A NICEIC registered contractor has been nominated for a prestigious Enterprise Award. Eleanor Bell who runs her own sculpture and lighting design consultancy in Falmouth, Cornwall has been shortlisted in the south west region of the Lloyds TSB National Enterprise Awards - an awards programme set up to recognise the achievements of graduates who have started up their own business.

“I am thrilled to have made the shortlist,” comments the 38 year-old. “The regional heat for the south west covers from Herefordshire down to Cornwall and it is a real honour to have been selected against such a lot of competition.”

Eleanor graduated from University College Falmouth in 2007 with a First Class Honours degree in Contemporary Crafts. Strongly influenced by the use of light and its ability to transform spaces, she then embarked on a career as an electrician.

This decision was twofold – firstly, it would give her the technical knowledge to develop her creative practice and secondly, it would provide her with a good income thereby offering the freedom and security that she required.

To complete her knowledge and to be able to offer a one-stop shop from design right through to installation, she has also gained the Lighting Industry Federation Advanced Lighting Design Certificate.   Her business now encompasses every aspect of lighting design, albeit domestic, commercial, public, interior or exterior. She also makes light sculptures, both to commission and for exhibitions.

Eleanor is an approved contractor with NICEIC and played a key role supporting the regulatory body’s Jobs for the Girls campaign. She was one of several female contractors who visited the House of Commons last year to lobby parliamentarians about the need to promote women in the industry.

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