NICEIC contractor nominated for Enterprise Award

The awards programme set up to recognise the achievements of graduates who have started up their own business.

'I am thrilled to have made the shortlist,' comments the 38 year-old.

'The regional heat for the south west covers from Herefordshire down to Cornwall and it is a real honour to have been selected against such a lot of competition'.

Eleanor graduated from University College Falmouth in 2007 with a First Class Honours degree in Contemporary Crafts.

Strongly influenced by the use of light and its ability to transform spaces, she then embarked on a career as an electrician.

This decision was twofold - firstly, it would give her the technical knowledge to develop her creative practice and secondly, it would provide her with a good income thereby offering the freedom and security that she required.

To complete her knowledge and to be able to offer a one-stop shop from design right through to installation, she has also gained the Lighting Industry Federation Advanced Lighting Design Certificate.

Her business now encompasses every aspect of lighting design, albeit domestic, commercial, public, interior or exterior.

She also makes light sculptures, both to commission and for exhibitions.

Eleanor is an approved contractor with NICEIC and played a key role supporting the regulatory body's Jobs for the Girls campaign.

She was one of several female contractors who visited the House of Commons last year to lobby parliamentarians about the need to promote women in the industry.

'Women need to know that opportunities do exist in the electrical industry and Jobs for the Girls has done a lot to publicise this fact.

I am a keen advocate of supporting women in business and I hope the Jobs for the Girls campaign will encourage more women to join the trade'.

For now though, Eleanor's next step of the Lloyds Enterprise Award process is to travel to Bristol for celebratory lunch to mark the achievement of being picked out for the shortlist.

Each business will pitch to a panel of Dragons Den style judges who will select two to go through to the national final.

'I would never have reached this point without my electrical training as it underpins everything I do.

I am proud to be an NICEIC approved contractor and I feel that the accolade I have received is largely thanks to the tremendous support I have received throughout.'.