Tom Hills
Current Employer/Organisation Name
greenspace.co.uk / radiofibre.com / beachwifi.co.uk
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Zoology Degree at University of Exeter 1988 Mammal Research for Forestry Commission 1988 Env Education with Devon Wildlife Trust 1989 Project Management with Westcountry Rivers Trust 1994 Set up Greenspace.co.uk 2001 Set up radiofibre.com in 2010 Set up beachwifi.co.uk in 2020 Currently developing remote rural information system, management systems, security systems with a series of prototypes which may evolve into new micro-enterprises.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I am a designer at heart, my career path has been about finding solutions to a range of rural communication problems.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
Wildlife enthusiast spent time on the coast and the moor with like-minded students. Got involved in the RAG committee and dabbled at a range of sports.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
Field work on mammal studies – trips to the Scilly Isles.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The freedom, the mix of students, the campus, the proximity to the coast and the moor.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
The Devon countryside and the Zoology degree.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Working for a small charity means you have limited resources so have to develop skills to fill the gap. The “have a go” mentality is a valuable attitude in the modern workplace.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
I am a career butterfly dipping into many fields and not focusing on one and not making much money. My personal pleasure at design tasks is more important that making money, do not follow my example if you want to get rich, only if you want a rich experience of life.
What are your plans for the future?
Find a series of “Chiefs” to take my prototypes and turn them into viable companies.
