Well known Liverpool interiors specialist Neal Maxwell is looking to recruit four forward-thinking SMEs to help eradicate plastic from the UK construction industry. Tony McDonough reports

Well known Liverpool businessman Neal Maxwell has embarked on a mission to eradicate the use of plastic in the construction industry.

Mr Maxwell, founder of fit-out business Aztec Interiors, set up Changing Streams in 2018 and he is now looking to recruit other Merseyside firms to help rive forward the green agenda in the city region.

Changing Streams has teamed up with the University of Liverpool, which is looking to establish a total of four PhD research posts. SMEs are being offered the chance to engage in supporting these subsidised research projects, for a small contribution.

According to Mr Maxwell, the UK construction sector is the UK’s second-biggest consumer of plastic after packaging. He said: “I was lucky enough to travel to the Arctic Circle in 2018 and saw at first hand the damage being done to animals and the environment by the dumping of plastic in our oceans.

“We are the only species on the planet that can do something about the current climate crisis which is why we set up Changing Streams.

“We’re looking for forward-thinking local SMEs who understand the environmental challenges for the world’s eco-system to sponsor the students and play a key role in research into the best way to reduce plastic and carbon in buildings and building processes.”

The cost to each business will be £6,000 a year over three years to sponsor a student. This would normally cost £27,000. It represents a big discount but Mr Maxwell says it’s only available for just a short period of time.

He added: “We need to hear from interested parties now. We already have some project outlines. If one of these sparks your interest, or if you are developing an innovative product or process that would result in the reduction of plastic in the built environment, then contact us.

“In return for your support your company will receive some fantastic branding and marketing opportunities and play a critical role in this really important research which will go towards helping to build a carbon-free and plastic-free world for future generations.”

Merseyside-based SMEs who are interested in finding out more about the Changing Streams ‘Fab Four’ can contact brendon.kenny@changingstreams.org to book a ZOOM call with the company.