29.10.07
Graduate supports environmental expansion for business

Unlocking Cornish Potential graduate Helen Stimpson is helping a Cornwall-based company expand its range of services in to the sustainable systems sector.

Helen, who graduated in 2005 in Geography from Leeds University, is Sustainable Systems Consultant for H2OK, based at Allet, near Truro. She has recognised the growing demand in companies and householders for sustainable systems such as rainwater harvesting, which collects rain and reuses it for non drinking water uses such as toilets, washing machines, vehicle washing and for watering gardens.  These systems reduce the need to abstract, treat and pump mains water, preserving a natural resource, reducing carbon emissions and saving money on increasingly costly water charges.

She took the post via Unlocking Cornish Potential, a Combined Universities in Cornwall project run by Cornwall College that has received Objective One investment. Graduates are placed with businesses and offered support including an expert mentor.

Helen, who is from London and now lives in Truro, explained her job, how Unlocking Cornish Potential had supported her and ambitious plans for company expansion.

She said: “Quite a few modules in my degree were about sustainable development, sustainable cities, sustainable energy and renewable energy technologies. H2OK has brought me in to assess the commercial scope of sustainable systems across the South West. Because the company already deals with waste water systems it is a natural transition to move towards environmental technology such as rain water harvesting and grey water systems.

“There is the potential for a huge market out there and my research into sales potential has involved talking to architects, developers, council planners, the South West Regional Development Agency and a number of non governmental organisations. This research has already generated enquiries and contracts for site work and assessments.

“Unlocking Cornish Potential has supported this with two mentors – one for marketing and one for renewable energies. My plan is to eventually head a sustainable systems sector of the company.”

H2OK was founded in 1995 with two employees. Now it has 40 employees with a further number of subcontractors helping it to a turnover in excess of £3 million, with continued growth in mind beyond the South West.

Phil Badger founder and managing Director of H2OK is delighted to have Helen onboard. “We have for some time now wanted to raise our profile in the sustainable market. Helen has helped us identify the market size and shape which will enable H2OK to devise a strategy to become the market leader in the South West for water-related sustainable solutions.”

Ben Leonard, of Unlocking Cornish Potential, said: “The sustainable development and renewable energy market is a real growth area in Cornwall where we have considerable expertise. UCP is delighted to support Helen and H2OK to enable to them to enhance their commercial offering in this important area. With the renewable energy degree at the CUC, several market leading renewables consultancies and a growing band of entrepreneurs focussing on this in the county it is an exciting demonstration of the skills base emerging in Cornwall.”

For further information please contact Clare Morgan, Media Relations Manager for the Partnership Office, on 01872 223439/07973 813647 or email cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) project, both Phase 1 and Phase 2, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF). Unlocking Cornish Potential is managed by CornwallCollege, a partner of CUC.

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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