entrepreneurs 17


Pictures by Angus Thomas


Which entrepreneur has taught you a valued lesson and what is it?


I admire those companies which are viewed as leaders in thought processes, Amazon’s one example. We look at how we want to be viewed in our marketplace and as we are undergoing a complete shift in our industry; we want to be the disrupters. Marissa Mayer is successfully combining a high-flying career at Yahoo! with a family and challenging industry on the accepted way of doing things. Controversy is not a bad thing.


Location, location, location – how fundamental to SEaB Energy’s success is this environment?


The Science Park has been marvellous, very supportive and our visibility and profile have grown. We started in a garage, now we are in


a hub of entrepreneurial new businesses. We moved here three years ago and it has given us flexibility to shrink or grow, plus a great service offering from other businesses which can provide HR or accounts support, integral to helping us build our business and allowing us to get on with our core business – ENERGY from waste.


Investment in clean tech is growing. Why are investors becoming less risk averse?


Clean tech investments have matured and so have we as a corporate. It’s less risky overall when investors consider this sector.


What are your thoughts on how science is taught and boosting manufacturing careers to the next generation?


We’ve brought work placements in from the very beginning, so young people start in a small company in a very broad role, experiencing every aspect, from the technical through to office roles. You also need to take industry into schools and make science – and its application – more fun.


As a start-up is there any one issue that’s had you flummoxed?


The supply chain is the number one issue as we have brought to market a new product of a different size in the existing sector. Components don’t fit, so we have had to work with suppliers to make things smaller or find suppliers from other sectors who can solve the problem of what we require.


Awards are great recognition, please elaborate on some.


As with my children, I have no favourite. They are special in their own way. We have been recognised with a lot of awards, which in turn are wonderful, as they recognise the work by the entire team. They include: Defense Energy Technology 2013 Challenge Winner, US Defense Department; Resource Revolution Award Winner, 2013; Innovation and Technology


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – DECEMBER 13/JANUARY 14


Award, Test Valley Business Awards, 2012; Best Micro AD Project, UK AD & Biogas Association, 2012. SEaB is also shortlisted for an ENDS Green Economy Award and I have been nominated for Eco Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.


How do you manage the home/work balance with four children?


Nick and I tag team it for home and business. If I go to my son’s match I may work later at night. Our children are aged 10 to 23 years, and as I have no UK family we have always ensured that their home environment was stable.


Other than speaking French, German and Spanish, do you have any hidden talents?


I ride, ski, play tennis, love the outdoors but am not a golfer; it’s best not to mention heels on a corporate golf day in the past.


Do you regard a working knowledge in one other language as an essential skill?


Cultural awareness is more important. I’m about to head off to several countries in South America, starting in Brazil. Our corporate literature and company colours match the Brazilian flag, which would go down well in Brazil, but not necessarily in the other countries I am visiting. The company branding will not alter, but it was good timing to become aware as we needed new brochures printed. The Clean and Cool Mission Brazil, organised by the Technology Strategy Board and partners, is designed to open up new markets for products and presents a great opportunity for us.


It’s such a fast-moving world, do you think your children will follow an innovative technological path?


Ranging from fine arts and fashion, physics and math to sport, I think they will innovate in their areas of expertise.


Details: www.seabenergy.com www.businessmag.co.uk


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