Getting Started with Rebecca Meadows

Nexus Earth Ltd

In an era where sustainability has become a central business concern, Rebecca stands out as an innovative leader. As the founder of Nexus Earth Ltd., she is transforming how businesses approach environmental responsibility.

At the age of 25, Rebecca launched Nexus Earth, a consultancy dedicated to integrating sustainability into business strategies. With a rich background spanning the automotive, R&D, and environmental sectors, Rebecca’s approach represents a fresh and effective methodology for merging core strategy with environmental responsibility. Just a year into its journey, Nexus Earth has made significant strides, becoming a delivery partner for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Year 3 and leading the Access to Innovation programme.

Nexus Earth operates at a critical intersection where manufacturing consultancy meets environmental action with a core mission to seamlessly integrate sustainability into manufacturing practices by developing strategies that reduce environmental impact, lower operational costs, and enhance overall efficiency. Rebecca’s passion for environmental sustainability was sparked during her master’s studies in Chemical Engineering at Chester University. Her research on air quality highlighted the critical need to integrate environmental considerations into business operations to drive significant change at scale.

Rebecca’s path to entrepreneurship was shaped by her diverse professional experiences. After completing her degree, she co-founded an engineering venture, however, she soon identified a significant gap in the market- a need for a consultancy that seamlessly combined sustainability with technical operations, especially for manufacturing SMEs lacking the time and resources to address these concerns. Rebecca attributes her progress to the invaluable support from the Chamber of Commerce and the broader business community. The Chamber played a pivotal role by connecting Rebecca with industry networks, offering resources such as start-up and sales clubs, which were critical for her initial growth. Additionally, Rebecca secured a £1000 start-up grant in the second year of UKSPF support, which she invested in marketing strategy development with Richard Dawson from Digital Marketing Cheshire and branding expertise from MC Media Creative.

In the early stages of Nexus Earth, strategic pivots were necessary as Rebecca engaged with potential clients and conducted market research. With Richard’s assistance, she leveraged LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and developed a robust business development strategy. This approach proved effective, and thanks to UKSPF year 2 funding, Nexus Earth was able to secure its first project. Rebecca also received mentorship from Ian Traynor at Luminate Ventures Ltd. Rebecca reflects,

Rebecca’s influence extends beyond her business accomplishments. She is actively involved with the Institution of Chemical Engineers, where she works to inspire young people to pursue careers in engineering and STEM fields.

“The support I’ve had since starting out from the wider business community has been invaluable. From the early stages of setting up Nexus Earth, the encouragement and resources provided by industry networks, local business groups, and seasoned professionals have been crucial. The connections I’ve made through these avenues have not only offered practical advice and mentorship but also opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations”.

A standout project highlighted the impact of Nexus Earth’s expertise. The consultancy played a crucial role in the procurement of energy technology, a heat recovery solution for a client. By ensuring the system was accurately sized, Nexus Earth saved the client over £200,000 in installation costs alone, not including the additional annual energy savings. Without precise sizing, the system could have been inefficient, leading to higher operational costs and performance issues. This case illustrates the importance of seeking environmental and technical expertise, even when working with established contractors.

Nexus Earth’s swift demonstration of credibility and success in the industry led to its role as a delivery partner for the Access to Innovation program under UKSPF Year 3. In this capacity, Nexus Earth is currently collaborating with prestigious subcontractors, including the University of Chester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Rebecca says “this programme will demystify the wider business support available for manufacturing and engineering sectors, showcasing the wealth of resources that exist in West Cheshire, and making it easier for businesses to navigate the support landscape”.

As Nexus Earth continues to grow, the company is poised for further developments, as upcoming projects are expected to advance sustainability in manufacturing even further, reinforcing Nexus Earth’s position as a leader in the field and driving additional innovation. Rebecca’s influence extends beyond her business accomplishments. She is actively involved with the Institution of Chemical Engineers, where she works to inspire young people to pursue careers in engineering and STEM fields. Her efforts to educate and motivate the next generation of innovators are particularly impactful, given her status as a young female entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated industry. By promoting these fields, Rebecca is helping to shape a more diverse and skilled workforce for the future.

Rebecca’s journey with Nexus Earth showcases the transformative potential of combining sharp business acumen with environmental action. Her entrepreneurial venture is not only redefining manufacturing practices but also contributing to a more sustainable future.