With the business expanding and branching into the United States, The Online Book Company based in Penryn has taken on an extra member of staff to help with the workload.

Exeter University graduate Beth Hibbs has hit the ground running and is already assisting with the creation of the company’s innovative online celebration and fundraising books.

Beth, born and raised in Penryn who completed a BA and an MSc with Exeter University on their Penryn Campus, was working as a graduate management trainee with a local car hire company when she met Jonathan Haward, managing director of The Online Book Company, while he was waiting to pick up a hire car.

Jonathan said: “We got chatting and Beth said she was considering her options and thinking about returning to Exeter University to do a PhD. I was immediately impressed with her. She’s exceptionally bright, confident and a great communicator with exceptional customer service skills. Her abilities are very refreshing and she’s already producing excellent results.”

Beth began by learning about the company’s memorial books and will be aiding the development of individual, bespoke pet books. Pet owners can use these to commemorate or celebrate their animals, and there is even the opportunity to use them as a fundraising tool for animal charities. Beth is also going to be involved with a new fundraising book commissioned by Fort Mifflin - the oldest fort in Philadelphia, USA and now the subject of a major renovation project.

“I’m really enjoying myself,” said Beth. “I’m learning the business and focusing on the different types of books we offer. My role will be sales based, which is perfect as I really enjoy meeting clients and providing excellent customer service.”