MPG staff spotlight: Jill Gaunt
Here at MPG, we’ve been taking great pride in the work we do within the waste, minerals, environmental, and town planning sectors for over 25 years.
And it’s thanks to our talented team of experts that it’s all possible – no matter how complex the project!
In a bid to get to know the people behind the brand, we’ve launched our employee Q&A series – so you can find out more about the MPG family.
Next up in the hot seat it’s our minerals and waste consultant, Jill Gaunt.
1) Summarise your role at MPG in one paragraph:
As a minerals and waste consultant, I get stuck into helping in all kinds of projects – everything ranging from planning applications and permits for minerals and waste sites through to fire prevention plans and compliance tasks.
I also coordinate the monitoring MPG does and it’s really nice to be able to get outside and see our clients’ sites. We carry out regular environmental monitoring for some of our clients as part of our services related to compliance with EA permits.
2) What’s your favourite part of the job?
From a workload perspective, it’s so diverse, and no one day is the same – all the projects are so different and interesting. And regarding the company itself, I love the MPG office and the team dynamic.
3) How would you describe MPG’s company ethos in three words?
Positive, realistic, and solution-driven.
4) Tell us about one of your favourite projects:
We did a site search for one of our clients and I enjoyed the challenge of finding a location that met their geographical needs, whilst being the most appropriate place in terms of available resource, transport/accessibility, and environmental designations – all of which play a role in terms of operational feasibility and likelihood of permission being granted.
5) Who or what sparked your desire to work in the sector?
Ever since mid-way through university, I’ve known that I wanted to work in a mineral-related role. As part of my geology degree and combined masters at the University of Liverpool, I spent a semester in Australia and found the mineral extraction modules extremely interesting. Our director, Chris, also gave a talk at Liverpool explaining the importance of the domestic minerals industry in underpinning all forms of development, from housing to national infrastructure – this was really inspiring.
I’m also a person who deeply cares about the environment and our impact on it, so being a part of this sector and playing a key part in the regeneration of mineral and waste sites is a great fit for me.
6) How would your colleagues sum you up in one word?
Optimistic.
7) What does it take to be a great environmental consultancy partner?
You obviously need to know your stuff and have experienced people as part of your team, but you also need to truly understand your client and how you can get the best outcome for them, planners, communities, and the environment alike.
8) What is one of the biggest challenges facing the minerals and waste sectors over the next 12 months?
Long term, it’s the lack of human resource – people with the knowledge and experience to drive the industry forward.
Without greater sector-specific awareness and education made available to the upcoming generations, the industry will continue to face a ‘skills crisis’. This is because experienced planners on both council and industry sides will retire – which will then lead to negative consequences through poor decisions and lack of knowledge in the sector.
9) You receive an email from your dream client… who would it be and why?
A client who understands that protecting the environment and making a profit can, and do, go hand-in-hand. It’s always a pleasure to work with clients who understand this.
10) What are your hopes for MPG over the coming year?
That we continue to welcome some more people to the MPG family.
We’ve just recruited our latest colleague Sheena Peat as a minerals, waste, and environment graduate, and we’re also looking to hire experienced planners.
If you’d like to get in touch with our friendly team of professionals, give us a call on 01274 884 599, drop us an email at headoffice@mpgyorks.co.uk, or connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.