Vicki Mordue is managing director of Biodiverse Consulting, an environmental consultancy set up in 2019 and providing advice to developers on the legal requirements of biodiversity net gain - the approach to giving sites more biodiversity value.
The consultancy also offers a range of ecology services and business growth services for organisations in the environmental sector and its clients include Taylor Wimpey North Yorkshire, Gleeson Regeneration and Pegasus.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)?
My first ever job was a paper round… but it was such a long time ago I can’t remember how much I got paid! I do remember that I was rubbish at getting up early and so my stepdad took over; I am still terrible in the mornings.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business?
There are two pieces of advice that have really stuck with me over the years. The first is “leave well” and the second is always “have an exit strategy”.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing?
Our sector has changed rapidly in the last few years with the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). This finally places a monetary value on wildlife, whereas previously we simply intrinsically knew it to be valuable. This monetary value allows us to properly consider nature in development planning as well as use it as a mechanism to justify spending on improving and creating good quality habitats to support nature’s recovery. Basically, BNG allows us to speak in a language we all understand - money.
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We have a fantastic graduate scheme that allows us to train genuinely talented individuals to become the ecologists of the future, however, finding senior ecologists is currently a big challenge for us. It can be tough to compete with multinational companies that can offer additional benefits that as an SME is really difficult to do. That being said, maybe we should give Biodiverse Consulting more credit… we started up just before the pandemic and have 12 fantastic staff already. Our location at Dissington Hall and genuine commitment to work-life balance and progression does set us apart.
How has the pandemic changed the way you work?
Like everyone else… working from home! As an advocate of homeworking pre-pandemic, I know that there are real benefits in terms of productivity and supporting work-life balance. But, for those starting out in ecology (or any industry for that matter), being able to have a quick chat over the desk and solve a problem there and then ensures new starters get real time support when needed, which I believe is vital. We have, like many, adopted hybrid working patterns but my team’s real office is the outdoors, completing surveys and building their knowledge and experience.
Who is your role model in business?
There is no one person, but I’ve been lucky enough to work with various inspiring individuals who I really look up to. I’m sure there are many more to come.
What would your dream job be?
If I could start over again I would go into neurology. I’m fascinated by how the brain works and its complexity. My mum has Parkinson’s disease and for a number of years had an implant in her brain to help her move and speak more clearly. She literally had a remote control to her implant which allowed her to walk better when she needed to move and talk better when in company. I guess my fascination really started with that.
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What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector?
My three top tips are:
Get field survey experience
Be able to identify British wildlife and habitats
Come out of university with some project management skills!
What makes the North East a good place to do business?
We have some of the most beautiful and protected places in the 海角视频 (and probably beyond) which means that we get to work in some stunning environments. We’re also lucky to have the space to create new spaces (large and small) for people to enjoy wildlife.
How important is it for business to play a role in society?
Critical. Business is the one element of the society we live in that has a duty to offer safe and exciting places to work. It also invests in people and spaces which ultimately benefits us all.
Outside of work, what are you really good at?
I have competed in a few ultra marathons recently, completing my first 100km race last year. However, I most definitely am not very good at them... namely because I keep stopping to eat Snickers along the way!