European Social Fund in England

Convergence funding helps local firm go from strength to strength

A team of planning and environmental consultants based in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, is aiming to grow its business after increasing an already impressive list of credentials with further training organised by the Environmental Skills Network (ESN) which is supported by European Social Fund (ESF) Convergence investment.

Situ8 was set up nearly four years ago by Directors Angela Warwick (MRTPI) and Sian Cornish. Both have backgrounds in planning – Angela as a senior planner for Restormel Borough Council and Tower Hamlets and Sian as a sustainable development specialist working in London for the Building Research Establishment and multi-disciplinary construction engineers Buro Happold. Since then they have been joined by Lisa Solly, who has experience with both the Environment Agency and Restormel Borough Council, and Ivan Tomlin who has extensive experience working in the field of town and country planning in his previous role at Caradon District Council as an assistant head of service. Maggie Lancaster, the fifth member of the team, deals with all the company’s administration.

Whilst everyone in Situ8 has extensive experience in the planning industry, Angela and Sian both understood the importance of continuing professional development so, when they met representatives of ESN at a Situ8 event entitled ‘Greening Construction in the Credit Crunch’ at the Eden Project, they were keen to take advantage of the skills and training support the network has to offer.

ESN is managed by the Learning Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and funded by ESF Convergence money to help the Cornish economy through workforce development. Programme Manager Jeff Moore visited the company at Angela and Sian’s invitation to assess their training needs.

“We looked at their long term aims and put a package of courses together to act as the foundation blocks for further progression,” he said. “What we are trying to do is identify any gaps in knowledge - often things that were once learnt and subsequently forgotten - and fill them with suitable workshops or skills for life training.”

So far members of the team have refreshed their high level literacy and numeracy skills and taken part in Exeter University’s ‘How to Meet the Code for Sustainable Homes’ seminar and ‘An Introduction to Renewable Energy’ day course in Truro. Sian, who has a Masters Degree from the University of Oxford, wants to get Chartered Town Planner status like her fellow director Angela – a prestigious award that is based upon proven professional competence in a number of different areas.

“The advice and guidance we’ve received from ESN has been fantastic and I would thoroughly recommend that all businesses brush up on their literacy and numeracy skills – it’s surprising what you forget over the years,” said Sian. “We would never have known about the fully-funded training opportunities available without ESN’s support. We now have long term development goals in place and will continue to work with the ESN team to achieve them.”

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office said, “In today’s current economic climate being competitive is much more than lowest price or being branded ‘green’. Real knowledge delivered through the right set of skills is critical in meeting the increasing demands from value-conscious clients. Situ8’s attitude to training and upskilling will improve their competitive position and perceived expertise.”

Mark Williams, ESF Director for the Learning and Skills Council South West said, “The Environmental Skills Network is doing an excellent job of providing training for businesses throughout the county.

“It’s very important for every company to keep their skills updated and relevant if they want to remain competitive. I congratulate Situ8 for what they’ve already achieved and have no doubt that their training investment will pay dividends in terms of ongoing commercial success.”

As well as supporting the needs of trades and businesses within the environmental sector, ESN can also help companies in other industry sectors. For further information, call Jeff Moore on 07967136536 or visit www.environmentalskills.org.uk.