Having achieved a distinction in his MSc Sustainability and fellowships to leading sustainability organisations, bed industry veteran (and regular Furniture News columnist) Richard Naylor has has decided to turn his passion for sustainability into a new consultancy, Hawksfield.
Headquartered at Loughborough University’s science and enterprise park, the new company is focused on helping businesses navigate and prosper from the many complex areas of sustainability.
Richard says: “I have a genuine passion for sustainability, innovation and storytelling, and bringing all three areas together to create commercial opportunities that delight customers and that are positive for society and the environment.
"I have worked with many businesses in the furniture industry value chain, and quickly came to the realisation that accessible, bespoke and specialist advice was not readily available, which is why I have launched the new business.”
Not restricted to the furniture industry, Richard's team is undertaking ESG due diligence audits for private equity and venture capital companies, and is planning to develop the advisory aspect of the business into the fashion and food sectors in 2025.
The consultancy plans to start the Hawksfield foundation, to support good causes that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Richard is also a guest lecturer on sustainable and green finance at Cranfield University.
To help with expansion, Richard has received philanthropic advice from Harrison Spinks' Simon Spinks, who, over a decade ago, introduced him to the positive impact that sustainable businesses can achieve.
Simon states: “When Richard mentioned Hawksfield, I thought what a great idea, there is such a shortage of expertise in this area, and it is rare to find someone offering these services with a real-life background in business. Most qualified people come from a mainly academic place.
"Offering advice that is commercial, as well as doing the right thing, has got to be good for business and the planet.”
Hawksfield’s services include tailored sustainability advice, specialist research, product innovation and incubation, storytelling and content creation, and the Hawksfield training academy.
For further information contact Richard Naylor on 07904 713920 or click here.
