Michelle Naughton

Aquaponics Specialist and Financial Executive

Born in 1985 in Bolton, Lancashire, to an Irish father and a Welsh mother, Michelle Naughton spent her early years in Doncaster before moving between the UK and Cyprus, Greece.

This diverse upbringing fostered a deep appreciation for nature, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. From a young age, she was drawn to reading, writing, and researching plants, alongside a passion for growing vegetables and caring for farm animals.

Her early academic journey led Michelle to Bridgend, South Wales, where she pursued an access course in business studies while also embracing the life-changing responsibility of parenthood with the birth of her first child.

Determined to succeed in business, Michelle later continued her studies in Bristol, developing a keen interest in business development and entrepreneurship. At 27, she welcomed her second child while advancing her career in financial services.

Michelle’s professional journey took her into the business-to-business financial sector, where she worked with leading firms such as First Data, Card Connect, Paymentsense, and Paytap. Under the mentorship of Shahed Uddin, she thrived as a business development manager, gaining invaluable experience in sales, strategy, and leadership. During this period, Michelle also expanded her family, having two more children at 29 and 30.

However, life took an unexpected turn in 2017 when Michelle was diagnosed with a spinal tumour. Forced to reevaluate her career, she transitioned into writing, publishing her first self-help book, Letting Go of Child Abuse and Finally Forgiving, on Amazon and KDP that same year. The following year, after undergoing surgery to remove the tumour, Michelle was introduced to the world of aquaponics through research for The Money Free Party UK. This exploration into sustainable agriculture ignited a newfound passion for alternative farming methods, particularly aquaponics and hydroponics.

Seeking a better environment for recovery, Michelle relocated to Cyprus, where she discovered an aquaponics setup in need of maintenance. She offered her expertise and spent 18 months managing and improving the system, refining her own skills in aquaponics design, plant cultivation, and fish farming. From 2018 to 2023, Michelle immersed herself in sustainable food production, herbal medicine, and experimental farming techniques, integrating her knowledge into practical applications.

In September 2022, following the diagnosis of two additional tumours, she underwent another major surgery. This marked a turning point in her health, allowing her to regain strength and refocus on her children and ambitions. By September 2023, Michelle returned to the UK with her longstanding business partner, Dexter Buckle, to launch Naughton’s Green Future, a venture dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture and aquaponics.

Michelle’s entrepreneurial drive continued in June 2024 when she accepted a franchise offer with Paytap, assembling a business-to-business sales team to provide payment services for SME merchants across the UK.

Later that year, she secured land in partnership with Growing Together Doncaster CIC to establish a UK-based aquaponics demonstration farm. This initiative aimed to provide vital research and education to support the nationwide expansion of aquaponics farming.

Recognising an opportunity to bridge the gap between financial services and high-risk industries, Michelle co-founded MO Money Global in February 2025 with business partner Occy Hollick. This banking referral company was designed to offer tailored financial solutions to businesses operating in complex and emerging sectors.

With a wealth of experience in business development, financial services, and sustainable agriculture, Michelle continues to innovate at the intersection of sustainability and commerce. Her unique journey—from overcoming a difficult childhood and significant health challenges to pioneering advancements in aquaponics—stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of a greener future.