Who We Are

A woman with long hair, glasses, and a necklace standing indoors near a window, smiling at the camera.

Elaine Plested

Making a difference has always been my passion. Whether that’s a business impact, or a better outcome for your people, both are equally as important.

I come from humble beginnings, a small village on the south coast where my father was a ferry skipper and fisherman, I think that’s where my love for the water comes from! I left home at the age of 21, not to escape, but to spread my wings and find more out about the world and its inhabitants. People fascinate me, and different countries and cultures intrigue me.

I’ve travelled the world for pleasure and had the privilege to work in America, Central America, Africa and Australia, and in a wide range of industry sectors, banking, insurance, charitable and engineering.

My target is always to get the best out of everyone. I’m not someone who sits on the sidelines, I get to know your business by being part of your business. It will feel like I’ve become part of the team.

contact@copperturtle.co.uk

A smiling man with glasses and a beard, wearing a suit and tie, in a setting with blurred lights in the background.

Chris Wardman

Highly experienced Sales and Marketing executive with a proven track record of meeting highly challenging business goals whilst demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to succeed in both UK and export markets.

Looking for a future exciting and challenging role where you can add value, build the long-term company profile enabling mutual growth opportunities. Recently received extensive training on Shipley bid capture and writing proposals which has increased my capabilities and capture strategies going forward.

Recently promoted into the Thales UK Autonomy Systems Capture lead role, culminating in a successful opening of the new Turnchapel facility in Plymouth by MIN DP, Stuart Andrew MP.

contact@copperturtle.co.uk

Social Value

At Copper Turtle, Social Value is not an aside, or a tick in a box, it is a core part of the heart of our business.  It is more than just the day-to-day, it is our values, and our drive to improve the social impact on the lives of the people within the communities within which we live and work.

  • A woman and a man wearing red jackets and sunglasses standing on a grassy field with two dogs, one sitting and one lying down, near a pond and trees with fall foliage under a blue sky.

    Service Dogs UK

    We are proud to support this charity, giving over 12 days voluntary support as well as social media presence.  Service Dogs UK is a small UK charity, founded in 2015, and it supports military and emergency services veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD.

    PTSD is a serious and often misunderstood mental health condition that can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed traumatic events. For those who have served in the Armed Forces or Emergency Services, exposure to trauma can be part of daily life—whether in conflict zones, responding to disasters, or dealing with life-threatening situations on the front line.  This can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. It can affect relationships, work, and the ability to live independently. 

    Service Dogs UK, recognise the unique challenges Veterans face in both environments and they offer a life-changing, practical and emotional support system through the power of the human-canine bond.  For more information, take a look at their website.

  • Group of people in a conference room sitting around a long table, smiling for the photo.

    Primary Engineer

    Primary Engineer is a national competition FREE to all schools in the UK, open to all Pupils aged 3-19 years.  The competition focuses on ‘If you were an engineer, what would you do?’ building creative problem-solving skills and career awareness, and the STAWARS Climate Change Challenge using data to illustrate the things we can change to make a difference. 

    Last year, both Chris and I were involved as judges within our local regions.  For more information, take a look at their website.

  • Trophies and awards arranged on a table, including a central silver frame trophy surrounded by star-shaped trophies, with a booklet titled ‘Girls in STEM Judges Packs’ from South Devon College placed in front.

    Girls in STEM

    South Devon College drives a dedicated initiative to inspire local young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 

    By combating historical gender imbalances, the college hosts annual "Girls in STEM" and "Women into Marine" events for regional school pupils, offering practical workshops to build confidence and awareness. 

    These impactful programs and opportunities feature several key elements, and the college's focus on inclusive education has driven a significant year-on-year increase in female enrolment across their engineering.  Acting as judges in 2025, and again now in 2026, Copper Turtle are sponsoring the awards this year.

  • Smiling woman in blue top holding a swim race medal reading 'SWIM 22 44 MILES' with a blue ribbon, outdoors with green foliage and a building in the background.

    Swim 22

    44 miles, the equivalent of across the Channel and back in a swimming pool for Diabetes UK

  • Assorted cupcakes with white and pink frosting, each topped with a round edible topper reading 'Help for Heroes' supporting wounded veterans.

    Help For Heros

    The daily challenge across January 2025, to run 1km run, plus 1 min of sit-ups and 1 min of press-ups.  Elaine managed - run 34km, consciously walked 51km (that doesn't include normal steps) and swam 4 1/2 km totalling 89 1/2 km, and Chris joined in running and walking a total of 85km. 

  • Woman in red Christmas crew sweatshirt standing next to a person in a Grinch costume, both standing behind a table filled with Christmas food items, in a room with white walls and a blue bulletin board.

    Poole Food Bank

    We added to our client's, ABP Technologies, existing collection, by providing two additional luxury food parcels. 

  • A woman in outdoor gear, including a black North Face hat and jacket, taking a selfie with a rocky hillside in the background.

    The Eve Appeal

    Elaine climbed the 1,085m to the summit of Snowden recently to raise awareness and funds for this vital gynaecological cancer charity.