'Naturally does it' as Green Hands make it into the Smarta 100

Published by Russ Cockburn for Danks Cockburn Public Relations Ltd in Environment and also in Bill Payments, Central Government, Communities, Health, Local Government

An innovative Leominster entrepreneur is celebrating her 5th anniversary in style after securing a prestigious national award.

Naomi Andersson’s Green Hands business, a specialist in ethical and environmentally friendly beauty products, was chosen as a winner of the inaugural ‘Smarta 100’, a national competition aimed at recognising the UK’s smartest small businesses.

Supported by Business Link West Midlands, the qualified nail technician impressed a high profile judging panel featuring Dragons Den’s Deborah Meaden and Bebo Founder Michael Birch with the way she differentiates her business from bigger brands with massive advertising budgets.

They singled out how she has built up a range of natural products from scratch, including two of her own products in Green Hands Glass nail file and the award-winning organic cuticle and nail oil.

Naomi, who combines life as an entrepreneur with being mum to two young children, was delighted to be recognised:

“Being chosen as a Smarta100 company gives me confidence in what I am doing, makes me even more motivated to keep growing and adds external credibility to our business.

She went on to add: “It also validates the fact that I don't have to be a 24/7 entrepreneur at the cost of my family; I have managed like this for 5 years and the business is growing, is profitable and always trying new and exciting things.”

Established in 2005, Green Hands was set up after Naomi spotted a gap in the beauty and body care industry for a range of products that not only looked great but were also environmentally friendly.

She immediately tapped into accounting and marketing support from Business Link WM to help in the initial stages of development before quickly building up a fifteen-strong product list which she sells online and via a small shop in Leominster.

The ambitious entrepreneur, who also offers pedicure and manicure treatments, has increased turnover by 30% year on year and hopes to build on this by developing three new products and breaking into the high street for the first time.

“I discovered how my own bathroom cabinet was jammed full of harsh chemical substances and toxins and knew that in today’s eco-conscious time a move to natural products, which retained the same level of look and performance, would go down really well,” explained Naomi.

“Basically, what we have now is a range of natural products that have no harmful substances in them. Our organic nail and cuticle oil has proved really popular and even secured an award from the Green Beauty Bible as the top nail strengthening product.”

She added: “Being an entrepreneur is not easy, so I’ve tried to use as much help and support as possible. Business Link WM, in particular, has been excellent in giving me access to assistance when I needed it most, whether it was over the phone or in person. I also found out about the Smarta award after reading it in their really useful newsletter.”

Business Link’s Chris Bargman picked up the story:

“Naomi has shown great innovation and determination to grow her company and for it to be recognised by such high profile business leaders is a great testament to her achievements.

“We’ve worked with her from the outset and will continue to support Green Hands as it looks to establish itself as a leading provider of natural products.”

Business Link West Midlands (BLWM) offers support to Herefordshire businesses looking to start-up, develop and grow.

Its expert advisers work with clients to review critical business processes, management and leadership skills and provide access to a wide range sophisticated range of support services and solutions.

The organisation also runs a number of events in Herefordshire, so please visit www.businesslinkwm.co.uk for more information on how to take part.