ELEVATOR PITCH

[july 17, 2008]
the man behind green benefits is on a high
after the successful launch of his sustainable living consultancy
last night at the warehouse in digbeth
attended by over fifty people
founder dave watton explains how it works
*explain your business to my mum
i offer advice to individuals, businesses and organisations
on how they can live and work more sustainably
and save money at the same time
i look at things like home energy
the food we eat
the goods and services we buy
and how we get around
i also give talks and workshops to schools and groups
basically i'm trying to enable people to live and work more sustainably
and at the same time show them how they can actually thrive
in response to the huge challenges we currently face:
climate change and diminishing resources
*how do you make money?
i offer a range of 'pay-as-you-go' services
depending on the client's priorities
for example i can just look at the savings people can make
in their home energy use
or also focus on areas like transport or holidays
if that's what the particular client wants
i also promote the products and services of selected green companies
whom i endorse on my website: greenbenefits.co.uk
*what's your background?
i studied architecture and then worked in education for fifteen years
more recently i've trained as a code for sustainable homes assessor
and worked hard to build up my skills and know-how
through attending various courses, workshops and events
*how much business have you had so far and what's your target within 12 months?
so far i've advised a birmingham-based charity
on how it can reduce the energy consumption of its offices
and i've led several workshops at a local secondary school
where the kids made pledges to take positive action on climate change
i'm aiming to build business up steadily
to the point where i'm having to turn clients away!
*what's your biggest challenge?
probably achieving a critical mass of business
so that people start contacting me through word-of-mouth recommendation
in the end it's all about my customers
without them i'm nothing
*name your closest competitors
well there's an amazing chap down in buckinghamshire called dave hampton
who bills himself as 'the carbon coach'
he advises people on reducing their carbon emissions
but i see dave as an inspirational friend and ally
rather than as a competitor
*what's your top green tip?
wherever possible
consider climate-friendly alternatives to flying
as it can easily outweigh all your other emissions put together
for example instead of flying to rome for a holiday
and wasting valuable time waiting in departure lounges
or standing in long queues
you could take advantage of the new high-speed eurostar connection
and travel on the overnight sleeper
treating yourself to beautiful tuscan scenery
now what a romantic and thrilling way to travel!
*where do you want the business to be in five years' time?
i want green benefits to become the affordable service provider of choice
to individuals and organisations in the area
seeking advice on both lowering their carbon footprint
and saving money

green benefits
eco-advice & education that helps you thrive