James Norvill, Director, GD Environmental Services

Finalist: Businesses with more than 250 employeees

GD Environmental is quickly becoming a household name across the UK due to its award winning waste disposal and recycling services. It currently provides skip hire, asbestos management drain cleaning, demolition and environmental cleaning services.

Over the past four years, James has had a huge impact on the success of GD Environmental through his ability to recognise opportunities and encourage those who work with him. He also works hard to ensure those who work for and within the company are environmentally friendly.

His enthusiastic “can do” attitude has meant that the company’s projected turnover by April this year is estimated to be £3.5 million. GD Environmental has also obtained the contract for the 2010 Ryder Cup Driving Range at the Celtic Manor Resort.

The successes which the company has enjoyed are thanks to James’ initiative and his courage to take bold risks with high gains.

Over the past year the workforce has doubled from 25 to over 50 employees due to James’ determination to have senior managers in place to negotiate new contacts and manage the increasing number of staff.

He is also not afraid to get his hands dirty by getting up at 5am to work on a picking station and dropping rubbish onto a conveyor belt when staff numbers are down. He is also willing to give a chance of employment to those from more disadvantaged back grounds.

He is always there for his colleagues for guidance and direction should problems occur.

Tell us something your colleagues don’t know about you?
I used to be a professional snowboarder

Who inspires you?
Successful friends in business

What is your top leadership tip?
Believe in yourself and trust and invest in others