Armagard & Graduate Planet's first environmental investment

West Midlands businesses, charity, young people and the environment were all commemorated at an inaugural tree planting ceremony today in Sheldon Country Park, Birmingham.

Graduate Planet CIC, founded recently in Warwick, is the UK’s first social enterprise recruitment agency with an environmental mission and a certified member of Social Enterprise UK (SEUK). For the employer and candidate, the professional recruitment process is exactly the same as it is with a standard agency. The Graduate Planet difference is its commitment to reinvesting half its annual profits into raising eco-awareness and combatting climate change.

Kate Evans, founder, said: “I wanted to celebrate our first six months of Graduate Planet by making our first ever donation and planting a tree for my first client and graduate recruit. I chose an oak to symbolise strength and longevity – for the business and the environment – and to bring our logo to life.”

The company’s first happy customer was Armagard - www.armagard.com – the Birmingham-based, environmental enclosure specialist. Armagard protects £5 billion worth of outdoor digital signage hardware and industrial computer equipment across 54 countries, working with some of the world’s leading brands.

Nathan Brown landed the job of Mechanical Design Engineer and said: “Obviously, the most important thing was to find a job that uses my degree and supports my master’s, but it’s good to know that I’m working for a company that wants to protect the environment as well as technology.”

Armagard’s managing director, Mark Neal, said: “Having Nathan on board supports Armagard’s creation of quality products, to give us a competitive advantage.”

The tree planting was carried out in collaboration with Birmingham Trees for Life. Sheldon Country Park, off Ragley Road, was chosen as a location that employees from Armagard can easily access, enjoy and see for themselves where the donation is making a difference.

Graduate Planet is enjoying its first year in business, successfully filling jobs for leading employers all over the UK. This illustrates the difference you can make to the environment by choosing your supply chains wisely.

Thanks to Armagard Industries UK trusting in us, we have begun our mission to combat climate change.