The owner of a Manchester-based vertical farming business has won a UK-wide Sustainable Small Business award.
Christofer Fisher runs Red Planet Farms, based at Manchester Science Park and he was recognised with the Sustainable Start-up Award.
Award-winner Christofer, who founded the agri-tech firm in January last year, said: “We use zero-pesticides, zero plastic packaging and high-efficiency LED lighting to grow crops indoors. This reduces the amount of energy, water and waste used by traditional forms of agriculture. We can also locate our farms across the UK and close to cities to reduce the huge amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with transporting produce around the world.”
The 29-year-old added: “Our team was thrilled at the news that we were being recognised for our commitment to sustainability and combating climate change! We are constantly looking to innovate and reduce our impact on the planet, so recognition for our efforts goes a long way in supporting our ambitions. This is why we founded Red Planet Farms, to drive sustainable agriculture forward at a time when it is needed most.”
The awards are part of the Plan it with Purpose initiative run by small business support platform, Enterprise Nation, in partnership with Aviva and TSB with the aim of shining a spotlight on businesses that focus on sustainability and purpose.
Emma Jones, CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: “It’s wonderful to see the progress these small climate-friendly businesses have made and continue to make in their purpose-driven businesses. The reality is, in the fight against the cost-of-living crisis, businesses that are leading the way in sustainability and energy efficiency, while making a meaningful contribution to society, must become an increasingly important feature of the small business community and we must do everything we can to support them.
“Building a business around the circular economy is compelling, and our awards recognise the vital contribution these founders are making.”
Fiona Hyde, Head of Sustainability at TSB said: “We know that reducing our own environmental impact matters to customers and colleagues. We’re proud to support Enterprise Nation’s ‘Plan It with Purpose’ program, helping small businesses make a positive impact and recognising the success of the five brilliant businesses that have won today.”
Plan it with Purpose has been designed to support small and medium businesses and business owners by increasing their understanding of environmental and social issues, showcasing relatable role models, and helping to build sustainable ventures while encouraging change through tailored resources, action plans and recommendations.
