I like disruptive, entrepreneurial and non-conventional businesses and I love the kind of characters who run them.
I commend fast thinking risk takers and there's one particular person, whose business style I've always admired and aspired to: Richard Branson.
Writing in today's Telegraph - Recession? Get over it, and start making more of new opportunities - about the launch of StartUp Britain, Richard Branson says: "Now is the time for young, enthusiastic and nimble companies to set up and thrive".
Branson says he expanded Virgin Records during the 1970s recession and expanded Virgin Atlantic in the early nineties as established airlines recovered from the then recession and effects of the Gulf War.
As for opportunity, I think this sums it up: "Timing is also important. If I could start again, I would set up more businesses during recessions, when almost everything costs 50pc to 90pc less than during the good times. Often a lot of highly skilled staff are on the market and the competition have their eyes on their own operations and issues. Such a climate is perfect for young, enthusiastic and nimble companies to set up and thrive. This is one of those times."
There will be a lot of garden businesses who are falling to earth without any immediate control over their future and the advice Branson gives is as valid in the garden and horticulture world as in any other line of business so it's time to be big and bold if you want a slice of the action.
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