Entrepreneur Carl Goodman has announced his plan to scale his ethical aquatics business with support from the Sheffield City Region Launchpad programme.
Goodman first entered the industry when he discovered a pet store he had supported was closing its doors. After reaching out to Launchpad and working alongside an experienced business adviser, he secured the licenses needed to trade in live animals.
He first based his aquatics business at home, where he built a large, insulated summer house which could house a diverse range of fish.
Since last year, Sustainable Aquatics has built a loyal customer base, with Goodman now looking to expand the business further.
He has now moved the business to a larger premises, in a move that has created three new jobs.
The new centre is based in a converted former industrial unit at Eastwood Trading Estate, and has enabled the business to increase its range of freshwater and tropical fish tenfold, all of which are sourced from traceable breeders from across the world.
Goodman said: “One of the reasons why I wanted to run my own business was to play a small part in protecting wild tropical fish stocks.
“As a student I was shocked to learn how marine ecosystems are being decimated, due to the practice of harvesting wild fish, which often find themselves in unsuitable aquariums across the world.”
He added: “My aim has always been to build a business which helps to support those interested in building their own aquariums, but also to support the broader community.
“Watching an aquarium can have a positive effect on mental health and as the business has grown, I’ve been keen to use my knowledge to help others, including donating an aquarium to Rotherham Hospice, which I maintain on their behalf.”
As part of Sustainable Aquatic’s commitment towards supporting the local community, Goodman has also installed a new aquarium at Rotherham Hospice which he manages and maintains free of charge.
