Partner Article

Chris Hayward of RenewPlus on setting up shop and sustainability

RenewPlus was only formed three months ago, but managing director Chris Hayward already has big plans for the company.

“There is no local office for the low carbon sector and no business support, so were hoping to fill a gap in the market,” he said.

Prior to forming the company, Chris and his two colleagues worked for the Renew Project, a One North East initiative providing help to the environmental energy sector. When this funding ended, the three decided to go it alone, and created their own commercial version of the project.

“We’re now run on a subscription basis,” he explained. “We offer members the chance to post jobs and tender opportunities, whilst also acting as a support mechanism providing training on waste awareness and best practices.”

Chris also hopes to provide help with much of the complicated legislation surrounding waste management. “It’s a heavily regulated area, and its often difficult to see how it all fits together. We hope to incentivise business growth by offering advice and help.

“We also have good contacts with businesses in both the public and private sector that we can put people in touch with if they need signposting.”

As the UK continues to strive to establish itself as a key player in the renewable energy sector, Chris is calling for new measures to be implemented to encourage the expansion of infrastructure.

“A lot of equipment is being made abroad, so its vital we don’t miss the boat and ensure that things continue to be built in the region.

“We have the right geography to benefit from this type of energy –lots of windy high ground, extensive coastlines to profit from tidal power. We are currently behind much of Europe but have the capacity to be as good as any of the major European players in the marketplace.”

As the company is still relatively new, Chris can also relate to many of the difficulties new businesses face: “ The first year is always the most difficult, but we have built an initial business plan, and are now looking to expand.

“We are now keen to promote the resources we have to offer by building the brand, putting on more events, and providing further training and consultancy to businesses which need it.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .