SEEDs of Success: Harry Nunn

Harry is a SEED client whose business is offering affordable gardening services, under the name Harry the Gardener.

Getting started

Harry is focused on providing affordable gardening services to a wide scope of existing clients. He offers both hourly rates and fixed price jobs, as the client requires. Harry says:

“Because I am affordable and don’t have huge overheads, I can keep my hourly rate reasonable and my fixed rate work within reach of most clients, offering flexible rates and service depending on what the client requires.”

Starting up in June of last year, he’s always taken an interest in gardening as it’s something’s parents are keen on. “This makes business easier,” he says, “as I’m being paid for a hobby!”

The Enterprise Journey

Harry says his biggest achievement so far has been completing his first commercial job for a local business. “It was a massive job, a fixed price and I drafted in my Dad to assist, it felt very rewarding as we completed the job in quick time and I made a good profit.”

The hardest aspect of running his business for Harry has been planning and administration, but is now using Microsoft Outlook to manage his diary which has made things easier for him and also improved his client experience.

He’s also made a few mistakes along the way, such as undercharging for jobs, saying that taught him an important lesson very quickly.

Though everything, Harry keeps his core purpose in mind, which he says is to build his business and make a good living from an honest day’s graft! “I also want to fund my own study at university and have money to enjoy life, drive my car and perhaps travel at some point (when I am not gardening),” he adds.

Harry feels that his hard work, planning and persistence has helped him get to where he is now.

Support Along the Way

Harry is especially grateful for all the support he’s had from his parents: “I had lots of help from my Mum and Dad, lending me their gardening equipment, taking me from job to job throughout the day, even getting my Dad hands on in the business to help me do the more challenging jobs, such as chainsaw work.

My parents have single-handedly assisted me all the way, but even some of my clients have gifted me tools and equipment.”

Harry was introduced to GrowBiz by his younger brother, Callum. SEED project lead, Ang Laurie, explains what happened next:

“I first learned of Harry’s gardening business through a conversation with his younger brother, Callum, during a school workshop. It was clear how much pride Callum took in Harry’s achievements.

“In my first conversation with Harry, I was immediately impressed by his quiet confidence and the eloquent way he described his growth running the business. Harry takes immense pride in his what he does, and his social media before-and-after transformations speak for themselves.

“He is a great example of the success that follows when a young person turns a hobby they love into a professional pursuit.”

Harry says this about the difference support from GrowBiz’s SEED programme has made to him: “It’s amazing that I have been given free advice to date and have some support other than my parents. Thank you!”

Looking to the Future

Harry is looking forward to having his younger brother join him this summer to help with some challenging jobs: “At the moment the business will sustain me plus one on a part time basis,” he explains.

He also has other goals around the sustainability of his business, in both the senses of how it continues and grows, and how it affects the environment:

“I want to continue my business with a good reputation, good value for money and continue to enjoy my work and working for nice people, people that appreciate my work and ethics. To keep on top of regular maintenance is important for wildlife and also the “re-seeding process” also contributing into the ecosystem.”

Finally, we asked Harry what advice he has for other young people thinking of starting a business.

“Keep it simple, simple works, “ he says. “Keep organised and make sure you go the extra mile for your clients—no clients, no business.”