Tarmac is a proud partner of Solutions for the Planet's Big Ideas Programme - an annual initiative that sees volunteers from businesses support school students UK wide to generate ideas which improve society, economy and the environment.

Tim Cowling, regulatory affairs manager, has been a mentor for the last five years and coordinates Tarmac's participation.

He said: "I've worked in various roles over the last 15 years and it has become clear that Tarmac's operations and associated activities leave a legacy for the communities we operate in. Whether through site restoration or projects supporting local community initiatives, Tarmac's commitment to the delivery of social value is core to how we operate and is also an essential requirement of our partner and customer agreements.

"Community engagement needs to be meaningful and effective – being part of the Big Ideas Programme brings multiple benefits to all involved. I was therefore excited to be asked to support students taking part, initially in 2016.

"My brief was to coach groups from years 7 to 9 on their journey through this Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) initiative and offer my experience from the world of work. The main goal of the Big Ideas Programme is to help students develop their knowledge of sustainability and related matters, inspiring them to create solutions to key issues – the only limit being their imagination.

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"Students participate in four programme stages over the school year, starting with a Big Ideas Day, where they meet mentors from businesses, including Tarmac, and enjoy an intensive day of presentations, challenges and teamwork. This initial stage aims to develop their knowledge of STEM skills and sustainability and introduces the business partner mentors.

"Using a growing awareness of sustainability matters affecting the planet, nature and humanity, the students then choose an issue to overcome and consider their approach, perhaps with a technological solution or campaign. Students wishing to pursue their early ideas then create a business plan, with those successful at the next shortlisting phase attending regional finals.

"The regional winners then further develop their ideas and go on to a national final, alongside teams from schools across England and Scotland. Along the way, students also increase their teamworking and presentation skills, supported by teachers and mentors.

"In my first year, I supported a team that reached the national final (an event held at the Palace of Westminster and attended by MPs). Their idea was awarded second place – an incredible achievement for a team competing against thousands of other students.

"Those I've worked with over the years have all brought huge enthusiasm to their projects. One of the greatest challenges for a mentor arises from the students' pertinent questions, which always surprise me! I've gladly been able to provide guidance, share real examples and offer contacts and extended feedback for their ideas.

"During the pandemic, the Solutions for the Planet team worked innovatively to overcome the challenges of social distancing and school closures by developing an online platform to ensure the programme could continue. This ensured that pupils and mentors could continue to collaborate virtually. Indeed, I was able to support my own teams through this platform, which provided a welcome distraction to the pandemic.

"One of my teams reached the national final just this week. It was inspiring to see them do such a fantastic job of their presentation at the regional final. They showed perseverance and resilience in developing their idea, the 'plastic sucker', by showing how it would save sea life and recycle plastics extracted from the oceans – in the form of an operational prototype. I'm impressed at how the idea developed from a concept to the scientific principles they then demonstrated live online.

"Students involved in the Big Ideas Programme are the scientists, engineers and technical experts of the future and it's great to be part of their educational journey. I look forward to seeing what next year's budding scientists and entrepreneurs develop!"