Rachel Smith
Founder & Sustainability Lead @Colcheco
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WORK HISTORY
Founder & Sustainability Lead @Colcheco
Founded and lead a sustainability-focused refill shop dedicated to reducing single-use plastics and food waste while helping the local community adopt more environmentally responsible habits. Over the past five years I have built a values-led business centred on accessibility, education and practical circular economy solutions.Through Colcheco I have worked directly with customers, suppliers and local organisations to demonstrate how sustainable systems and behaviour change can be embedded into everyday life.Key Responsibilities & Achievements• Founded and grew the business from concept to an established local enterprise, developing supplier relationships, product sourcing strategies and operational systems.• Introduced refill and circular economy systems that significantly reduce packaging waste while making sustainable shopping accessible to the local community.• Developed community engagement initiatives, events and partnerships that encourage behaviour change and increase awareness of sustainable living.• Built a loyal and engaged customer base through education, collaboration with local organisations and strong community relationships.• Manage all aspects of business operations including procurement, supplier management, stock control, HR responsibilities and customer experience.• Use strategic thinking and adaptive leadership to navigate changing retail conditions and sustainability challenges.• Collaborate with local sustainability networks, businesses and community groups to share knowledge and support wider environmental initiatives.
EDUCATION
The Open University
BSc (Hons) Psychology, Psychology
London Metropolitan University
Foundation degree, Science (Biology, Maths, Chemistry)
London Metropolitan University
Diploma, Psychology
SKILLS
ABOUT RACHEL SMITH
Sustainability only works when it becomes part of everyday decisions, behaviours and systems. That’s the space I enjoy working in.As founder of Colcheco, a refill shop in Colchester focused on reducing single-use plastics and food waste, I’ve supported hundreds of residents to adopt more sustainable habits while introducing practical circular economy solutions. The shop has become a hub for community engagement and behaviour change around waste reduction and responsible consumption.Alongside this, I bring experience in operational leadership, systems implementation and stakeholder engagement from roles across government, HR and the Ministry of Defence. I’ve established new roles, developed policies and introduced processes that bring structure and consistency across teams and multiple sites.Through Colcheco, I now work at the intersection of sustainability, circular systems and behaviour change, collaborating with businesses, local organisations and community leaders to embed sustainability into everyday practice.I’m particularly interested in how sustainability strategies, ESG ambitions and circular economy initiatives can be translated into practical, measurable action within organisations and communities.I enjoy connecting with others working on sustainability, circular economy and community-led environmental initiatives.Based in Colchester and interested in opportunities to help organisations embed practical sustainability and circular economy approaches.
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