Getting to know Greenhouse: Kate Garratt

The Greenhouse team lives and breathes our mission to drive positive social and environmental change and we are very fortunate to work with such an inspiring bunch. As part of our ‘Getting to know Greenhouse’ series, we speak to our resident grid enthusiast Kate Garratt. 

Tell us, in 20 words or fewer, what’s your background?

10+ years in energy communications. Key experience lies in sustainable buildings, energy networks and distributed energy. 

What motivates you?

In a word: infrastructure. I like to tackle the big things! I believe that our best chance of a truly low carbon future is to make the creaking infrastructure in our country fit-for-purpose, so it becomes an enabler not a barrier. 

What kinds of companies do you work with?

I work with those moving towards a decentralised and democratised energy system, the ones who are not fazed by the HUGE challenge in front of them – innovative thinkers with ‘roll your sleeves up’ determination. I’m constantly inspired by the work of our clients Northern Powergrid and Pivot Power. 

Describe a recent campaign you’ve worked on that excites you.

We supported a series of high-profile events to reflect the customer-led approach of Northern Powergrid’s DSO transition journey. As part of this, an announcement highlighted the company’s £83m ‘Smart Grid Enablers’ project – a pioneering investment to improve 8,000+ substations in the UK’s biggest network upgrade programme since the 1970s. This is the kind of change that really excites me. 

In three months, we delivered 60 pieces of quality coverage across national, trade, broadcast and regional media, with more than 2,000 social shares and more than a quarter of a million estimated coverage views (270,100), building momentum for Northern Powergrid’s story. We achieved national coverage on the BBC Onlineand The Daily Telegraph, and regional broadcast coverage withBBC Radio Humbersideand BBC Radio Newcastle. Relationship building interviews were also secured with the FTand Bloomberg.

Who are your top three dream clients?

1. Catapult Energy Systems. I love this practical support network for innovators – getting ideas well on their way to technology readiness. 
2. National Grid. This company is really stepping up as part of the new energy revolution. It’s a joy seeing their positive changes. 
3. Association of Distributed Energy. I want to see more localised generation and at Greenhouse, we love engaging with trade bodies. 

Can you recommend a life- or game-changing book? 

Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered by Schumacher. My reading lists are generally pretty light though – I run a book club where the USP is fluffy reading … in fact reading at all is optional. 

What do you listen to when you’re cooking dinner?

Do I need to answer this honestly? Mostly Gold Radio (The Jam is on Gold as I type this) or Classic FM. Occasionally Taylor Swift or Desert Island Discs.  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? 

Hire around your weaknesses. When it comes to building effective teams, it is critical to build a balanced team that is greater than the sum of its parts. There is no place for ego in a winning team. That, and don’t stand with your hands on your hips when presenting … I had to be filmed to believe I did this! 

Finally, who is your eco hero? 

Beatrix Potter. For all I believe in progress and the development of robust infrastructure systems, I will always be grateful for the land preservation in our national parks and the contribution they make to conservation. The foresight of Beatrix to prevent overdevelopment in the Lake District and gift her land to the National Trust makes me think long term when it comes to development. 

Are you an energy pioneer looking to build your brand, attract investment or generate business growth? If so, get in touch with Kate on kate.garratt@greenhousepr.co.uk.