| 77 T T Sue Russell Environmental focus a key strategy Joe and Siobhan (Shiv) Marshall received recognition for the fine work they are achieving on the sustainability and environmental fronts at the annual Whanganui Regional Business Awards. Rivercity Tree Services CONTRACTING Last year, hard-working couple Joe and Siobhan (Shiv) Marshall received recognition for the fine work they are achieving on the sustainability and environmental fronts at the annual Whanganui Regional Business Awards, securing Gold for their initiatives. Three years earlier, the business received the Supreme Award at the Te Manu Atatu Business Awards. These awards represent considerable hard work, risk-taking and a pioneering spirit to achieve great things for their business, their family and their community, which Shiv says lies at the heart of why they do what they do with so much passion and energy. “It’s fair to say we’ve had many opportunities come our way, but we’ve taken up the ones that are most compatible with not only our business values, but also those personal values we hold close. The business has grown considerably, since establishing in 2008. This journey is something we’re both very proud of, and we’re thrilled to also be able to support whanau and community alike as we’ve grown.” To say that Rivercity Trees went through a massive period of growth is an understatement, engaging at one time, upwards of 30 on the team. Today, with the challenges the past year has brought, Shiv says, their size has reduced to 20 staff. “The reduction in contracts from government and councils certainly had an impact, but because we were still managing to hold fast through the stormy times, I wanted to celebrate that, and that’s the main reason why we entered the Whanganui Business Awards.” Shiv is a great believer in the value of putting your business out there, not only to celebrate past achievements, but to help navigate the pathway forward, given the scrutiny and feedback the couple received from judges. A definite expansion in the environmental field is signalling another string to the company’s bow, and that’s meant being involved in some exciting projects, as Shiv explains. “We have been working to install fish ladders, so native fish species can move upstream to spawn. We’ve trained up a few of the guys in our crew. We’ve also been using environmentally friendly technologies to plant trees, and to top it off, we’ve just invested in a huge shredding machine to turn otherwise waste products into reusable materials.” The technology is capable of shredding concrete, green waste and even tyres, with one bi-product being compost, which Shiv says fits in wonderfully with their personal environmental values. The shredder is hired out to other companies or organisations that hold similar aspirations to make something good of an environmental negative. Although Joe’s preference is to be on the tools and working with the team on the ground, he realises there has to be time in the office. “As much as I’d like to be climbing trees, working in the digger or driving our trucks, my wife tells me I should be spending more time in the office so yes, she books time in my schedule for me to be in the office – but I know in order to run the business well, it’s a necessity.” Establishing goals for the business is important to the couple, so much so that they extend this conversation to their team, asking them to also consider what they want from their work, and what they hope to achieve for themselves and their own families over time. “This is the best way we can help the community, to support individuals in our team to strive to achieve their goals – we end up helping each other out, they get skills and qualifications and we get people happy in their work.” Shiv is convinced the move towards a greater focus on the environmental front is a core strategic direction for the business. “We see this is where we can really mark our stamp and make a difference.” She also acknowledges the support of her own family through the years, which has encouraged them to create the opportunities that will help the business grow. “We are certainly excited to embark on the environment side of our business, but all the while keeping true to our origins and roots.” Landscaping | Building | Fencing Planning and consenting | Policy | Ecology Strategy development & risk management www.enspire.co.nz | 07 571 8289 | hello@enspire.co.nz Proudly supporting Rivercity Tree Services
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=