Sponsored by
Ben in green homes chance
Architect Ben Winslade from Stannington has launched his own business, targeting the burgeoning market for 'green' homes.
Ben spotted a gap in the market when the government set new energy efficiency targets for homes and launched Cero Architecture with the help of Sheffield Enterprise Agency.
The government wants all new homes to be carbon neutral – generating as much green energy as they consume – and for existing homes to be adapted to become as carbon neutral as possible.
Ben says: "The code for sustainability is implemented by the government, so there is no way around it. Everyone must look into ways to make our homes more efficient
"Being environmentally friendly is an opportunity for me to stand out, because I will become an expert in designing efficient homes before most other companies in Sheffield."
Cero Architecture is already involved in three projects for new housing developments in Sheffield underway and Ben is full of praise for the help he has had from the Agency and business advisor Tony Gee.
"Sheffield Enterprise Agency helped me purchase some equipment by informing me of a small grant I was entitled to," says Ben.
"They gave me ideas for marketing and set me up with a website designer to discuss initial ideas and tell me what I should and shouldn't be doing. "They also pointed me in the right direction to meet people in the industry or who could use my expertise.
"I had lots of ideas but my business advisor Tony Gee helped me structure these, as well as giving more suggestions. He told me which order to do things and how to go about completing my plans successfully."
Tony Gee says Ben's story is inspirational.
"The construction industry has turned a corner now and Ben's business will undoubtedly be a massive success," said Mr Gee.
Got a view? Add your comment below.
BUY ONLINE: Buy The Star - Monday to Saturday - for local news, sport, features and ads. Sign up on line by clicking here.
READ MORE
Main news index
Your letters
Features
South Yorkshire's environmental news
Kids Zone
More business news
More Rotherham news
More Doncaster news
More Barnsley news
Latest sport.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 23 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: West
