that share your vision – this doesn’t just apply to your internal team but also to external business partners and investors. Not every deal will be good for your business
5. Ensure you have a robust business plan – the application process for competitions such as Springboard can help you focus your strategic thinking
6. Be realistic – don’t overvalue your business or the market, and be honest about your financial situation
7. Embrace the support on offer – you will achieve much more than if you go it alone
8. Make the most of the networking opportunities and the feedback you get from competitions like Springboard; it’s not all about the financial reward
9. Never promise what you can’t achieve – you’ll only lose credibility if you under deliver
10. Remain committed and passionate – keep plugging away, you will get knock backs, but if your idea is good enough someone will say yes
For more information about Shell Springboard visit www.shellspringboard.org
Biogs:
David Aarons is managing director at Select Innovations, a Norfolk based company pioneering energy efficient streetlights. www.enlight.co.uk
Stephen Voller is the ceo of Cella Energy, an Oxford University spin-out that produces hydrogen fuel cells for zero-emission transportation. www.cellaenergy.com
Paula Carey is a founding director of Carbon8 Systems, which specialises in industrial waste treatment and the production of aggregates using Accelerated Carbonation Technology. www.c8s.co.uk
1. Listen to what customers need and know your market – have relevant statistics and information to hand, and build this into your product development and marketing
2. Get your message right – try to come up with a simple one liner that can be the subject of an email, such as ‘longer lasting batteries’ or ‘cheaper petrol’
3. Choose people that share your vision – this doesn’t just apply to your internal team but also to external business partners and investors. Not every deal will be good for your business
4. Employ relevant and experienced management – if your key first market is defence get a defence expert in the team; if you want to work with the oil industry approach a chairman from BP
5. Ensure you have a robust business plan – the application process for competitions such as Springboard can help you focus your strategic thinking
6. Be realistic – don’t overvalue your business or the market, and be honest about your financial situation
7. Embrace the support on offer – you will achieve much more than if you go it alone
8. Make the most of the networking opportunities and the feedback you get from competitions like Springboard; it’s not all about the financial reward
9. Never promise what you can’t achieve – you’ll only lose credibility if you under deliver
10. Remain committed and passionate – keep plugging away, you will get knock backs, but if your idea is good enough someone will say yes
For more information about Shell Springboard visit www.shellspringboard.org
Biogs:
David Aarons is managing director at Select Innovations, a Norfolk based company pioneering energy efficient streetlights. www.enlight.co.uk
Stephen Voller is the ceo of Cella Energy, an Oxford University spin-out that produces hydrogen fuel cells for zero-emission transportation. www.cellaenergy.com
Paula Carey is a founding director of Carbon8 Systems, which specialises in industrial waste treatment and the production of aggregates using Accelerated Carbonation Technology. www.c8s.co.uk
