RACHEL Kay co-founded landscape and forestry supplier Green-tech with her husband Richard 20 years ago.

Over the last two decades the business has grown to a £9 million turnover venture, employing more than 40 people on the outskirts of York at Nun Monkton.

Green-Tech now has a portfolio of more than 6000 products and a warehousing and distribution operation of more than 35,000 sq.ft.

Winner of many industry awards, Green-tech is marketed as leading the landscaping market, offering innovative products that enhance, protect and improve plants and their environment.

Twenty years on from the launch of Green-tech and Mrs Kay is still very much involved with the day to day operations and adopts a relaxed but hands on management approach.

As well as being a highly motivated entrepreneur Mrs Kay is also mum to three young children, has a couple of dogs, chickens and a few Belted Galloway Cows to look after.

She also owns a caravan and camping park in Great Ouseburn and shares the management of this with her husband and business partner, Richard Kay.

Mrs Kay says that in its 20th year, Green-tech has been growing at such a rate that a move to new premises is now on the cards.

She said: "We have outgrown our current location and have recently bought a 10 acre farm, to be called Rabbit Hill Park, very close to the A1.

"We have just been granted planning permission and will start building in the New Year. I’m aiming to move the entire Green-tech operation to the new site next September 2015.

"Then the fun starts; I have lots of ideas for bolt on acquisitions such as an agricultural store, garden machinery business, animal feeds and also an ecological habitat and plant centre. It’s going to be a busy but exciting next chapter."


What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"As a child my ambition was to wash cows down at Otley market, but then they built houses on it so that was the end of that pipe dream.

"Today if I wasn’t running Green-tech I’d love to offer business support to new start-up and fledgling businesses.

"Over the years I’ve amassed a wealth of knowledge, experience and contacts which could be invaluable to someone starting out today. It’s all part of the plan."


Greatest achievement?

"My kids, my marriage, my business."


What makes you most angry?

"People who talk but don’t listen. We have two ears and only one mouth, so we can listen twice as much as we can talk."


Biggest mistake?

"Where to start…. I’ve made a lot, but I think it is a good way to learn. I’ve spent far too much time worrying about things that don’t matter or don’t happen – worry is such a wasteful and exhausting emotion."


What do you need to make life complete?

"Support, nourishment, quality family time and fun – I’m doing quite well."


Why do you make a difference?

"I think I am passionate, driven, innovative and push people to achieve the best that they can."


Epitaph

"That’s all Folks!"