Member Article

Wind energy specialist expanding

A wind energy specialist which has enjoyed rapid growth across the UK is expanding its presence in the Midlands.

Fine Energy, which identifies and develops the best sites for small-scale wind turbines in the UK, launched from a small office in Moseley in 2010 and has grown substantially over the last four years.

Midlands recruitment specialists Katie Bard has helped the company grow from a team of three to a firm employing 17 people at its offices in the Custard Factory and in Edinburgh.

Verity Stokes, Divisional Leader at Katie Bard, which has its Birmingham offices on Waterloo Street, said Fine Energy is a perfect example of a business which has reaped the benefit of investing in adding great people.

She said: “It’s been fantastic to witness the expansion of Fine Energy over the last few years and to have played a part in supporting the company’s recruitment needs.

“The company has invested in great people who are motivated by more than just money. For them to really excel they need a company who will harness this energy and allow the flexibility for the personal development of the individual, and Fine Energy are an exceptional example of such a business.

“The firm has got the best out of people by taking motivated individuals and giving them responsible entry level roles. As their skills and interests build, the company has then encouraged them to take on more tailored positions.

“It is both about finding good people but also people whose motivations and ambitions emulate those of the business. Then it is about a business with the foresight to see that investment in their staff can lead to a strong, dynamic team working fluidly within a growing business.

“This is essential for businesses of any size to make the most of their staff but it is particularly useful for growing SMEs and this, above anything else to do with their staffing, will give those SMEs a competitive edge.”

Despite launching in a challenging economic period, Fine Energy has 35 sites already producing renewable energy and many more in the process of being developed, says co-founder and Managing Director Graham Hygate.

Graham said the firm - which specialises in 25 to 45m tall turbines, much smaller than the 100m to 120m high turbines seen in large-scale wind farms - has ambitions to work with investors and other business partners across the region.

“Continually rising energy prices combined with government-backed support for renewable energy production give our investors the confidence they need to fund these projects,” he said.

“In addition, energy intensive businesses close to suitable sites can significantly reduce their energy costs.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .