Enterprise Nation

When the sun shines down on this glorious isle, there’s no better way to spend the day than working in a garden office. If you don’t have one, rely on Enterprise Nation to bring you details of some lovely models. First up, we ask Kevin Wheatley about his Garden Haze.

When did you start Garden Haze?

1st September 2006 with my business partner, Tim Elliot.

What were you doing before you started the company?

My last job was as head of horticulture at Bishop Burton College of Further Education.  I’ve also been a manager for Tesco and Homebase and had an earlier attempt at self employment running a garden design and landscape business.

Do you run the company from one of your own garden offices?

We are doing as of last Friday when we completed the final push to finish our show model in time for the launch.

Can you tell us a bit about the spec of the garden offices you create?

Our garden office is constructed from aluminium, steel and glass where others use wood.  This means a long maintenance free life and stunning contemporary looks.  At the end of its life the steel and aluminium are 90% recyclable.  Standard features include:

• Underfloor heating
• Dado managed power and data points
• Low voltage adjustable spot lights
• Secure locking door and windows
• Excellent insulation and noise reduction values

We have many other optional extras such as office furniture and IT/ communication packages.

How are you promoting your business?

We’re working with Doncaster Chamber of Commerce and Doncaster Business School to plan our marketing campaign.  We will target press releases and adverts at specific publications such as Grand Designs, and plan to attend national shows with a demo model as soon as we can raise the funds to support this.

What is the one thing in your garden office that you couldn't live without?

The pyramid skylight.  Outside it creates a modern, architectural flow to the roof line.  Inside it creates such a great sense of openness and floods the office with natural daylight making it an absolute pleasure to work in.

• Kevin Wheatley

Kevin Wheatley talks to Emma Jones (who’s now all in a daze, dreaming about that pyramid skylight.)