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A handful of the city’s pioneering companies are hosting eleven top sustainability graduates from across the country. The graduates are now halfway through their six-month placement scheme, which is part of Peterborough DNA – the government funded Future Cities Demonstrator programme that is shaping a smarter, more sustainable city.

Companies include AB Agri, an international business operating in the agriculture industry, and Redring Xpelair, the parent company of four market leading brands in ventilation and water management.

Steve Bowyer, acting chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough, is director of Peterborough DNA. He explains: “The graduates taking part in this scheme are gaining invaluable first-hand experience of how to improve the sustainability of businesses. At the same time, companies based in Peterborough are benefitting from insight, knowledge and practical implementation to reduce their environmental impact and initiate innovative new sustainability projects. It helps to demonstrate the benefits of having a university and a skilled workforce in the city.”

One of the graduates, Timothy Wilson, is currently working with Lynch Wood based AB Agri, a company leading the way in sustainable agriculture. He is working on a research project to examine the company’s supply chain and how raw materials are sourced. Timothy says: “I’m working with procurement teams and lead buyers from across the business to develop a central bank of knowledge to build a responsible and resilient supply chain.

“I am also visiting local schools and colleges to discuss sustainability policies with the students. It’s a great opportunity to engage with the local community and help students apply their classroom knowledge to a business context.”

Premier Kitchens & Bedrooms, based in Cygnet Park, is one of the companies hosting a graduate, and of the scheme Iain Forsythe, Managing Director, commented: “This is the first time we have entered into a scheme of this nature and have found it hugely beneficial for the company. To see our graduate Marialena grow in the workplace has been particularly gratifying for her line manager. We are delighted at the progress she has made on the mapping of our carbon footprint. She has recognised not only a reduction in our carbon footprint, but has also made savings for the business.”

Visit the Peterborough DNA website here.