Grundon recognises the stars of tomorrow

Huge congratulations to the winners of this year’s Grundon-sponsored 35 Under 35 awards programme. Recognising the environmental sector stars of tomorrow, it showcases professional excellence, industry innovation and those who give back to their company or community.

The awards ceremony was held on the Future Talent Hub at the Resource & Waste Management Expo (RWM), part of the ESS Expo, on Wednesday 17 September at Birmingham’s NEC.

Hosting the event was Savannah Coombe, editor of LetsRecycle, part of the RoarB2B Group which organised the awards. Thanking Grundon for its support, Savannah said she was excited to bring together some of the brightest young talent in the waste and recycling industry.

This year’s winners show incredible vision, innovation and leadership, and they give us confidence in the future of environmental management,” she said.

Presenting this year’s award certificates, Jack Yarrow, Grundon’s Head of Commercial, said Grundon was proud to support the sector’s emerging talent and shine a spotlight on the young professionals who are making a difference and helping to shape the future of waste and recycling.

As well as acknowledging 35 outstanding individuals, three nominees were singled out for special recognition, with Christopher Lucas from Riverlution by RSC CIC, Kashish Dungar from Robinson Management Services, and Lauren Holland from Reconomy Connect, all named as Top Three 2025 35 Under 35 status holders

They were praised by the judging panel for their exceptional contributions, leadership qualities and commitment to advancing sustainability and resource management.

A delighted Christopher said being named in the top three was “a complete surprise”. He thanked his manager for putting his name forward and talked about his role organising volunteering and community engagement days in Sheffield, where Riverlution is based.

The organisation is dedicated to restoring, protecting, and celebrating rivers and river habitats for the benefit of people, places, and wildlife. Christopher’s manager praised him as a “real pioneer in the environmental education sector”, saying he had played a “pivotal role” in developing Riverlution’s Stewardship Skills Scheme, which is transforming how people, especially those from under-represented backgrounds, can access meaningful careers in the environmental sector.

Kashish’s nominee said she “exemplifies the next generation of sustainability leaders — purpose-driven, technically adept, and globally minded”, adding “Kashish is not just a consultant — she is a catalyst for change”.

Kashish’s remit is to help businesses make climate action measurable, credible, and impactful and her role at Robinson Management Services sees her specialise in areas including sustainability-related auditing and Net Zero strategy alignment. Her nomination explained how she had delivered measurable climate impact, supporting 11 companies across diverse sectors to reduce over 1,500 tonnes of CO₂e.

“I am extremely surprised and grateful for this award,” said Kashish. “Working as a carbon consultant, it is nice to see the impact I am able to create and to be recognised for that work. Coming from such a supportive environment strongly motivates me to do better.”

Talking after her awards win, Lauren said: “It was a lovely moment, I was really surprised and I couldn’t quite believe it.”

As a Senior Account Manager at Reconomy Connect Bristol, Lauren has a multimillion-pound portfolio including Amber Taverns Pubs as well as Oak Furniture Land stores and distribution centres, Brewhouse & Kitchen and Extra Motorway Services. Her nomination said: “Through our Insights Program Lauren’s customers have described her as ‘exceptional’ and ‘excellent’ across all elements of relationship management.”

Alongside supporting clients to achieve major recycling improvements, Lauren both fundraises and volunteers for mental health charities, organises team events and is about to work with a school to educate students on a zero waste future.