News updates written by CIWM’s commercial partners.
Vision Techniques | Taking steps towards improved mental health – Vision Techniques raise money for Mind Charity
Commercial Vehicle Safety and Security specialists, Vision Techniques, have raised an incredible £1,150 for mental health charity, Mind.
Six of the Vision Techniques head office team decided to take part in 56 Miles in February for Mind Charity to open up conversations regarding mental health as well as attempting to raise as much money as possible so the charity can help people across England and Wales.
The team, which included Finance Director Sarah Wood, Managing Director Dave Smith, Chloe Wilson, Nico Cobbold, Mikaeel Koornhof and Nicole Maffia, did an incredible job with some covering more than the required miles. Nico on her own managed to raise a brilliant £520.
Dave shared why the vehicle safety and security specialists wanted to take part. He said: “We are so proud of our teams achievements, and we want to thank every single person who donated to the cause because you are the ones making the real difference.
“Mental health awareness is so incredibly important and we hope the money we have raised helps to make a difference. We want all of our employees to know that our doors are always open.”
Vision Techniques has evolved into one of the UK’s largest vehicle safety equipment providers, supplying to industries including waste management.
Their solutions spanning over three decades include vehicle cameras, collision avoidance systems, braking systems, and solar power technology, enhancing fleet solutions.
To find out more about their extensive product range, go to: https://www.vision-techniques.com/.
Nuclear Waste Services | NWS appoints Seth Kybird as Interim CEO
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has today announced that Seth Kybird has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NWS. He succeeds Corhyn Parr who has led NWS as CEO since its formation in 2022.
Kybird will take on the role on1 April, and joins NWS on an 18-month secondment from Nuclear Transport Solutions.
NWS Chair Liz Peace said: “I am so pleased that Seth is taking on the role of NWS CEO. He has an outstanding track record of leading and developing organisations. His experience at Nuclear Transport Solutions will be hugely valuable and means that he’ll be able to hit the ground running as we continue to deliver our vision to make nuclear waste permanently safe, sooner.
“I also want to offer my thanks to Corhyn Parr for her contribution to NWS and for her outstanding leadership. As NWS’ first CEO, Corhyn has played a vital role in establishing NWS since its formation in 2022, and its many significant achievements since then.”
NDA Group CEO David Peattie said: “I am delighted that Seth is stepping into the role of NWS CEO. During his tenure as NTS CEO, Seth has been a key figure in the NDA group’s leadership team. His extensive experience and knowledge will be invaluable in leading NWS. I want to extend my thanks to Corhyn and wish her all the best as she embarks on new challenges.”
Seth Kybird said: “It is a huge privilege to be joining NWS as CEO. NWS plays a vital role in protecting people and the environment today as well as taking responsibility for future generations. I’m looking forward to working with NWS colleagues, our stakeholders, and communities and building on successes and progress in priority areas, such as the safe operation of the Low Level Waste Repository in Cumbria and delivery of a Geological Disposal Facility.”
Seth Kybird has been CEO at NTS since its formation in 2021. Before becoming CEO at NTS, Seth was Managing Director of International Nuclear Services. He is also a former strategy consultant and chartered accountant, having previously worked at NDA, KPMG, and Deloitte.
Supported by NWS, the nuclear industry already safely manages radioactive waste – and we will enable the UK Government’s net zero ambition by preparing to safely manage future waste.
NWS is part of the NDA group, which has a mission to safely, securely and sustainably decommission the UK’s oldest nuclear sites, leaving them ready for their next use.
VEV | VEV solves power supply constraint for EV charging with solar carport and battery storage microgrid for Dawsongroup
VEV, the e-fleet solutions provider backed by Vitol – a world-leader in the energy sector – together with UK commercial van rental business, Dawsongroup vans, are proud to unveil a flagship clean energy fleet electrification facility at Dawson Road, Milton Keynes.
VEVVEV provided a full turnkey solution from planning and design to power connection, procurement, project management and build of the clean energy microgrid comprising solar power, battery storage and 34 EV chargers. The Dawson Road site in Milton Keynes is the largest hub for Dawsongroup vans’ vehicles and fleet maintenance operations.
The state-of-the-art microgrid features a powerful 262kWp solar energy system with two double cantilever carports. The 300kWh battery units store energy generated from the solar panels and then charge vehicles, reducing demand on the national grid. Electric vehicles supplied to customers from Milton Keynes will have been charged using renewable energy.
As part of the five-year full-service package, the microgrid and charging ecosystem is managed through VEV’s proprietary data platform, VEV-IQ. This integrated charger and energy management system operates the charging infrastructure and uses intelligent load balancing to optimise energy usage across all sources – the grid, solar power and battery storage. It provides invaluable insights to the fleet manager to maximise operational and cost efficiency.
Dawsongroup vans is forecasting carbon emissions savings from the project of 65 tonnes per year. The business will showcase the new clean energy ecosystem as part of the work its ‘Team Target Zero’ advisors do to assist customers and suppliers with their carbon reduction plans. The sophisticated ecosystem at Dawson Road plays a crucial role in reinforcing the cost and efficiency benefits of switching to electric fleets.
With a nationwide fleet of 13,000 vehicles and a fast-growing EV estate, Dawsongroup vans is at the forefront of innovation and electrified solutions in commercial vehicle hire. The group’s Smarter Asset Strategy solutions provide businesses with the flexibility to adapt to new technologies and a changing world by utilising usership over ownership. They support customers transitioning to net zero through advice on alternative fuel and power sources, streamlining processes, and improving efficiencies to save energy and money. Read more about the Smarter Asset Strategy here.
Mike Nakrani, CEO of VEV said: “We are delighted to work with a nationwide service provider that’s on a mission to inspire more fleets to make the switch to electric. It was fantastic to see the microgrid and EV infrastructure become a reality at Dawson Road in December after breaking ground in Spring 2024. We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with the team there as our experts in energy and operations leverage VEV-IQ to optimise the clean energy ecosystem and deliver cost-efficiencies for Dawsongroup vans.”
Stephen Miller, CEO of Dawsongroup said: “As a leading player in the UK’s commercial vehicle hire sector, Dawsongroup has a desire to help lead the way in decarbonising fleets. We chose to leverage VEV’s expertise in delivering end-to-end electrification solutions for our Vans business and can now show our customers how they can thrive in the electric age and meet emissions-reduction obligations. We’re delighted with our new clean energy microgrid at Dawson Road and are exploring how to bring electrification further into our business.”
Dennis Eagle | Dennis Eagle cleans up with double triumph in MGTS Apprentice Awards
Two prestigious awards recognising excellence in apprenticeships across the Midlands have been won by Dennis Eagle and one of its apprentices.
Alongside winners from PepsiCo, Morrisons, Warburtons and Carlsberg, Dennis Eagle received the prestigious Employer Recognition Award from educational charity Midland Group Training Services (MGTS) for its outstanding contributions to engineering apprenticeships. Adding to the celebration, the Warwick firm’s Sean Williams was named MGTS’ Graduate Apprentice of the Year.
“For those who are considering an apprenticeship, the experience of learning in a classroom while doing practical on-the-job work will be a good foundation for work experience and provide good opportunities that normal employees might not get during their first few years of working at a company,” says Sean Williams. “I enjoyed the wide variety of work as well as the range of responsibilities I was given.”
For more than 30 years, Dennis Eagle has worked with MGTS to provide exceptional apprenticeship opportunities. Over 50 engineering apprentices have received training through the partnership with many going on to achieve senior roles within the truck manufacturer’s business, exemplifying the long-term career opportunities available. “I am looking forward to being a full-time employee of Dennis Eagle and the opportunities that come with that position such as the option of doing a university degree,” adds Williams.
Sean Williams’ four-year apprenticeship involved extensive hands-on engineering experience before moving into design, building knowledge and relationships as he progressed. Whilst working on the next generation of refuse collection vehicles, he also achieved a distinction in his BTEC Level 3 and a Merit in his HNC Level 4 diplomas. “Sean embodies the spirit of hard work and growth that apprenticeships aim to foster,” says MGTS’ training and development advisor, Luke Bennett. “His achievements and professionalism serve as an inspiration to aspiring engineers.”
Dennis Eagle’s long-term support for apprenticeships saw it also scoop the Employer Recognition Award from MGTS. Dennis Eagle’s dedication to apprenticeships is a testament to its commitment to engineering excellence and talent development. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership,” adds Bennett.
Augean | Augean awarded multi-year contract with bp
Augean has been awarded a multi-year contract with BP to manage drilling waste, specifically focusing on processing drill cuttings from the company’s operations in the North Sea.
Augean has been awarded a multi-year contract with BP to manage drilling waste, specifically focusing on processing drill cuttings from the company’s operations in the North Sea.With an impressive track record of over 19 years without a lost time incident (LTI) offshore, Augean brings extensive experience and specialised expertise to the drilling waste management sector.
Augean’s offshore containment equipment significantly reduces the risk of environmental release during operations, supported by a robust fleet of over 500 skips, ensuring service availability and reliability. Augean’s state-of-the-art EcoCentre facility in Peterhead, located at one of the UK’s primary oilfield ports, is designed to treat contaminated drill cuttings.
It facilitates compliant recovery and disposal while minimising the carbon footprint associated with transporting offshore waste.
Peter Marioni, Chief Operating Officer for Augean North East Scotland, expressed enthusiasm about the contract, stating, “This contract is a great win for Augean and reflects our strong track record in drilling waste management. We invest heavily in both our equipment fleet and our personnel to ensure we can always meet customer demands and provide a comprehensive and reliable service, and I am delighted to bring our expertise to this contract with bp.”
WRA | Wood Recyclers’ Association appoints new Chair and Deputy Chair
Mark Hayton has become the new Chair of the Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA), taking over from Richard Coulson who steps down after a four-year term.
Mark Hayton has become the new Chair of the Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA), taking over from Richard Coulson who steps down after a four-year term.Richard chaired his final members’ meeting and AGM in Bristol yesterday (March 19), before handing over the reins to Mark, director of wood recycling company EGGER Timberpak, which sources waste wood for EGGER’s chipboard production sites.
Mark has a detailed knowledge of the waste wood sector, having grown Timberpak from a single site processing 20,000 tonnes-a-year to a four-site operation processing more than 400,000 tonnes of waste wood a year.
At the meeting, WRA board member Richard Jenkins, CEO of Seras, was also appointed WRA Deputy Chair/Chair in Waiting. In this role, Richard will work closely alongside Mark to steer the work of the WRA.
Richard Jenkins replaces Andy Hill as Deputy Chair, with Andy now departing the board alongside Alan Webb. A former WRA Chair, Andy now becomes an Honorary Life President of the WRA.
Furthermore, Elizabeth Green of Community Wood Recycling and Oliver Latter from Veolia were elected as new members on the WRA Board.
Mark said: “It is a privilege to be appointed Chair of the WRA and I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to build on the strong foundations built by my predecessors. There is a lot going on in the industry at the moment which impacts our members and I will be honoured to represent the sector as Chair.”
Richard Jenkins said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of Deputy Chair at what is a pivotal time for the sector and look forward to working with Mark to drive forward the WRA’s important work.”
Julia Turner, Executive Director of the WRA, said: “Mark has been a prominent voice on our board for the last 11 years and he and Richard Jenkins bring with them so much expertise and leadership experience. I look forward to working with them both to ensure the WRA continues to deliver for its members and represent them at the highest levels.”
“I would also like to welcome to the board Elizabeth Green and Oliver Latter, who have a wealth of experience in reuse, recycling and waste management and will be very valuable additions.”
“Finally, a huge thank you on behalf of everyone at the WRA to Richard Coulson for his unwavering commitment and dedication to the WRA. Richard has expertly led our Association over the past four years and we are very pleased that he will remain on our board and continue to lead our biomass advocacy work.”
Green Space Innovations | Green Space Innovations Launches Innovative Waste Management Solution: Greenscope
Green Space Innovations is excited to announce the launch of its latest offering, Greenscope, a groundbreaking product designed specifically for the commercial waste sector.
As a start-up dedicated to empowering businesses to adopt sustainable practices for a cleaner future, Green Space Innovations believes that efficient waste management is key to achieving environmental goals.
Greenscope stands at the forefront of Green Space Innovations commitment to innovative waste solutions. This cutting-edge tool empowers facilities managers and their teams to monitor and analyze waste output across entire buildings, individual floors, or specific occupiers.
With real-time tracking and performance monitoring, Greenscope fosters better communication among team members and tenants, ensuring a streamlined approach to waste management.
In conjunction with the launch of Greenscope, Green Space Innovations is thrilled to offer a limited opportunity for CIWM members businesses to participate in a free beta trial of the product. This exclusive trial will allow participants to experience firsthand how Greenscope can enhance waste operations and contribute to sustainability goals.
“We recognize that effective waste management is a critical component for businesses striving towards sustainability,” said Alfie McMahon, Director at Green Space Innovations. “Greenscope not only provides valuable insights into waste output but also fosters collaboration among teams to improve overall performance. We are confident that our innovative solution can help businesses transition to more sustainable practices.”
Interested businesses are encouraged to reach out for further details on the beta trial. To participate and gain access to this game-changing platform, please contact Green Space Innovations at contact@greenscope.net.
For more information about Green Space Innovations and Greenscope, visit our website at https://greenspaceinnovations.co.uk/.
WasteRecruit | Revolutionising the search for advanced green skills
Industry experience suggests the development of green skills requires more than an academic approach.
Industry experience suggests the development of green skills requires more than an academic approach.Certifications are important, qualifications hold huge value, but what companies really need right now is people that can apply their knowledge and skills to solve very specific problems.
Many of these problems are one’s that businesses haven’t had to address before now. As a result, many of these roles are new. Companies are creating them because they’ve identified that they need to move in a different direction, due to either changing legislation such as EPR or even growing consumer pressure.
What’s interesting is that many of these roles are in mid to senior level management. This highlights that companies don’t just need people with certifications. They need candidates with operational experience, who have a strong commercial understanding, and know how to work with and develop people.
In waste management specifically, companies are experiencing rapid growth and they need people with the skills to develop new opportunities, grow teams and keep operations efficient and compliant as the business grows. But with demand far outstripping supply, where will these managers come from?
Hiring good managers requires a focus on skills
In truth, while experience in waste management in some form is generally preferred, it’s not always essential. This is the secret to closing the green skills gap, especially in management.
Finding the right skills may start with a job title or description, but anyone can copy a list of requirements across to their CV and make it sound as though they’re a good fit for the role. Understanding what skills are needed for success, that dives deeper, because then regardless of background or experience, a candidate can be tested for those specific skills.
As an example, consider a role in operations management. There’s a technical operational element in keeping facilities working and ensuring that maintenance is proactively planned. Plus, there’s a responsibility to maintain operational efficiencies by continually measuring performance and spotting opportunities for incremental improvements.
Good managers understand the importance of these operational areas and do them well, but that’s just the technical foundation of their role. Real success requires strong leadership, people management and soft skills, not just managing shifts or KPI’s. Here’s what this looks like:
A good health and safety record is essential for successful operations and a strong H&S culture is developed over time through strong leadership. Managers who are good at this know how to communicate effectively and develop standards and expectations that the team internalises and takes ownership of. Good managers know how to communicate well and engage with people on all levels of the organization.
In addition, good managers are willing to step down to the operations floor and support the team when necessary. They take the time to listen to problems and encourage input on ways to solve them. They’re conscious about identifying individuals with potential for development, and then taking steps to develop them.
Developing green skills in management is all about focusing on skills
As you can see from this example, there’s a lot involved to being an operations manager. It requires someone who is both structured and strategic in their approach, but who still has the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. They need to know how to delegate and trust others, whilst having the structure to ensure they can oversee and monitor effectively.
When you understand all that’s involved in a management role, it’s easier to see why qualifications listed on a CV rarely guarantees a candidate’s ability to be successful in the role. Also, when you’re assessing candidates based on skills, there’s no need to limit the search to specific industry experience and this broadens the candidate pool.
Developing green skills in management is about revolutionising the approach to recruitment and its game changing. Evidenced by industry feedback:
“Working with WasteRecruit allowed us to pinpoint and focus on specific areas crucial for achieving successful outcomes as a Plant Manager with PMG. Several months on this candidate is performing very well and has become an asset to the Team,” Mark Day, Managing Director, PMG, says.
Collectively we have an opportunity to drive this revolution, starting with identifying which management skills are more important to specific companies, and adapting the interview design and personality assessment to match. Then, using that to assess candidates and identify who has the management skills needed, we can help stimulate the development of green skills to match the growing demand.
Fleetclear | Fleetclear improves bin lifting operation safety
Fleetclear has launched a unique Vehicle Lift Information System (VLIS), enhanced with AI technology, to reduce the risks associated with bin lifting operations in the waste management industry.
There is a long history of incidents involving bin-lifts, involving entanglement and entrapment of crew members, or even the ‘picking up’ of individuals and dumping them in the hopper. Sadly, some of these accidents have resulted in fatalities.
According to a HSE search of the *RIDDOR database 389 incidents were reported between 2012 and 2022 and of these there were 30 occurrences of people being lifted by a bin-lift.
Bin lifts demand constant situational awareness and if proper procedures aren’t followed serious accidents can occur in the danger zone between the barrier arms.
Fleetclear’s VLIS is type approved and is effective with every type of bin lifting mechanism. It can be fitted retrospectively to all makes and models of Refuse Collection Vehicle (RCV).
Chris Waller, Chief Technical Officer, Fleetclear said: “There are a range of situations that can occur, which can lead to operatives becoming injured by bin lifting mechanisms. These include clearing debris, dealing with falling or dislodged bins, and attempting to stop the hopper from overflowing.
“We have developed our Vehicle Lift Information System using AI detection to actively monitor this danger zone during lifting operations. If a person or object is detected in the designated area the lifting mechanism is automatically and immediately disabled preventing entanglements and significantly reducing any risk of accidents and injuries.”
In November 2024 the Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum (WISH) produced a document on the *’Safe Use of Automatic Bin-Lifts on RCVs’ to provide supporting advice to fleet operators about what action to take to improve standards of safety associated with existing fleets of RCVs.
The document points out that procedures alone are ‘a weak risk control measure because people make mistakes, get distracted or fail to follow systems.’ It goes on to point out that ‘Technology now exists which has the potential to significantly improve the safeguarding of these machines.’
Fleetclear’s VLIS uses intelligent AI camera image recognition algorithms to filter out non-human objects to avoid false activations. The detection zones are adjustable and can be tailored to accommodate different vehicles and lift types.
Event reconstruction with video and telematics data showing each activation is also available when the system is used in conjunction with Fleetclear Connect software and Fleetclear DVR camera systems.
Why Fleetclear? With over a decade of expertise delivering credible solutions proven in the field, Fleetclear helps fleets operate safely, efficiently and responsibly. With fully qualified in-house engineers and leading after sales support and warranties, Fleetclear is your fleet safety partner.
Greyparrot | Greyparrot targets high-value plastic waste in major AI update
Waste intelligence company Greyparrot has announced a major update to its Analyzer system, designed to identify high-value plastics and persistent contaminants at recovery facilities.
Waste intelligence company Greyparrot has announced a major update to its Analyzer system, designed to identify high-value plastics and persistent contaminants at recovery facilities.The latest expansion to Greyparrot’s AI waste recognition library will enable facilities to target plastics based on opacity and colour and distinguish between clear plastic objects, which the company says will improve its customer’s ability to target the most valuable material in plastic streams.
New AI capabilities driven by industry demand
Greyparrot cites customer demand for the expansion, noting that opacity and colour have a significant impact on the value of materials like HDPE and PET.
The new categories were also selected for their ability to help recyclers distinguish between food grade and non-food grade materials, with more context on clear plastics making it easier to determine the previous function of waste objects.
In an effort to help facility operators maximise product quality, Greyparrot engineers also consulted with customers to add categories for contaminants that pose a threat to purity.
Key additions include:
- Enhanced PET differentiation: New classifications distinguish between translucent and opaque PET bottles, helping facilities prioritise the valuable clear and translucent materials sought by plastic reprocessors.
- Expanded HDPE categories: HDPE bottles are now separated by colour, enabling operators to target the white HDPE that commands higher prices, and monitor the proportion of coloured HDPE in final bales.
- Detailed clear container classification: Six new subcategories for clear pots, tubs, and trays enable operators to determine whether objects are lids, trays, or fragments, providing an extra layer of detail on polymer composition — and insight into the material’s food grade status.
- Targeting of persistent contaminants: New recognition classes help facilities detect and address common contaminants such as CDs, gloves, shoes, and various types of plastic tubes, including those used for cosmetics, toothpaste and silicone sealants.
Greyparrot’s technical team have noted that this expansion is also a milestone in wider AI accuracy, explaining that each additional category they add improves the overall performance of their analytics models:
“Each time our taxonomy grows, our data becomes more specific, and weight estimates become more accurate,” said James Paterson, CTO at Greyparrot. “With these new capabilities, we’re giving operators the information they need to enhance sorting accuracy, improve bale quality, and ultimately increase material value.”
How granular plastic recognition translates to value for recovery facilities
Greyparrot’s team have said that AI waste analytics systems need to evolve alongside changing waste streams in order to help facilities meet the growing demand for high quality recycled plastic:
“With extended producer responsibility (EPR) fee modulation on the near horizon and Europe’s PPWR scheme now coming into effect, materials like rPET and rHDPE are likely to become premium commodities,” said COO Gaspard Duthilleul. “We are making it easier for facilities to focus their processes on high-value plastics today, so that they are prepared to supply a functioning circular economy with pure material when regulation starts driving that demand. This expansion is a significant step forward in closing the loop on plastics.”
Waste intelligence at PRSE
While the expansion has already been rolled out to facilities around the world, Greyparrot have announced that they will be demonstrating their systems’ expanded recognition capabilities at the upcoming PRSE conference in Amsterdam.
Members of the Greyparrot team will be sharing live demos of the Analyzer system at Stand K122 for the duration of the event.
Specialist Fleet Services | SFS continues 20-year partnership with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) is celebrating its 20th year as fleet and workshop partner to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) with a new long-term contract.
The 8-year agreement commences on 1 September 2025 and involves the provision of a replacement fleet with SFS continuing as the incumbent provider managing and maintaining the council’s fleet and workshop facility. The contract was awarded through the Halton Housing National Vehicle Contract Hire and Flexi-Hire Framework.
The new fleet, which will be delivered by February 2026, comprises 30 waste collection and street cleansing vehicles, including those needed for the Council’s new food waste collection service.
Caroline Roffey, Head of Street Scene Services, HBBC, said: “We are delighted to have secured SFS as our fleet partner through to 2033. Over the next few years, we are facing notable challenges including food waste collection roll-out, a desire to decarbonise our fleet and Local Government Reform. We know that in SFS we have a supplier who will support us every step of the way and adapt with us when required. We heeded their excellent advice to order our food waste vehicles immediately on award and are confident that the new fleet will be in place when we need it next Spring”.
SFS first started working with HBBC in 2005 when it took over the running of the council’s workshop, invested in new equipment and infrastructure, and began supplying the authority with vehicles.
Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS: “This is a significant milestone in our relationship with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and a great example of the long-term relationships we strive to develop with our customers.
“Dramatic increases in vehicle costs, over 50% in the past 5 years in some cases, combined with ever tighter budgets means that we must be flexible, innovative and meticulous in our approach. We went through every line of the vehicle specification in detail, offering solutions that would enable the council to achieve its requirements, within budget. I am proud of the work the SFS team has done in helping to ensure the council has a robust and future proofed fleet operation. We will continue to invest in HBBC and work in partnership to deliver an efficient and effective fleet operation.”
SFS has been delivering fleet and workshop management solutions to local authorities for over thirty years and currently operates a network of 14 workshops across the UK, 9 of which are based at council depots. In January, the company opened a new depot in Wellington, Somerset to support customers in the area and to provide a maintenance hub for rental vehicles from its own specialist short term hire division, CTS Hire. SFS has further plans to expand it workshop network in 2025.
The post News in brief | CIWM Commercial Partner Updates April appeared first on Circular Online.