Graduate Supports International Expansion
Convergence Partnership Office press release
A 100% organic and natural skin care company in Cornwall is looking to streamline production to support an ambitious expansion into the International market after employing a graduate through the ESF Convergence-supported Unlocking Cornish Potential scheme.
Henry Jasper, who graduated with a BSc (Hons) degree in Maths from the University of Exeter in July 2009, was appointed as Spiezia Organic's Production Co-ordinator in October 2009.
Amanda Barlow and Sally Read co-owners of Spiezia, were looking for a graduate who could join the small team at the company's base, Gear Farm, in St Martin, near Helston, to analyse and streamline production of the company's 34 Soil Association certified, handmade skin and body care products.
Unlocking Cornish Potential has received ESF (European Social Fund) Convergence investment. A Combined Universities in Cornwall scheme it places graduates with businesses in Cornwall for up to one year and offers support including mentoring from experts in their fields.
Sally said: "Henry's sharp analytical mind together with his passion to take on a challenging project appealed to us as a team as the production co-ordination requires extensive expertise and personal drive. We knew Henry would excel in his new role with us; however he has surpassed our expectations by not only embracing his new role, but also the Spiezia brand and philosophy."
Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said, "It is inspirational to see a graduate bring enthusiasm as well as knowledge to a new and very challenging role. Through the appointment of Henry, ESF Convergence support has allowed Spiezia to push their production forward whilst continuing to be committed to its ethical philosophy."
The Spiezia philosophy is 'Made for Life', which continues through the products and also in the day to day running of the business; from the labels on the recycled bottles to the zero product miles on the ingredients, every choice Spiezia make has the environment in mind. The philosophy has now extended to the Made for Life Foundation, which provides complementary days for women who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Amanda Barlow said: "Since Sally and I invested Spiezia Organics in 2002, the production output and stockists has grown, but our philosophy and values have stayed the same. We strive to produce products that are not only 100% organic, but also 100% ethical. The appointment of Henry through Unlocking Cornish Potential means that we can continue to grow the 'Made for Life' philosophy through a more streamlined production of our products and hopefully in the long-term internationally."
Henry said: "I consider myself extremely lucky to be working for Spiezia Organics. From the second I saw the job advertised to this point now, I've known that this is the right job for me. To come straight out of University and to have found a job which not only relates directly to my degree, but where I work with such a fantastically friendly, professional and supportive team is better than I had ever previously hoped for."
Olivia Khadka, Unlocking Cornish Potential Business Development Manager said: "We are delighted to be supporting the growth of Spiezia. They are fantastic entrepreneurial Cornish company and we are really pleased to have found Henry who is really rising to the challenge and already making a significant impact in the growth of the business."