Sutton Coldfield: Sale of innovative firm

Sutton Coldfield Chamber

of Commerce

Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650

Sutton Coldfield Chamber Patrons

Landmark sale of PML is ‘vote of confidence’

The founder of a Sutton Coldfield company which finds sustainable uses for the mountains of ash left over by power generation at coalburning power stations has described the firm’s sale as ‘a vote of confidence in the sector and the UK’.

When Power Minerals Ltd (PML) was founded by Nigel Waldron and partner Peter Brennan in 2003, it was an ambitious start-up with two desks and two telephones.

It now employs people across three UK sites, directing millions of tonnes of power station ash by-product for re-use in manufacturing, construction and many of the key infrastructure projects that are reshaping the country.

Now PML has changed hands in a landmark deal, with EP Power Europe (EPPE) purchasing the company for an undisclosed sum from German energy firm STEAG GmbH, who acquired it in 2010.

Nigel, the firm’s managing director, said: “This deal is a huge vote of confidence in PML, the broader sector and in the UK.

“It will open up new opportunities for us and take the business in exciting new directions as well as ensuring our employees having a bright future.

“It provides a huge European network within which we can operate, as well as potentially opening up investment in plant and processing which will take us forward as the energy markets evolve. However, while this deal represents a change in ownership, it doesn’t mean we will be changing the close way we work with our key partners, such as Drax and SSE.

“It is the strength of these relationships that have made PML a success, and we are committed to their continued success.”

The fly ash created by coal-fired energy generation serves as a highly ecological and cost-effective substitute for clinker in cement production and as an additive replacing cement in concrete.

Fly ash significantly reduces the CO2 footprint of cement, as well as costs and improves cement quality for the construction industry.

Nigel Waldron: Bright future

Design studio joins partnership

The Curry Design Studio is the latest company to join Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School rapidlyexpanding Corporate Partnership.

It means the Sutton Coldfield firm will be able to offer a wide range of design and creative services to fellow partnership members.

Since joining the Corporate Partnership, the Curry Design Studio has also agreed to support the school with an upcoming design project, which involves creating a historic timeline to be displayed in the school’s corridors.

Director Kate Curry said: “We are delighted to become an official member of the BVGS Corporate Partnership.

“As a business, we are keen to share our expertise and support those who need it, so joining a growing and successful initiative will allow us to build important relationships with other local businesses.

“After having a conversation with development director, Brian Davies, his commitment to the partnership was clear to see, which made our decision to join the initiative an easy one to make.”

Mr Davies said: “Despite the current challenges, it is great to continue this period of growth, adding established businesses like The Curry Design Studio to our expanding membership portfolio. At our current size, it is crucial that we continue to attract exciting and passionate members, who will deliver immediate value to the other partners and the school itself.”

Pride of Birmingham award for Cherished

Hannah Simnett: Team effort

The founder of charity Cherished, which provides support for girls in primary and secondary schools across Birmingham, has won a ‘Pride of Birmingham’ award.

Hannah Simnett picked up the ‘Community Hero’ award during a virtual version of the annual event, hosted by BirminghamLive and supported by TSB.

Hannah established Cherished a decade ago in Sutton Coldfield, aged just 18.

Today, the charity works with hundreds of children and teenagers across Birmingham.

The charity provides self-esteem workshops and mentoring schemes to help empower and develop the ‘true potential of young girls’.

According to Cherished, more than 1,000 girls have been nurtured through its one-toone mentoring scheme, Blossom Groups and Conferences.

The charity has also trained more than 700 women to be skilled mentors for young girls.

Hannah said: “Obviously the award has got my name on it but it’s a team effort. I can do a lot on my own but I can’t do half as much without my team on my side.

“The trophy is not going on my mantelpiece - it’s going in the office.

“I do feel touched that people have got on board with the vision I had at 18. I don’t feel like I go to work, I have found what my purpose is.”