An FCC Environment company, J&B Recycling confirmed that Jackson-Smith will step down following a career that has seen the business grow from a small family operation into a regional player.
Jackson-Smith’s journey in the sector began at the age of 16, working on the weighbridge of her family’s solid fuel business, led by her father, Alan Jackson.
From these early beginnings, she developed a detailed understanding of logistics and operations, later progressing into transport management and taking on increasing responsibility within the business.
In 1998, she founded J&B Recycling alongside her husband, Stephen. Over the following decades, the couple expanded the company significantly.
J&B Recycling currently employs around 200 people, processes more than 200,000 tonnes of waste annually, and provides services to thousands of commercial customers as well as local authorities across the region.
Commenting on her retirement, Jackson-Smith said: “J&B Recycling has been such a huge part of my life for so many years, so this is a very emotional moment for me.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and the people who have been part of that journey.”
A major milestone in the company’s growth came in 2014, when Jackson-Smith secured investment from BGF, enabling upgrades to facilities and processing capabilities.
More recently, she has overseen two significant transactions, with the business joining Urbaser in 2021 before becoming part of FCC Environment in 2024.
Her contribution to the sector has also been recognised externally. In 2025, Jackson-Smith was named Female Business Leader of the Year at the British Business Awards 2025.
Jackson-Smith added: “While it’s sad to step away, I’m also looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends, and to travelling and seeing a bit more of the world after so many years focused on the business.”
In a statement, the company added: “Everyone at J&B Recycling would like to thank Vikki and her family for their years of hard work, commitment and leadership, and wish them all the very best for the future.”
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