The London Borough of Hackney’s Environmental Services has worked with Acorn Environmental Solutions, (AES), for many years. Initially the relationship started due to the need for apprentices to work in Environmental Services during the Olympic Games, due to Hackney’s close proximity to the Olympic Park. Since then AES has trained well in excess of 100 staff, putting them through L2 qualifications in Waste Management. Many of the staff trained have gone on to secure promotion within the service and have now moved into management and / or have commenced or completed L3 training. Additionally AES are currently delivering LGV training for Environmental Services, which is much needed and being provided as an apprenticeship qualification. 

“I really appreciate the time, effort and high level of expertise that AES have put into training staff working for Environmental Services in Hackney. I’ve always been impressed by David’s friendly and knowledgeable approach to training and development of staff. He has an extremely customer focused and supportive approach and the apprentices have really benefited from this. David,  through AES, has greatly contributed to the development of staff across a range of service activities in Environmental Services and helped our workforce to recognise the career opportunities that exist within Waste Management”.  

John Wheatley – Head of Environmental Services – Hackney Council

David/AES have assisted Glendale with our seasonal recruitment for more than five years. David’s proactive management of the process provides Glendale with pre-vetted candidates who are engaged in the recruitment process and ready for work.

Ben White – Director of Estates – North – Glendales

“ I have worked with David for over 20years now. His enthusiasm and passion for the environment and its care is second to none. He has managed to combine this with his business model and has translated his personal agenda into a gateway into work for hundreds of people. David is an expert at what he does and those that work and learn with him, organisations and individuals alike will always gain from his input. He is genuinely first rate…..”

Kevin O Leary Managing Director – Ealing Council

I have known David in a professional capacity for the last seven years and found him to be a highly skilled communicator at a strategic level within the local government sector. David is extremely well thought of within the sector and is recognised for his knowledge and professionalism, operating at the highest level of management.

Paul O’Brien
Chief Executive at Association for Public Service Excellence

David headed up a large team running the business development and partner relationship functions across the whole of England. He was a strong leader and his teams repeatedly hit their targets. A good networker and relationship builder, excellent strategic vision, and a great guy to have on your side.

Ian Clayton
Director of Business Management at Six Town Housing

I have known David for many years, from his role with Keep Britain Tidy, to his current role, including his work with me at the North West Centre Council for the Chartered Institution of Waste Management (CIWM), where he is Secretary.
Taking his work with the CIWM, which is a registered Charity and principal advisory organisation on waste related matters in the UK, I have found David to be a keen, energetic, reliable and innovative thinker, who not only manages effectively the Secretary role, but also aids the development of the CIWM within the North West and nationally. with his speed of thought and creativity David has aided the progress of ideas, structured plans and strategies.
David’s objectivity is a real plus he clarifies issues that tax others. His ability to communicate extremely well has helped with concise questioning and the understanding of often complex issues.
In his role with KBT (3rd Sector) and Nordic Pioneer, I have had the pleasure and benefit of working with David, both in a capacity where he was providing advice and guidance on national polices, but also as a customer.
David’s understanding of environmental services and sustainability is without question, his assistance has guided me to make cost effective service improvements that have benefited the wider community, even with the creation of jobs.
In summary, David is an outstanding individual who would grace any organisation at boardroom level, but again, his understanding of operational issues is without compromise or question, thus allowing him to be an accomplished strategic manager, with a thorough understanding and appreciation of services and customer related issues.

Tony Watson
Head of Environment and Public Protection at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council