Alex Worrall

County Durham Foundation’s newest board member, Alex Worrall, is a serial entrepreneur who has been hailed by many as a new age eco-warrior of the business world. Alex has just donated £37,500 worth of shares in a Chinese goldmine to the Foundation.

As Non-Executive Director of China Goldmines Plc, Alex decided that giving shares would be a great way to build upon a donation he had previously made to the Foundation.

‘I have always been keen to support people and projects that are trying to improve the local environment. I am also interested in helping gifted people who do not have the financial means to pursue their dreams. By giving money to the Foundation I can do both of these things very easily.’

Currently Chairman of Helius Energy Plc, Alex (pictured with Sir Bob Geldof) has been a senior industrial director for over thirty years. After beginning his career in accountancy Alex worked for both Ford and ICI before joining Tallent Engineering based in Newton Aycliffe in a strategic role that saw its turnover grow from £1 million to over £100 million per annum.

Since leaving Tallent Alex’s business interests have grown more and more diverse, the most recent of which incorporates his interests in renewable energy and the environment. In his role as Chairman of Helius Energy, Alex has recently enlisted the support of songwriter and activist Bob Geldof as a specialist advisor. Helius supplies renewable energy through biomass to, amongst others, the South African power utility and shares Mr Geldof’s view that green energy such as biomass could stimulate the economic growth required to lift Africa from poverty.

Alex, who is considered somewhat of a pioneer in going green said;

“It’s interesting that 6 years ago I was considered a hippy with tree hugger tendencies and now I seem to be welcomed as some sort of new age eco warrior. The reality is it’s nice to have a business that is profitable, sustainable and does some good for the environment.”

As well as being the Chairman of Helius Energy Plc and founding director of D1 Oils Plc, Alex runs County Durham-based, Tree of Dreams - a company similar in concept to popular television show Dragon’s Den; they offer support and development of business ideas and dreams. Alongside these many achievements, in the past Alex has also somehow found the time to serve as Chairman of County Durham Chamber of Commerce and Director of Durham Learning Skills Council and Business Link.

As a newly appointed board member of County Durham Foundation, Alex is hoping he will be able to put some of his business acumen to good use whilst advising the Foundation.

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