Joseph Holman, founder of Green Doors, went to Windsor Castle this month for a royal reception hosted by his majesty Charles III, as his company has won a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.
Green Doors, based in Luton, upcycles second hand doors and windows and sells them online. Since it was founded in 2014 the business has grown to 12 staff and produces revenues of close to £2m. Last year, its team of ‘door doctors’ saved over 3,000 doors from landfill which represents a major environmental issue.
“Everyone knows the King is very passionate about the environment and so it was great to tell him about the work we’ve been doing.
“We spoke for several minutes. He seemed very relaxed and comfortable talking with everyone.
“The whole experience was quite surreal and being in Windsor Castle feels like a totally different world from our warehouse in Luton.”
Holman says he believes his award will help him to raise awareness about the environmental issues regarding landfill and UPVC doors and windows.
“Putting UPVC doors into landfill is a dreadful thing as they release horrible toxins into the atmosphere as they degrade. We want to make sure every door and window gets a second life and we feel having this King’s Award will help us to do that.
Holman met many other entrepreneurs during the day. The King’s Award is given to businesses that have shown remarkable success in either exporting, social impact, innovation or, as in Green Door’s case, sustainable development.
“Entering the award was a difficult process. You have to put your business under the microscope and prove all you’ve done. But now we’ve gained the award and I’ve met the King, it feels great and it’s given myself and the team a tremendous boost.”
Green Doors will formally be presented with its King’s Award later this year by his majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Bedfordshire at an event to be held at its Luton-based warehouse.