Heather Goodchild: Absolutely Gardens

Heather Goodchild set up her garden design and maintenance business Absolutely Gardens to develop her interest in horticulture and because she wanted more flexible working hours.

Find out how she went about setting up her business...

Heather turned to the Women’s Business Development Agency (WBDA) for help to develop her business plan and gain financial advice. Heather said: “Gardening programmes such as Ground Force really ignited people’s passion in their gardens and it is a subject that I have always been interested in and when my son, Callum, started school I decided to become self-employed so I could have more flexible hours.

“I have regular gardening customers which involves planting, maintenance and advice and I am now developing the design aspects of the business.

"Last year I did an educational project building a garden with women and children in Edgbaston which I enjoyed an awful lot and I would like more of that sort of work as well. Although I have knowledge and skills in gardening, I didn’t have enough knowledge and skills to run a business.

“I went on a programme run by WBDA which covered different areas such as business planning and marketing and I was given access to business advisor Marion Taggart. She gave me more specific help which was fundamental in getting my business off the ground helping me develop my business plan and access information on doing accounts.”

Marion from WBDA said the workshops were designed for women like Heather who have a great idea but are not sure how to launch their own business.

“These free, informal workshops are designed to be a confidence booster and overcome any fears or worries about starting a business,” she said.

"We want women to conquer any fears or worries they may have about starting their own business and access on-line training.

These face-to-face programmes are now available online by registering at www.wmwomensbusinesscentre.com"

Heather can be contacted on 0121 247 1374 or by email at heather.goodchild@blueyonder.co.uk