Case Studies Article
How a WRAP Interim Manager helped a North East business to develop a new recycling facility
‘WRAP’s support has been invaluable, allowing us to undertake a detailed business analysis and revise our plans where necessary.’ James Enderby, Managing Director, DJ & SJ Recycling
The challenge
Northumberland-based DJ & SJ Recycling runs an arable and livestock farm. They also offer a composting service for recycling wood and green plant materials.
They wanted to expand their existing composting operation by producing compost to PAS 100 specifications (certified by the Composting Association). This would allow them to target a wider range of customers.
But to do this, DJ and SJ recognised they needed a manager with both technical knowledge of compost and an understanding of the marketplace. And where could they get help to fund such a manager over a sustained period?
The solution
DJ & SJ Recycling found out about the Interim Manager Scheme from WRAP’s website and decided to apply.
The scheme offers access to senior executives with specialist experience. This was precisely the support DJ & SJ Recycling needed to set up their new facility.
How it works
WRAP funding provided DJ & SJ with an Interim Manager, Eric Evans, for the length of the project.
Eric has an understanding of composting and its marketplace. He provided an additional and experienced resource to help move the business forward, and identify the optimum blend of compost.
DJ & SJ benefited from WRAP’s approach of fitting support to the needs of each organisation. The company felt comfortable working with Eric, and pre-set milestones enabled them to judge progress.
The results
James Enderby, Managing Director of DJ & SJ, comments: ‘Having Eric on board has been fundamental to our progress. The funding provided by WRAP has enabled Eric to support the development of a new composting facility, and undertake in-depth analysis of the local compost marketplace and potential customers. Eric’s expertise in horticulture has been invaluable when identifying the compost blend which would provide optimum growing conditions.’
DJ & SJ Recycling’s new composting facility, worth more than £200,000, is now under construction. Once complete, the site will be able to receive 10,000 tonnes of green waste a year – resulting in approximately 5,000 tonnes of compost. The company aims to supply high quality compost for use in turf care.
WRAP’s support has given DJ & SJ Recycling the opportunity to increase their turnover while diverting thousands of tones of waste away from land fill.
The future
James Enderby adds: ‘WRAP’s support has been invaluable, allowing us to undertake a detailed business analysis and revise our plans where necessary. As a result, we are now capable of producing PAS 100 compost and plan some more focused marketing activity to establish a wider customer base.’
Over to you…
Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of a thriving recycling and reprocessing industry in the North East:
WRAP Business Support Team
01295 819611/819919
bs@wrap.org.uk
www.wrap.org.uk/business_support
More information
For more information on this area View our section on Starting a recycling or reprocessing business