Ajaz Hussain, business and marketing associate at UBU Environmental Ltd (UBU), is next in the hot seat for our supplier Q&A. If you’re keen to learn more about Ajaz — including his role responsibilities, advice for fellow industry experts, and love for challenging sports — keep scrolling.

1. Tell us about your role at UBU, and the part you play

I’m a business and marketing associate at UBU, currently undertaking a year in industry through Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). My role is diverse, and includes overseeing and creating content for our social media channels, PR and media relations, developing the company newsletter, maintaining and improving our website exposure, and aiding in company campaigns.

2. What has been a key highlight for your organisation, to get to where you are now?

A key highlight has been the addition of the UBU bespoke road sweepings recovery treatment plant. This pioneering facility is what allows us to transform the waste we get from our customers’ sites and separate it into aggregates, sand, and PAS 115 waste-derived soils. UBU is constantly innovating to combat waste, driving circular economy solutions for materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.

3. And what’s next for your business?

Continued investment in Euro 6 compliant road sweepers and further development of end-of-waste processes. UBU has also partnered with MMU and GM Business Growth Hub to calculate its own carbon footprint, looking at the benefits of using recovered materials for urban tree growth.

4. Share one word you would use to describe your industry:

Dynamic.

5. Finish the sentence: The biggest misconception faced by our business sector is…

Street waste has no future use.

6. What advice would you give to someone starting a career or business within your sector?

One piece of advice is to always keep an eye on innovation within the industry. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and prepare for volatility.

7. And the best piece of professional advice you were ever given?

The best advice I have received is to always plan ahead and become a lifelong learner. No matter what stage of your career you are at, learning new skills never stops.

8. Which do you think will be the biggest trend within your business over the next 12 months?

I think environmental recovery and compliance will be a big focus for our customers’ KPIs.

9. If you are out of the house for an hour, what would be the first activity you opt for, to pass the time?

I have started playing tennis — which I’m finding really fun and challenging — so that would be my first choice. I also recently started running this year, and am taking part in the Peak District Ultra Challenge next June, doing the 25km Bakewell loop. I’m doing the race in support of the amazing Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity (PKD) Charity, which I have volunteered with before. If anyone would like to make any donations via JustGiving, I’d be very grateful.

10. And finally, for a bit of fun, if you could play a part in any movie or TV show, what would it be and why?

I would choose The Truman Show, just so I can let Jim Carrey know he’s in a reality TV show and spoil the surprise.