Our Founder
Gareth Mitchell - Founder Profile
Gareth Mitchell founded Tree2mydoor Ltd in 2003 with a bold vision: to transform the culture of disposable gifting into something lasting, meaningful and connected with nature. Raised among the hills of Northern Ireland, Gareth grew up with a deep respect for the land. Later, as a marketing professional in Manchester, he saw how business could either deplete or restore the world around us. Tree2mydoor was his answer; the UK’s original living gift company, built to reconnect people, trees and memories.
A vision to restore gifting
When Tree2mydoor was conceived, sustainable consumer businesses were rare. The mainstream gift market was driven by mass-produced, short-lived products. Gareth believed people deserved more, gifts with soul that could grow, endure and give back to the planet. Long before sustainability became a household word, he set out to prove that commerce and conscience could thrive together.
Resilience through trials
The journey has not been without hardship. As an independent founder, Gareth faced the challenge of building an e-commerce business in the early ‘Wild West’ days of the internet, while establishing a brand in a niche few had heard of, the very definition of first-mover disadvantage. He also steered Tree2mydoor through the turbulence of the late 2000s recession, the uncertainties of Covid-19, and the ongoing strain of scaling a values-led business in a competitive industry.
The darkest chapter came in 2014, when his son was born four months early. Doctors doubted the baby’s survival. In those desperate weeks Gareth almost sold Tree2mydoor, ready to walk away to focus entirely on family. Yet through deep soul searching he realised that both his son and his business needed him to fight on. The decision to stand by family and purpose became a defining moment. Tree2mydoor survived, his son pulled through, and his wife went on to establish the neonatal charity Spoons charity, creating a legacy of support for other families.
These experiences forged a renewed clarity: Gareth’s purpose is to build consumer businesses that change the world for the better, not simply to sell, but to help people live more sustainably and re-align humanity’s relationship with nature.
Expertise and ethos
Under Gareth’s leadership, Tree2mydoor has grown into a trusted brand, helping customers mark life’s most important moments with trees, roses and plants that last. Beyond innovation in packaging, delivery and care, Gareth’s strength lies in holding fast to a principle: doing business the right way. For him, success is measured not just in sales but in the memories created, the trees planted, and the positive impact left behind.
Gareths areas of expertise:
Start-up business, marketing, branding, new product development, e-commerce, ethical and sustainable business leadership.
Achievements and recognition
- NES North West Entrepreneur of the Year, 2005 - Winner.
- People in Retail Awards, 2007 - Retail Ambassador of the Year, Finalist.
- Courvoisier The Future 500, The Observer, 2007 - Top 10 in the Public Life category. Read listing
Professional networks
- Better Business Network
- Teesside University Alumni
- The Princes Trust Ambassador
- NES Ambassador
- Courvoisier The Future 500 Network
Media and honours
Founder’s message
“Tree2mydoor began as a personal search for a better way to gift. What keeps me going is the belief that business can heal, restore and connect - not just extract. I am proud that our living gifts bring people joy, mark life’s moments, and strengthen their connection to the natural world.”
Gareth Mitchell