Tara GreavesA shared passion for the environment led to romance for one Norwich couple who are encouraging schools and community groups to take the lead when it comes to green issues in a bid to save money and the planet.Tara Greaves

A shared passion for the environment led to romance for one Norwich couple who are encouraging schools and community groups to take the lead when it comes to green issues in a bid to save money and the planet.

Mark and Maria Crutchley met while studying for degrees in environmental sciences at the University of East Anglia and love blossomed.

But five years on, the couple, who married in January, have not only become partners in the romantic sense but also in business, as their shared interest has turned into a new environmental consultancy.

'The first hurdle was choosing the company name. Having brainstormed for months, it quickly became clear that even the most tangentially environmentally linked names were already taken,' said Mr Crutchley, 52.

They explored different languages, green minerals and elements of nature until inspiration struck.

'Out of the blue, the name Doxden came to mind. The inspiration, Maria's 15-year-old springer spaniel, Doxie, and two-year-old golden labrador Deino.

'Over the years, Maria had walked hundreds of miles with the dogs, and this had certainly encouraged her love for nature.

'It thus made sense to name the company after them,' he added.

Sadly, a month after registering the name Doxden Environmental Consultancy, Doxie passed away.

But Mr Crutchley said: 'The company not only shares his name but, through its work, also encourages businesses, community groups and schools to share the same passion for the environment.'

Working from a home office, off Bracondale in the city centre, the couple think their main work will be with businesses, but would like to help groups and individuals become greener too.

'People should remember that in a lot of cases whatever they do will actually save them money,' said Mr Crutchley.

Before setting up the consultancy, Mrs Crutchley worked for Norwich City Council and Mr Crutchley worked part time at the Low Carbon Innovation Centre at UEA.

Mrs Crutchley, 24, said: 'Schools and community groups can make a real difference by reaching a range of people and educating them in how they can save themselves money and help the environment at the same time.'

To find out more, visit www.doxden.co.uk, email maria@doxden.co.uk or call 01603 665745.