Q1 2019

SME NEWS / Q1 2019 9 , CressWater Ltd, trading as CressWater Solutions, is a company that is committed to cleaning up wastewater and conserving water resources through the use of the natural ecological processes that occur in constructed wetlands such as reed-beds, ponds and wetlands. Late last year, the firmwas recognised in SME News Magazine’s 2018Winner’s Review programme as offering the ‘Best WasteWater Treatment Services in SouthWest England’. We spoke with Cress Water’s Founder andManaging Director, Dr RickHudson, to find out more about the firm’s incredibly important work. Proven Expertise in Waste Water Treatment Services Formerly a lecturer in Marine Zoology and Environmental Physiology at Melbourne University in Australia, Rick utilised his invaluable expertise to form a company that has striven for innovative solutions to a very real-world problem. Ultimately, with more than twenty years of hard-earned practical experience as a general builder and reed- bed installer, there are few companies who can compete with Cress Water in its chosen and vital niche. Cress Water’s clients cover a wide range from single homes and housing developments, to schools, breweries, garden centres, visitor centres, conservation areas, leachate and farms up to a busy Motorway Services Area. Cress Water “provides a service to those especially interested in using eco-friendly, sustainable, low maintenance solutions for their sewage and wastewater treatment that are effective and economical. In addition, our systems are designed to produce a high quality final effluent that can be discharged to the natural water environment with minimal risk.” Rick was also keen to emphasise that, although interest in ecological solutions was low at the moment, the market is slowly expanding on the back of increasing interest in sustainable environmentally-friendly alternatives for wastewater treatment. Indeed, since inception, Cress Water Solutions has designed over 200 different reed-bed systems, with more than 150 having been installed and commissioned. “Installations are generally carried out through hiring groundwork contractors and additional labour from within the locality of the project site, or by sub-contracting. Once started, a project is carried through to completion or in stages, as agreed with the customer and in accordance with other works in progress on the site. While the infrastructure of a reed-bed system can be installed at any time in the course of a building project, the reeds themselves cannot be planted nor the system commissioned until wastewater starts to be produced.” Rick continues, moving to discuss the breadth of the firm’s services: “We can be involved in projects to varying degrees, from design and consultancy only packages to design, consultancy and supervision, and turn-key design/build packages. Also, maintenance and refurbishment are important parts of the services we provide.” Yet, even in this small market, competition still exists. “Cress Water aims to differentiate ourselves through a commitment to a quality product and service, with a willingness to provide a guarantee”. This approach combined with Rick’s experience and expertise has provided a solid foundation for Cress Water’s success, as it looks towards continuing to build its WR180109 reputation in this ever-growing market over the next few years. Contact: Dr Richard C L Hudson, Director Company: Cress Water Ltd t/a Cress Water Solutions Address: 18 Forcefield Road, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 1QB Telephone: 01884 839000 Website: www.cresswater.co.uk