10 In 10: Chris Heffernan – MPG

Chris Heffernan is the director at Yorkshire-headquartered MPG – a multidisciplinary environmental consultancy, which specialises in the planning and permitting of mineral and waste sites across the UK, for both single and multi-site operators.

Chris is the latest regional business professional in the hot seat, as The Yorkshire Times gives him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions.

What does a typical working day for you involve?

As director, I oversee and coordinate MPG’s roster of planning and permitting projects across the mineral, waste, and environmental sectors.

From bespoke planning applications, environmental impact assessments, and mineral site extensions, to quarry restoration design, proofing legal agreements, and permitting waste transfer stations, aggregate recycling facilities, and Mixed Recycling Facilities, no one day is ever the same.

What makes your company special?

Straightforward advice.

MPG was established in 1992, and we’ve been providing high-quality environmental consultancy services ever since our inception.

Armed with almost 30 years’ experience in the industry, the knowledge, care, expertise, and professionalism we dedicate to every single project is what really makes us stand out.

We also pride ourselves on our hard-won reputation for gaining approval at ‘difficult’ or ‘sensitive’ sites, where others couldn’t.

Do you have any business rules that you swear by?

Never cut corners, be forensic.

Do you dress up or down for work?

Whatever chinos and a shirt qualify as…

What piece of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Beware of ‘analysis paralysis’.

What’s your favourite Yorkshire venue for an event or team away day?

We’ve been eyeing up Diggerland for a while… but Junkyard Golf in Leeds is always a crowd-pleaser.

How do you prefer to travel for business?

Usually by car as our sites are often many miles from the nearest public transport hub.

What’s your favourite place in Yorkshire to relax?

Ingleborough from Horton-in-Ribblesdale is a great walk and not too strenuous.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Yorkshire, and what dish do you recommend?

The Bull at Broughton is great and pretty much anything on the menu – I’m easy to please.

What do you miss most about Yorkshire when you’re away?

Being able to strike up a conversation with pretty much anyone you come across.