Environmental entrepreneur hits back over ‘crazy’ lack of Government support
James says that our green green grass is suffocating under needless hills of rubbish
XX June 2007: Newport, Gwent: A leading waste expert is celebrating his crowning as the nation’s ‘Young Business Achiever of the Year’ with a call for Government and leading businesses to work with him and shape a greener nation.
James Norvill, 26, managing director of leading Welsh waste management company GD Environmental, was recently awarded the title at the auspicious Western Mail Business Awards for Wales.
He now says that he wishes to use this new-found recognition to make a passionate plea for leading bodies in Wales to work with him in his bid to help recycle 90% of waste.
“We have a duty of care to protect this land for future generations,” he says.
“At present, we sing songs of our nation’s green, green grass, but unless we embark on serious measures to protect our nation, then this grass will be suffocated under needless hills of rubbish,” he says.
“Our ambition is to be recognised as a leading UK recycling company and we have several exciting projects underway. However, we are very disappointed that the Welsh Assembly Government is not backing us.
“We asked for their support towards our £1 million investment build a waste transfer and recycling station in Newport; a state-of-the-art facility that can recycle over 90% of commercial and public waste. Despite creating in excess of 20 jobs, we were offered none.
“We have recently asked the Welsh Office for support towards another multi-million pound project that will reshape the way in which waste is recycled in Wales.
“Again, they tell us that very little support is available for environmental projects, as there is little job creation.
“This is crazy.
“If we do not prioritise and create a sustainable future, then the effects of global warming may guarantee that there are no jobs available in the future.
“We seem to talk a lot about protecting our future, but it needs public investment if we are to move forward.
“We are a growing environmental success story and I would like to keep it that way. Wales is my home and I am very passionate about securing its future, but similar companies across the border have funds readily available.
“If we, and other like-minded growing companies, cannot win support from our political leaders for recycling and waste management projects, then we will struggle to develop our businesses further.
“This is something that the powers need to consider to assure the long term sustainability and economical growth in Wales.”
Newport’s GD Environmental is a true success story. Founded as a small drainage company by James Norvill in 2004, it has since developed into a complete provider of waste disposal services including skip hire, asbestos and hazardous waste disposal.
GD Environmental has expanded at a rate of 126% year-on-year, increased its full-time staff from 2 to 47, established a client base of more than 350, and grown revenues to £2.6m this year.
Future plans include the building of waste transfer stations in Monmouthshire and Cardiff, and reaching a £9m turnover by 2010.
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Media contacts:
Office hours
Gerwyn Holmes
GD Environmental Services
T: 01633 277755
