Test Consulting l-r Moustafa Elgendy Gary Whitaker John Swallow My-Ha Hoang Maddie Goddard.jpg — Test Consulting founder John Swallow, centre, with, from left, Moustafa Elgendy, from the Department for Business and Trade; Gary Whitaker and My-Ha Hoang, from Mercia Debt; and Maddie Goddard, of Test Consulting

Solar test firm adds fizz with drink maker deal

An energy consultancy is targeting US and European expansion after securing a soft drink sector deal.

Test Consulting has been commissioned to monitor solar sites at more than 50 bottling plants across North America for a “leading” brand.

And bosses at the Leeds-based company say the project leaves it well placed to “make further inroads in the US and countries such as Spain with high uptake of solar energy”.

Founded in 2016, the firm – which plans to add up to four staff to its seven-strong team over the coming year – provides energy monitoring services across all fuel types for clients including brick maker Ibstock.

Its solar service creates a ‘digital twin’ of every installation and accounts for weather conditions to compare expected power output with actual productivity.

It raised £150,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance to help it roll out the service.

John Swallow, founder and chief executive, said: “Solar power enables businesses to cut costs, reduce reliance on the grid and enhance their brand.

“Monitoring gives complete visibility, and quickly reveals any underperforming panels.”

NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the £660 million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II that is overseen by British Business Bank.

Offering loans from £25,000 to £2 million, the fund also provides equity investment up to £5 million to small and medium-sized businesses across the North.

Gary Whitaker, of Mercia Debt, said: “Test Consulting’s innovative service could help businesses worldwide maximise their use of solar power and reduce carbon emissions.”

Lizzy Upton, British Business Bank senior investment manager, added: “We’re proud to support the team as they scale operations across the globe.”

Moustafa Elgendy, from the Department for Business and Trade, worked with the company to support its international expansion and provided fundraising advice.

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