Wiggly Wigglers

Wiggly Wigglers is an Organic Gardening supplier based in Lower Blakemere, Herefordshire, and is the 2005 FSB Small Business Champion.

History

Heather Gorringe founded Wiggly Wigglers in 1990, starting with a £15000 investment. They struggled for profit and growth for several years, making a turnover of just £6,000 in its first year. Three years after founding Wiggly Wigglers, Heather moved her office to the family home in Lower Blakemere, Herefordshire. A local staff were formed and a website and mail-order department were created.

Present

Wiggly Wigglers is the largest employer in the Wyeside Parish with 15 staff members, 65,000 customers and a turnover exceeding £2.5m. They are currently growing at a rate of 15% per year.

The Book

In May 2006, Jenny Steel released her new book “Bringing a Garden to Life (ISBN 0-9553016-0-2). The book detailed how Heather Gorringe and the team transformed their jobsite from 2001 to 2002.

Awards and Accolades

  • FSB British Small Business Champion 2005
  • RHS Silver Gilt Medal and Best Show Garden at Malvern 2004
  • Business in the Community – Big Tick Award 2005 and 2006
  • RHS Silver Gilt Medal Show Garden BBC Gardeners World
  • Farmers Weekly Alternative Enterprise Award – Winner 2006

Podcasts

Heather began podcasting in October 2005, and produced her 50th podcast in September of 2006. Her podcast typically takes place on the “Wiggly Sofa” where she is joined by friends, family and colleagues to debate topical gardening and countryside issues, offer advice and give listeners a ‘behind-the-scenes’ insight into life on the Wiggly Wigglers farm.

References

Links