Business Name: Walton Tree Services

Support received: Start Up Loan and Start & Grow

Location: Colchester, Essex

Walton Tree Services is a professional tree surgery business based in Colchester, Essex.  Having worked with his uncle as a tree surgeon for eight years, 25 year old Alex Walton was given the opportunity to take over the day-to-day running of the business.

Alex told us about his experience of becoming his own boss.

What challenges have you overcome to become self-employed?

I’m a shy person by nature, so my first obstacle was to gain confidence.  It was the realisation of the potential to build my own enterprise that gave me the motivation to drive the business forward.  Working with people every day has brought me out of my shell and given me the confidence to build on my existing skills in order to make the business succeed.

I deal with people every day.  As I have to juggle both sides of the business, my customer service skills have greatly improved, including speaking on the telephone.  It’s very true that people buy people!

What have been your highlights to date?

I launched in June 2016.  My first job was for a couple who needed an unruly hedge trimmed.  It was a relatively small job, but the feeling of getting my first piece of work was marvellous!

I’ve not looked back and Walton Tree Services is going from strength to strength, and, with a new baby to look after, the freedom and flexibility of managing my own time and workload is one of the highlights of becoming self-employed.

I also have the ability to earn more money and I want to build a legacy for my family.

What is the ethos behind Walton Tree Services?

I remain true to my belief that ‘people buy people’.  I have worked hard on the image and professionalism of Walton Tree Services, with fully branded workwear, and ensuring that customer service is always first class.  I see and quote for every job before it commences, so I know exactly what is involved.

How has Nwes supported you?

Budget and cash flow remain at the forefront of my mind, so I sought the support of Nwes, and was able to apply for a Start Up Loan to give Walton Tree Services a platform from which I could drive the business forward.

It’s nice to have someone in the wings to give advice and talk about any issues I might be having.  When I applied for the Start Up Loan, it was a joint effort and going forward I feel that I am not doing this alone.

Through Nwes, I gained 26 hours of support, which included perfecting my business plan and finances for my application for a Start Up Loan.  Through the Start & Grow programme, also delivered by Nwes, I will receive ongoing support.

What advice do you have for others who are considering starting a business?

Be polite and courteous.  Know and understand what customer service looks like.  Treat your customer well and they will repay you with repeat business or word of mouth referrals.

Allow some time during the week to work on the business, not in it.  Putting time aside to do the paperwork and focus on the coming week is key.