17.12.07
Expanding Quest to safeguard water

An environmental solutions firm based at Victoria, near Roche, is celebrating the results of a successful graduate marketing project that has set the foundations for future business growth and increased employment opportunities.

Quest Environmental Solutions Ltd (QES) specialises in legionella control in water systems. The legionella bacteria, which lives naturally in water sources such as lakes and rivers, can cause the potentially fatal Legionnaires Disease. As it is not always removed by conventional water treatment, it can be found in domestic, commercial and industrial water systems including spas and hot tubs, cold and hot water systems, cooling systems and indoor fountains.

There are strict legal obligations to control legionella bacteria in water systems and QES enables businesses to comply with these demands and safeguard their employees and the general public against the hazard of infection by offering risk assessments, sampling, testing, cleaning and disinfecting, as well as maintenance and system improvements. The range of organisations that can be affected is diverse, particularly in Cornwall; including hotels, campsites, leisure centres, nursing homes, schools and colleges, factories, offices and housing associations.

In November 2006, QES took on Biological Sciences graduate, Abi Joseph, from Liskeard to develop and implement a marketing strategy which would identify its target markets, expand business opportunities and communicate the opportunity for local companies to meet their health and safety obligations with respect to legionella, using a local supplier.

Having trained as a scientist at University of Plymouth, Abi knew it would be a steep learning curve. "Taking on a marketing project was a huge challenge, but I really wanted to work in the environmental sector in Cornwall and this seemed the perfect way. I joined the company through the Unlocking Cornish Potential scheme, which meant I had the back up of an external mentor who was an expert in the marketing field and that really helped me to find my way and develop."

Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) is Combined Universities in Cornwall's (CUC) graduate placement scheme, which places graduates with local business for up to twelve months to work on a specific project that will assist the business and give real life work experience and training opportunities. The scheme is backed by Objective One and managed by Cornwall College and has placed over 220 graduates since 2004.

Abi implemented an initial research stage, identified target markets and developed a communications and marketing strategy; initiated a customer database and set up systems for telephone and direct mail contact, as well as carrying out presentations. She was surprised by the feedback she received, commenting: "We quickly identified that there is a real lack of awareness about what businesses should be doing to guard against the risk of legionella. That was a significant factor limiting our business potential. Now we are tackling that head on." Abi also played a significant part in the achievement of the ISO9001 award for quality management that QES achieved in September, which adds even more value to the services on offer.

Managing Director, Mike Quest, is delighted by the progress: "Abi's project has enabled me to have a clearer picture of our growth potential, which has already prompted an internal restructuring exercise. Also as a direct result of this project we are channelling significant investment into our marketing activity to ensure ongoing business expansion. With the rapid increase in clients and more directly employed staff, I am now able to oversee operations and business development as a whole, whereas before it had to be either/or. I am extremely pleased that Abi will now be staying on with us as a permanent and important member of staff, as I know her ongoing involvement will continue to benefit the business enormously."

For further information please contact Emma Stallard, Combined Universities in Cornwall PR and Communications Officer on 01326 259908 or email emma.stallard@cuc.ac.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).

Editor's notes:

The Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) project is part of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative and is managed by Cornwall College. UCP builds on 5 years of highly successful, ESF funded activity by the University of Plymouth. The UCP project seeks to measurably improve the efficiency, competitiveness and growth potential of SMEs in Cornwall through the placement of graduates in companies to undertake business development projects. These projects can last from 6 to 12 months.

The Combined Universities in Cornwall is a dynamic and visionary partnership that is one of the driving forces behind Cornwall's economic renaissance. This partnership combines the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, University College Falmouth, The Open University, The College of St Mark & St John, and the Peninsula Medical School, with Cornwall's Further Education colleges - Cornwall College, Truro College and Penwith College. It aims not only to provide the students of the future with more choice and greater opportunities, but also to boost the economic fortunes of the region for the benefit of one and all.

The CUC initiative has been invested in by the Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

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

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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