Holly Blue
From Industry Experience to Entrepreneurial Success: Holly Blue’s Growth Journey
Before launching Holly Blue, Peter Brannon had built up years of experience in operations, working his way to become Head of Operations at a waste management brokerage. He successfully steered the company through the turbulent period of COVID-19, helping to keep things moving during a time of uncertainty and disruption.
However, as the business restructured after the pandemic – with new leadership and a shift in direction – Peter found himself at a crossroads. The changes prompted him to reassess his own path and explore new opportunities. Drawing on his operational expertise, resilience, and a desire to take more control over his future, he made the decision to step into entrepreneurship.
“With my experience and relations within the independent supply chain, I could see how businesses needed bespoke, practical, and independent advice on managing their waste. It felt like the right time to go out on my own.”
Practical Solutions for Sustainable Waste
Holly Blue provides consultancy services and sustainable waste disposal to businesses looking to manage their waste more effectively, sustainably, and in line with regulations. The company specialises in:
Strategic Waste Management Planning – helping businesses understand their waste streams, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
Compliance and Regulation – ensuring companies meet environmental standards and navigate complex legislation confidently.
Brokerage and Supplier Management – connecting clients with the right contractors and services, while maintaining oversight to ensure reliability and value.
Sustainability and ESG Goals – advising organisations on how to align waste management practices with their wider sustainability commitments.
This holistic approach allows Holly Blue to operate independently from waste suppliers, giving its clients confidence that recommendations are based on their best interests. Peter’s hands-on knowledge of the industry has been central to Holly Blue’s success. By combining technical expertise with a practical, problem-solving approach, he has built long-term relationships with clients who see Holly Blue as a trusted partner.
“Waste is a by-product of my customers core business, and we offer our expertise and access to our supply chain partners to help manage this. We work in close partnership to improve things operationally, commercially, environmentally and supporting them with compliance.”
Sorting the Pieces: from Scrap to Strategy
Peter started small, bootstrapping the business without external investment. Instead, he reinvested earnings back into Holly Blue, carefully growing the business at a sustainable pace. Over the past few years, this approach has paid off: Holly Blue has secured major contracts with organisations across different sectors, from industrial businesses to service providers.
Tapping into Backing Essex Business Support
While Peter brought deep industry knowledge to the table, he knew there were areas of business management where external support would be invaluable. That’s when he turned to Backing Essex Business for guidance.
“The advice from Ross and the team has been really valuable. It’s helped me make confident decisions and plan for the future. He’s given me the confidence to push things further than I might have done on my own.”
Over the years, he has accessed a wide range of free services, including:
1:1 Business Advice – Regular sessions with Business Manager Ross Moran gave Peter the chance to talk through strategy, test ideas, and sense-check key decisions with an experienced advisor.
Workshops & Training – Covering areas like finance, marketing, and growth planning, these sessions helped Peter strengthen the business side of Holly Blue and build the confidence to scale.
Financial Guidance – As Holly Blue looks ahead to expansion, Peter has explored funding options through Backing Essex Business, including the potential for a growth loan.
Networking Opportunities – Connecting with other local business owners provided Peter with inspiration, advice, and contacts at different points in his journey.
“Peter is a great example of someone who has taken his deep sector knowledge, applied it with determination, and built a strong, sustainable business. What’s really encouraging is that he’s made use of different strands of our support along the way – from workshops to one-to-one sessions – and is now thinking about finance to fuel his next stage of growth.”
Looking to the Future
With Holly Blue now a well-established limited company, and having recently taken on its first employee, Peter is preparing for the next phase of development as things grow with the continued support of his customers and supply chain. With continued guidance and potential funding support from Backing Essex Business, Holly Blue is well placed for the next stage of its journey.
If you are a business based in Essex and are looking for ways to navigate your journey to grow, then Backing Essex Business are here to help. From strategic planning, to leadership development, to operational efficiency, and more, find out how our expert team can guide you by contacting us today!