GOING "green" is poised to generate a '1m turnover for a former one-man business in Wilmslow.

Andrew Snell's Pentagon Sport firm has been steadily growing, as a supplier of safety surfaces to nurseries and playground installers around the country.

But with the launch of two new environmentally friendly products he has doubled the team - taking on marketing expert Michael Bischof - and this year aims to top the '1m mark in sales from '350,000 three years ago.

The company has now begun marketing recycled-plastic street furniture - an alternative to wood and metal - which is made by a Lancashire firm from plastics reclaimed from north-west landfill.

It looks like wood - but lasts like plastic, and is used to make items like litter bins, picnic tables and seating, for local authorities, the leisure industry and schools.

Grassmac

It has also begun to market a new landscaping product, Grassmac, a plastic mesh which when laid down over grass allows vehicles to be driven over it without harming the grass, providing a cost effective alternative to concrete and tarmac. But the grass grows through the mesh, so the surface looks natural and can be mown.

The material is ideal for use in locations such as stately homes, race courses and golf courses - the company has already supplied Shrigley Hall golf club in Cheshire and is in talks with York racecourse.

And with disability access regulations coming into force in October, Grassmac will be useful for improving areas such as walkways, for the disabled, said Michael.

"Both these new products are more cost effective than their less-environmentally sound alternatives, and are creating a lot of interest," he said. Tweet