Member Article

Training demand fuels office expansion for North East environmental startup

Green business Enviro UK Consultants Ltd has acquired office space at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), after an increase in training demand from the second half of last year necessitated the move.

The environmental consultancy startup, which helps businesses improve their green credentials, launched in 2012 and has operated from a base at Director Sharon Lashley’s home.

Primarily providing a business consultancy service, specialising in environmental, sustainability, energy and waste management, the company has enjoyed a significant increase in demand for its environmental and waste management training courses.

Working with companies to address energy usage, Enviro carries out feasibility surveys to establish training needs and to help businesses ensure they are complying with environmental laws and legislations.

Sharon revealed: “Having previously worked from home, I decided the time was right to expand and move into my own office at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC).

“The training arm of the business has really taken off in the last six months so I am delighted to be in a position to further grow the business.

“I have always had an interest in the environment and ways to improve it. I believe if we all do what we can, no matter how small, it does make a big difference.

“Our services can range from renewable energy, solar panels and heating to waste management.

“As a registered trainer for the Chartered Institute of Environment Health (CIEH) and the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) I am delighted that businesses are taking on board their waste management responsibilities and ensuring employees are fully aware of their own responsibilities.”

Sharon has worked with the emergency services, local authorities, manufacturers, community groups and charities and recently supported the BIC with the installation of their PV tracker and solar panels.

She continued: “The BIC have supported us since the early stages of the business and are now providing me with an ideal space to expand.

“I have been fortunate enough to work closely with the BIC on their mission to be more energy efficient. I have also been able to support some of the BIC’s European projects by being a mentor to an entrepreneur visiting from Spain.

“The flexible lease terms available at the BIC are hugely important to a growing business such as ours. It allows you to plan for unexpected times.”

David Howell, Director at the BIC, added: “Sharon and her colleagues are extremely passionate about the environment and having worked with Sharon on a number of projects I am pleased she has chosen the BIC to expand the business from.

“The BIC is home to over 140 businesses from an array of sectors including pharmaceutical and scientific, environmental, software, finance and accounting companies.”

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