Member Article

Boyhood Buddies Go Into Business

TWO school friends, who went on to work for the same company, have strengthened their bond even further – by starting their own business.

Robert Blake and Shaun Tryner, from Launceston, Cornwall, who became firm friends while at Launceston College, both went on to join energy efficiency company Eaga.

And now, the pals have set up their own company, with help from a Trust set up by their former employer.

The eaga Trust was formed to promote employment, employee ownership and engagement in the workplace and, with the Trust’s support, the pair have created Plan View Assessment Solutions.

Drawing on their joint experience of the industry, they now carry out energy efficiency surveys and assessments for domestic and commercial property owners throughout the area.

The eaga Trust offers support to some 5,600 registered members, who, like Shaun and Robert, worked for Eaga from 11 January 2000 until 21 April 2011, when it was acquired by Carillion plc.

It offers its members a range of benefits including self-development courses, business start-up loans and guidance for those planning to start their own, employee-owned businesses.

As members of the Trust, Shaun and Robert were each able to access Skill-builder; a £1000 training grant, which they used to fund their training to become Green Deal advisers.

They also applied for an interest free business funding loan from the Trust, which funded commercial energy, SAP assessment training, Green Deal accreditation costs and the purchase of a computer.

“The help we’ve had from the Trust has been really important to us,” said Shaun. “Without it we could not have gained the necessary qualifications as quickly and consequently it would have taken a lot longer to get the company off the ground.

“It has been invaluable to us and I would really urge anyone else who may be eligible, to register their membership and get in touch with the Trust about the benefits on offer.”

Richard Marr, Chief Operating Officer at the eaga Trust, said: “Robert and Shaun are exactly the sort of people the Trust wants to help.

“There are many more like them who are eligible for membership of the Trust and we would love to hear from them.”

For information on Plan View Assessment Solutions Ltd, call 07730424395, email

shaun@planviewsolutions.co.uk or visit www.planviewsolutions.co.uk.

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for Trust membership should register atwww.eagatrust.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lauren Hillary .