Silver Fox of the Year Award 2013

Founders: Warren Bader
Year Started: 2011
Website: www.planbeeltd.com

Plan Bee offers a new way for companies and individuals to make a positive impact on the environment. ‘Urban farmer’ Warren Bader’s unusual start-up allows companies to hire or ‘adopt’ bee hives, brand them and arrange for them to be placed on their site or premises. The service also extends to community groups who can crowdfund their own hive as well as individuals who can order hives to be installed in their garden. Bader then maintains the hives and procures the honey, 24 jars per annum, for every adopted hive.

The first of its type in the UK, the business model has grown rapidly with a string of high-profile clients keen to utilise the service including Royal Troon, Balfour Beatty and Highland Spring.

In recognition of its positive impact on communities, Plan Bee has been selected by Glasgow City Council as a Green Legacy Project for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games which will see Bader delivering educational lessons on pollination to every participating school.

Judges comments:

The judges loved the concept and its ethical, environmental, and community focus. They were impressed by Warren’s personal drive, contracts with Balfour Beatty and Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games, and its solid plans for growth – as well as the ‘bee’spoke honey pots for corporate clients.