Starter for 6: PeterWardDesign

Based in Glasgow, PeterWardDesign specialises in sustainable furniture and products which are all locally designed and manufactured in the city. 

"I've always had a passion for design but a few years ago I decided to to take the plunge and try and make a career out of it. While I was studying [Furniture Design and Product Design at City of Glasgow College] I got interested in the whole idea of sustainability and innovation within design. I felt a lot of the sustainable design around was neglecting the design side of the equation. The ethos is about striking a balance between being sustainable while also producing a high standard of design.

"It's not enough anymore to just be green. Customers are more sophisticated than ever and won't compromise on aesthetics for the sake of principles. You have to deliver on all fronts.

"The simple aim of PeterWardDesigns is to locally produce sustainable design, mainly furniture but also domestic products too. The business can be simplified into two sections: I provide a service to businesses and organisations where I remove waste materials otherwise destined for landfill. Then these materials are utilised and developed to create innovative, sustainable designs.

"I applied for Starter for 6 last December and had an interview in January. The first session was in April and the programme continued over the summer in Glasgow and in Edinburgh. We covered issues that were relevant for me as a start up, such as defining my business, marketing, planning, finance and finally presenting and pitching, all of which were tailored to my business. It helped me to focus on areas of importance and allowed me to view the business from a different perspective. It also gave me the amazing opportunity to meet Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway which led to me working on interiors and set design for their Vintage Festival during the summer.

"I pitched and won for funding for two design exhibitions in London next year – this will give me chance to take my work to a wider audience and build my profile, which is essential for any new business.

"My advice to someone thinking about applying to Starter for 6 would be – jump at the chance. It's been nothing but a positive experience. I met so many interesting people with a really diverse range of business ideas (which can be seen on the website) and the staff  have been really helpful and supportive the whole way through the programme.

"Over the next few months I'll be working on new designs and concepts as well as developing the supplier relationships which are so crucial to the business. This will then lead to exhibiting in London 2014 so keep an eye out for me!"