The Branson Centre is propelling small businesses into the big time...

Entrepreneur: Leanne Talbot

Island Cycle
 
Meet the Maker:
When Leanne Talbot moved to Jamaica from the
UK at the age of 11, she knew she wanted to be
an entrepreneur. This belief was first born out
of frustration at what she perceived to be a lack
of choices but it soon turned into a realisation
that, in a developing country, there are many
entrepreneurial business opportunities.

Now 24 and in her final year at the University of
the West Indies where she is studying business
management, Leanne is always thinking of new
business ideas. She has decided to go with one
of them – getting her recycling business off the ground in Jamaica and turning it into a Caribbeanwide company.
 
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Leanne Talbot
The golden opportunity:
With increasing energy costs and depleting natural resources, recycling is a growing – and vital – industry.

In Jamaica, a well-structured and sustained recycling system has not yet been established. With her business partner Xavier Bedasee, Leanne wants to set up Island Cycle to provide new and exciting ways to recycle and educate people about the importance of taking care of our environment.

The aim is to make recycling the norm in the Caribbean.
The business in a nutshell:
Island Cycle will help turn waste in the Caribbean into new products through recycling.

The business will make money by selling recyclable materials to manufacturers overseas who will use the shredded or compressed matter as part of their production process to make new products.

Island Cycle will be able to offer them large quantities of recycled materials on a regular basis at competitive rates.

They’ll also sell advertising on recycling bins, and create recycled plastic rooms for hire, such as recycled floating bars.

I believe that to be successful in any business it is important to create a balance between knowledge and experience.
  - Leanne Talbot  

How it’s helping the community:
One of Island Cycle’s main goals is to reduce the Caribbean’s carbon footprint.

It will offer a cheap and easy way for individuals to contribute to a healthier and cleaner environment, for themselves and future generations.

“Whilst working towards achieving this goal we hope to provide jobs and opportunities to localsalong with enhancing tourism,” says Leanne.

“We can work to raise the awareness of Jamaicans and people living in the wider Caribbean, on the subject of recycling.” “Simultaneously, we will be contributing to economic growth and improving the level of development in the Caribbean region.”
The future looks bright:
Leanne wants Island Cycle to start business in Jamaica and expand across the Caribbean region. Eventually, rather than selling materials to overseas manufacturers, she aims to open a plant in the Caribbean where the recycled materials can be used to produce new products.

“I have never seen my future as anything other than living the life of a successful entrepreneur, owning multiple businesses,” says Leanne. “I have taken steps throughout my life to prepare for the moment when I feel ready and confident to take on the business world – that moment is now.”

Fast facts:
  • Current number of employees: One
  • Expected number of employees in three years’ time: 35 to 45
  • Current annual turnover: Zero
  • Expected annual turnover in three years’ time: $800,000 (US)
  • Location of headquarters: 15 Mayfair Crescent, Forest Hills, Kingston 19, Jamaica
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