A FORMER Palmer’s College student is making waves in the world of renewable energy.

After graduating from Anglia Ruskin University with a degree in business management, Alex Basile, 26, from Grays, was introduced to a device described as “a fridge that works in reverse”, which provides hot water at a fraction of the price charged by energy suppliers.

Alex set up a meeting with businessman Alistair Smit, who saw potential in the device, now known as the Little Magic Box.

The two have since formed the Magic Thermodynamic Box Company, in Chelmsford, which specialises in the manufacture and distribution of renewable energy products to businesses across Europe.

Alex said of his success: “It’s amazing, looking back now, how far we have come over the past year. We now have distributors in nine countries around the world and in the past 12 months we have sold several hundred units.”