SunGift director Ellen Rodger has shown her true business prowess this month by being honoured as the South West Young Director of the Year.  Awarded by the Institute of directors (IoD), Ellen wowed the judges with her exemplary business record, which includes helping SunGift grow from a small renewable energy business into a successful limited company with a turnover over £8 million with more than 30 employees.  She picked up the accolade at a glittering awards ceremony the IoD’s South West ‘Entrepreneurs Dinner’ Royal Marriott Hotel in Bristol.

“I was astonished when they read out my name, but absolutely thrilled” said Ellen, who initially joined SunGift as an office administrator in July 2009. “This is a huge reward for me – and it’s great to be recognised for the my part in helping SunGift develop into a successful company.  I hope this will bring even more attention to the benefits of renewable energy and demonstrate that it is now a firmly established industry.”

Just 12 months after joining SunGift, Ellen had already worked her way up to general manager. Then, in January this year, founder and managing director Gabriel Wondrausch appointed her as a director with a share in the business.

Ellen added: “It has been difficult to plan effectively as a business recently due to constantly changing government policy.  However our flexible nature has enabled us to react quickly and stay abreast of policy.  Gabriel and I have taken the decision to diversify while ensuring we don’t spread ourselves too thinly.  In addition to offering a range of new renewable technologies we now cater for a range of new clients including architects, self-builders, contractors, small-scale domestic clients and large-scale commercial companies.  We have also started a trade distribution wing where we sell to other installers nationally.”

Ellen now goes on to represent the south west and compete in the national IoD awards in the autumn.  Good luck Ellen!