Tim Gaunt’s announcement earlier this year that he was taking up a fresh challenge after over three decades at Natures Aid, most recently as head of research and development, seemed to take quite a few people by surprise. Posting on LinkedIn, he informed industry colleagues and contacts that he was taking on a new role as chief information officer at Acorn Scientific Marketing, an innovative startup launched in late 2022 by his son Nick Gaunt.
By combining Tim’s 32 years’ experience in the natural products industry developing and marketing several hundred new products, with Nick’s solid background in science writing and marketing, Acorn Scientific Marketing believes it can offer a unique perspective and specialist insights to help clients make a positive impact in the scientific community.
Describing itself as a “boutique solution for your young business’ needs”, Acorn is setting out to “offer the best service possible, providing high-quality, cost-effective service rates”, while placing honesty and transparency at the heart of its business ethos.
Tim Gaunt told Natural Newsdesk: “There’s a lot of natural synergy between our respective experiences, and it’s allowing us to do something quite different. It’s great to see the business getting recognition for this at such an early stage – for example, we’ve just been announced as a winner in the Rising Star category for the national Start Up Awards (north west), which we are thrilled about.”
“In my new role I am now able to investigate and talk freely about the relationship and comparisons between prescription-based medication and the natural alternatives available”
Gaunt says he’s enjoying his new role, which he says has offered a “new beginning” and fresh ways of working. He recently launched his Tim Talks series of articles on his LinkedIn page, in which he explores topical health issues, drawing on latest research and his own experience (to date he has covered hay fever, mental health and dental health). He says: “The thinking was that this would be an opportunity to raise my profile as a scientific writer. In my new role I am now able to investigate and talk freely about the relationship and comparisons between prescription-based medication and the natural alternatives available. I also have the opportunity to explore all areas of science, from those of my university days to the most up-to-date, cutting edge research coming out as we speak. It’s absolutely fascinating and I have always been passionate about new studies and research, and this is now something that I can spend a great deal of time investigating, writing about and sharing with others.
“Also, I feel that it offers an opportunity to give something back to the sector. So far, the reaction has been very positive, with lots of re-shares and re-posts. The dental health post, in particular, seems to have gone down well – I think partly due to the way I was able to really demonstrate the strong link between dental health and whole body health. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into other health issues very soon. Watch this cyberspace!”.