Turning down the latest Bond movie has been rewarded

Laura Hepburn, of Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, has been named in the Northern Power Women’s Future List for 2020 in her role as director of Greenology in Saltburn.

The entrepreneur has seen off the challenge of thousands of nominations to be recognised for being an influencer and change maker who is already making a significant impact to the environment and communities.

Laura began looking into the plastic problem ten years ago while studying a Masters degree in Future design at Teesside University.

But to fund her dream of setting up a company to turn plastic waste into energy, she also spent time last year as a director on Game of Thrones, Gentleman Jack and Danny Boyle’s Yesterday.

A delighted Laura said: “I had no idea I had been nominated until the email came through, and after such a tough year it was so much sweeter for my team who have worked so hard to make a dream a reality.

“So to be recognised, makes myself and my team push even harder, to do what is right, it’s what the North and world needs right now.”

Laura will receive her award at a star-studded event held in Manchester on March 16.

She added: “This will give such a fantastic platform to showcase the talent and opportunities we have here in the North – the place I’m so passionate about.

“I am so thankful for the support and recognition the Northern Power Women have offered myself and other women wanting to just do our job.”

Now she has secured funding to create a plant in Teesside which will provide more than 20 new jobs.

World-leading technology at the new plant will turn problem plastics that can’t be recycled into power with zero emissions and Greenology wants to extend the opportunity to other businesses to help them become self-sufficient and join the full circle economy.