Paul’s new qualification supports waste management at Beacon Foods

The environmental manager at award-winning ingredients and ready-to-eat products specialist, Beacon Foods, has achieved a major waste management qualification which will benefit his career and the company.

Paul Davies, 51, from Sennybridge, now holds The Chartered Institution of Waste Management (WAMITAB) Level 4 Medium Risk Operator Competence for Non-Hazardous Sludge and Land Spreading qualification.

The qualification is designed to give technically competent people the knowledge and skills to ensure waste sites comply with Environmental Permitting Regulations.

Paul manages Beacon Foods’ waste treatment plant and the spreading of sludge on farmland for agricultural gain. He ensures that a contractor carries out the spreading in a safe and controlled way, keeping meticulous records for Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

“By achieving the qualification, I am able to carry out the full waste management role, parts of which were previously undertaken by an external specialist,” explained Paul. “It took four years to complete, with the company’s support, but it has been well worthwhile.”

Brecon-based Beacon Foods has also recently retained the BS 8555 Environmental Management System standard, following the annual audit.

“This accreditation is very important to our customers as it’s a measurement that we are doing things correctly to improve environmental performance,” added Paul. “We work in a national park and it’s imperative that we look after our neighbours and the environment.”

Paul joined Beacon Foods in September, 2017 as environmental co-ordinator, having opted to change career direction. After 17 years as an electronic engineer, he returned to full time education, achieving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Earth Science from Aberystwyth University in 2012.

“Thanks to support from Beacon Foods, I now have another qualification that enhances my CV and also helps the company to comply with waste management regulations,” he said.

Gaining the qualification was no mean feat, as Paul combined his studies with work and caring for his terminally ill wife, Tracey, who died last September. He praised the company for supporting him through a very challenging time.