2 April 2004
Perfect Plants? YEP!
If enthusiasm and the ability to work hard are the essential criteria for a successful business, then Christopher Timm,
the newest entrepreneur in Northland’s Young Entrepreneur Programme (YEP) is well on his way to success. But add in a
strong support programme, a loan from the YEP repayable at very competitive rates, and solid knowledge of his subject,
and Christopher can look forward to an exciting future.
In his final year at Kerikeri High School, and only recently arriving with his family from England to live in New
Zealand, could be seen as deterrents for a new young businessman. But “problems” are not in the YEP vocabulary and
Christopher certainly sees not problems, but great opportunities as he establishes his new venture as a specialist
retailer of high quality orchids and water plants through his company – Perfect Plants Ltd.
“My motto is Limited by Number, Not by Quality,” claims Christopher, “and I intend to satisfy a market in which
customers want smart, clean plants with variety and colour. I am passionate about being a successful entrepreneur within
the YEP structure, and I know I will succeed.”
The Northland YEP Director Frank Leadley certainly agrees. “I’m very impressed with Christopher,” he states. “He has
excellent knowledge in his area. And a new development is that, although Chris is still a student, Kerikeri High School
has introduced YEP as a full subject enabling him to give more time to his business while still completing his studies.
And this is what YEP is all about – getting enterprise into the curriculum, and enabling young Northlanders to be job
creators.”
Funded by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, with substantial assistance from Northpower and Top Energy, the Young
Entrepreneur Programme (YEP) is unique to Northland but will be made available to the rest of New Zealand at the end of
the pilot period in July 2004.
Photo available on request: Christopher Timm checking on his already large stock of orchid back bulbs.
ENDS