Simon’s eco ethics have turned into a growing business

Simon, 34, the MD of micro-business EcoStyle, turned away a potential contract when representatives of the nuclear power industry came knocking.

EcoStyle, based in the Basepoint development in Great Marlings, Luton, makes models of things like wind turbines and solar energy systems that school children use to learn about renewable power.

Simon, who started EcoStyle in 2002, said: “They wanted me to make models of nuclear power stations but I don’t agree with nuclear power.”

Simon’s company won the Green Business Award, sponsored by Bedford Borough Council, in the Rising Stars Bedfordshire and Luton Business Excellence Awards last year.

He has also picked up other awards from the Federation of Small Businesses. EcoStyle is growing at 20 per cent a year and annual turnover stands at about £150,000.

Simon, a former student of product design at the University of Luton, took his ideas to the National Energy Foundation, in Milton Keynes in 2003, when they were looking for professionally designed models. The 100 sold so well that he invested about £7,000 of his own savings in the new company.

“My family and friends were urging me to be cautious but the business plan was good and I am an optimist!” he said.

When Business Monthly visited, part-time employees Nimu Chauhan and Tracy d’Anstee were busy completing an order for schools in Caerphilly, Wales.

Now EcoStyle is looking to crack overseas markets with help from UK Trade & Industry.

Simon said: “Our misson statement is to give every student access to our equipment.”

With 30,000 schools in the UK and many more abroad, the sky’s the limit for EcoStyle’s products.