Boost Q&A: Afka Ray, Guardians of Nature CIC

Founded by Afka Ray in 2022, Guardians of Nature CIC is not-for-profit community interest company, dedicated to positive mental health and creating lasting friendships through nature-based activities within Penwortham and throughout South Ribble. 

The community interest company is volunteer-led, and takes unloved and disused areas and regenerates them back to nature, or to the local community to use. Its outreach work also supports the local environment and wildlife which in turn creates better mental and physical wellbeing, using nature to heal and bring communities together. 

Afka initially contacted Boost in 2022 when she first had the inspiration to set up Guardians of Nature CIC. She then contacted Boost more recently as her CIC began to grow rapidly, and she is now taking part in Boost's Flying Start service and continues to receive support from Boost business adviser Lateef Badat.

Afka and the amazing volunteers at Guardians of Nature are winners of the 2024 BBC Radio Lancashire Make a Difference Awards for The Green Award, announced on Saturday September 21.

Here, she shares her business inspirations, discusses the Boost support she received, and why Lancashire is a great place to do business.

Why did you contact Boost?

I contacted Boost initially to help me set up my CIC. I had no idea where to start and with their support I was guided through the process. After getting started I was then offered support to get through my first few years of growth which I am still receiving.

What support did you receive from Boost and how has it helped you and your business? 

I have been supported by both the Boost Business Advice Service and Boost's Flying Start service. Both have supported me to gain the skills I needed to start my CIC and to then gain the confidence and knowledge to learn how to run a nonprofit organisation.  

I have had so much advice and words of kindness it has truly kept me going, especially during times when I felt overwhelmed and snowed under. The Boost advisers taught me to make sure I put self-care at the forefront of what I do.

When running your own business you sometimes forget to first and foremost look after yourself and family. It is easy to get carried away in the process of business startup, especially when its community-based and non-profit. Boost has helped me how to learn to prioritise my work alongside my other personal commitments.

What piece of advice stood out the most during your Boost support?

Take care of yourself and know your worth. Try not to be afraid to put a value on what you do as a person within your business. “Without you the project would have never existed” . . . That in itself is priceless!

Who has been your biggest business inspiration and why?

All of my friends, family and volunteers past and present. Their enthusiasm for the project is what has kept me going. I don't need the standard business tycoon type of inspiration when I have a community behind me pushing me forward and believing in what we do.

What motivates you in business and why?

Caring for our mother earth, community, and for the future of my son. This is not only mine but OUR whole teams' legacy.

What are your growth plans for the next three years?

I have a long list of ideas I hope to action including:

• Planning to introduce nature-based education within our sites.  
• Working with other nature-based projects to improve our local environment and creating an army of educated volunteers to help make our communities greener and more wildlife-friendly.
• Working with schools and young people bringing them together with the elderly to bridge the generation gap and create a space where people can share their knowledge.
• Planning for an area for creativity and crafting to create products that can be sold to the public.  We will also be working within our onsite nurseries to supply plants for sale to become more self-sustainable in the future.
• Working with social prescribers to provide support to people struggling with various mental and physical health issues and helping them heal through nature.
• Working with local business to provide team building days.
• Offering an area for the community to do workshops and wellbeing events.

How do you like to start your working day?

With a cappuccino with loads of cocoa powder on top.

Why is Lancashire a great location for a business?

We have wonderful forward-thinking councils when it comes to the environment. Lancashire County Council and South Ribble Borough Council have been amazing with their ongoing support since we began in 2022.

They really champion nature and the importance it has in our communities mental and physical health and have been behind us every step of the way. We are lucky to be in an area that really knows the importance of our green spaces within our community and is so willing to stand by projects such as ours.

What would you say to someone who is considering using Boost?

Go for it!! You'll meet an amazing team of people who are truly motivated to see you succeed.

What is your advice for anyone looking to grow a business? 

To create something out of your imagination and watch it grow and benefit others couldn't be more fulfilling. Take the leap and don't let anyone tell you you can't succeed! Take criticism as a challenge to show them how great you really are! You've got this!

If you’re looking to grow, scale or start your business, use Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. We offer a range of funded business support services. Call our Business Support Helpdesk on 0800 488 0057 to find out more or complete our enquiry form.