Each month ROJ will go ‘on tour’ visiting UROC members to fi nd out just what makes them tick. T is issue ROJ meets with Karen Smith, a business development manager at GBN Services, a Skip Hire & Recycling company based in London.
What do you think the biggest change has been in the industry over the last decade? I think most people would agree we’re pulling out more recyclables from waste than 10 years ago. As an industry we are recycling every material stream economically viable, to meet the increasing demand for 100% diversion from landfi ll. With the introduction of Refuse Derived Fuel ("RDF") as an alternative to sending residual waste to landfi ll, it has made businesses consider how they process the waste, look at new technologies, to view waste as a potential income stream as opposed to a cost.
If you could change one thing in the industry, what would it be? T e level of “red tape” surrounding the industry is at times frustrating. It feels that you need to hire someone full time to fi lter through all the bits and pieces that relate to each particular section of the industry; from weighbridge tickets to disposal of waste. But regardless we work very hard to conform to the ever changing legislation. It will be interesting to see how Brexit may change things.
What do you think is the main issue facing the sector at the moment? We’re fi nding that the rising costs of the disposal of our recyclables and residual waste the main issue. We constantly review costs in line with the current markets and seek the most eff ective way to keep costs to a minimum, so we can ensure our prices are competitive whilst achieving best value for our customers. But the benefi t is that it drives us to look at alternatives, which is one of GBN’s main priorities.
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What do you enjoy most about your job? I like the diff erent aspects of my job. No one day is ever the same, ranging from: account management (we have some great customers that are a pleasure to work with on a daily basis) to new customers who are always welcome, I really enjoy those initial meetings, getting stuck in and fi nding more about our customers businesses and how we can help them with their waste solutions. I also deal with the marketing, and we are currently working on some exciting projects.
What has been your biggest achievement to date? My biggest achievement has been setting up the RDF production at Uxbridge and Basildon. From sourcing the equipment to implementing the process. It’s been a massive learning experience for me and a massive contribution to GBN’s
diversion from landfi ll rates.
Who do you admire most in business, and why? I have to say, I admire Garry Hobson our Managing Director. He joined the company 25 years ago with one depot, turning over about £750,000. He’s been responsible for its growth to: 6 depots, over 200 vehicles, and a £34 million turnover. I’ve never seen him stressed out or loose his cool and is a great guy to get along with.
What was the last thing to shock you? I recently became a Grandmother at the very tender age of 39. Whilst I’m obviously delighted, I’m still very much in shock about being a Granny!!
What do you do to relax? I have a beautiful Staffi e Bull Terrier called Charlie, who I love to walk and take jogging. I also have a very large sociable Irish family whom I love spending time with, we have a lot of fun and lots of laughs. I love good food, good wine, good music.
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