Company News Archives

Centreco Announces Formation of In-House Scaffolding Division

Centreco (UK) Limited, the leading installer of commercial solar energy systems announce the next stage in a companywide expansion programme to bolster current operational capacity with the formation of a specialist in house scaffolding division.

With scaffolding being essential for the installation of any commercial roof-mounted solar energy system, having an in-house specialist scaffolding team allows Centreco to have complete control of the assembly, use and dismantling of scaffolding whilst on site ensuring improved quality control and adherence to the most stringent Health and Safety standards.

By having this specialist scaffolding team in house gives Centreco the ability to act with improved responsiveness once approvals for a Solar Energy System are in place. This ensures a better overall result for a client as it safeguards against external factors that could impact the installation process, therefore improving the flow of the project in line with the installation plan as agreed with a client.

Centreco have recruited Carl Bleasdale as Head of Scaffolding Operations to oversee this new division and ensure its continued success moving forward.

Jon Williams, the Managing Director of Centreco said “Carl was an obvious choice for Head of Scaffolding Operations, with his many years of industry experience and unrivalled attention to detail, I am certain he will ensure every installation starts on time, that roof access progresses in a safe and timely manner, whilst causing as little disruption as possible to the client’s daily activities.

We are currently within a period of positive expansion for Centreco in line with increasing industry demand due to energy price pressures and the formation of an in-house scaffolding division is a natural step for Centreco to create yet further control of the installation process for our clients.”

Carl Bleasdale, Head of Scaffolding Operations, said “It is incredibly rare within the commercial solar energy sector for a company to have scaffolding resources integrated into their business, as it is often an element of the system installation that is sub-contracted out to third-parties. For Centreco having an in-house scaffolding team will be of big benefit for our clients as the installation process will be resourced by our employed skilled staff from the start of the installation process to the end. Centreco will be able to act with greater speed and efficiency and will enhance the solar energy system installation process as a result.

This significantly elevates Centreco in the solar energy market.”

If you want to find out more about the Centreco difference then why not get in touch today on 01257 208 943 and see how a commercial Solar Energy System installed by Centreco can benefit your business.

31st May 2022

Centreco Invest In Further Solar Energy Installation Capacity

Centreco Meets Increasing Demand And Positions Itself At The Heart Of Commercial Solar Energy Sector
Operational Structure Bolstered With A Six Figure Investment Into Solar Energy Deployment Resources
Annual Installation Capacity Trebled To In Excess Of 30 Megawatts Per Annum
Investment Into Staff, Fleet, Capital Equipment And Technology Initiated And Accelerating Over Coming Months
Recruitment Drive Launched To Bring New Talent Into Renewable Energy Sector

Centreco (UK) Limited, the leading installer of commercial solar energy systems, has announced a substantial six figure investment into increased operational resources to drive their installation capacity.

The Company has introduced a regional operational structure to house an increasing number of installation teams and initiated a talent recruitment campaign. By moving to an operational management structure in the North and South of the United Kingdom Centreco target moving their annual installation reach from 10 Megawatts per annum, experienced by the business in the last twelve months across over 50 completed installations, to a capacity in excess of 30 Megawatts per annum across the coming year.

This increase in installation capacity is at the heart of Centreco’s strategy to maintain its leadership in the specialist solar energy for business sector. The investment in staff, its fleet, capital equipment and technology has begun and will be accelerated over the coming months to meet the increasing market requirements for Centreco’s high quality tier one solar energy systems.

The company’s installations deliver self-generated renewable energy for their clients at a fraction of the cost of purchasing electricity from the grid. A client will see immediate cash flow benefits from owning a system, they will insulate themselves from energy inflation in the long-term and protect themselves from any energy supply risks. The environmental benefits of solar energy are well documented and with pressure on the sustainable integrity of business supply chains, Centreco’s solar energy systems have been at the heart of their client’s carbon neutral strategies.

Adrian Dunleavy, Chairman of Centreco says “Our business has enjoyed excellent progress over the last year. With demand for well designed, well installed solar energy systems set to increase markedly in the coming months Centreco place themselves at the heart of this sector by continuing to develop our business in line with this growth.

With investment in new installation teams we will build incremental capacity to deliver our expanding order book whilst laying the organisational platform to address the structural shift in business energy markets to self-generated renewable energy. We are proud to be a leader in this burgeoning sector and by bringing in additional talented staff and introducing new infrastructure to Centreco we intend to stay ahead of the curve.”

Jon Williams, Managing Director of Centreco says “Stepping up to an installation capacity at over 30 Megawatts per annum is a natural step for Centreco. The Operational structure and management we now have in place now can absorb the growing teams and meet the accelerating demand we are seeing. By self-investing in the development of our Company we are future proofing the business in a market which is experiencing strong growth with the external factors driving this progression set to dominate for the long term.

The green sector is attractive for potential employees and we look forward to working with ambitious individuals joining Centreco on the back of our investment and to offering them the chance to enhance their skills and to progress with the organisation as we grow further over the coming years.”

If you are interested in joining our exciting renewables business as a team leader, electrician, solar installer or an apprentice, please give Centreco a call on 01257 208 943 today and see how our Company can offer you a rewarding career.

1st June 2022

Centreco Strengthens Project Development Team With Appointment of Tim Young

With the Commercial Solar Energy sector experiencing strong demand, Centreco (UK) Limited, the leading installer of commercial solar energy systems, have further bolstered their operational capacity with the appointment of Tim Young to the Business Development team focussing specifically on project development in the South of the United Kingdom.

Throughout Tim’s career, he has worked through periods of exceptional change within various industry sectors and from day one has truly understood the benefits that a Commercial Solar Energy System will bring a business.

Tim has always had a very keen interest in the environment and helping both individuals and business looking to reduce their carbon footprint, and in his free time currently volunteers as a community editor of a newsletter focussing on local environmental issues.

On his appointment Tim said “I am delighted to be joining the Centreco team at such an exciting time for Solar Energy. I have always been passionate about environmental issues and now working for Centreco gives me the opportunity to provide businesses with a commercially viable way to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, whilst providing one of the best commercial returns available.”

Speaking about Tim’s appointment, Centreco Managing Director, Jon Williams said “Tim’s experience supplements our existing resources in the South of the country to extend our focus further there. His skills are a welcome addition to our project teams operating throughout the United Kingdom as Centreco continue to accelerate their delivery of renewable energy projects nationwide.

Tim’s mindset is intrinsically aligned with the objectives of Centreco, we want to help our clients reduce their carbon footprint and save money. With the ever-increasing commercial electricity rates as well as growing environmental pressure across business supply chains, Tim has joined the company at an exciting time. Tim’s passion for the environment is infectious and I have no doubt that he will be a key deriver in delivering a range of new solar energy projects for business clients in his region.”

If you’ve ever considered a Commercial Solar Energy system, why not get in touch with Centreco today on 01257 208 943 today and see how a solar energy system can benefit your business.

6th June 2022

Centreco Strengthens Operational Management

Centreco (UK) Limited the leading installer of commercial solar energy systems in the U.K. has strengthened its operational leadership with the first in a series of appointments to new Senior Operational Management roles.

On the back of the Company’s commitment to trebling its installation capacity over the coming twelve months to in excess of 30MW per annum, Centreco has moved to strengthen its operational reach with the creation of the two new Operational management positions, one in the North and one in the South of the country.

Ben Hughes has been appointed as the Company’s Southern Operations Manager. Ben joins the business with over seven years experience in the electrical sector, managing sites including the Largest Amazon Distribution Centre in Europe and Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium in preparation for the Commonwealth Games; Ben brings to Centreco his wealth of industry knowledge and experience in large electrical project delivery.

Centreco Managing Director, Jon Williams said “Ben is an excellent choice to develop our growing installation resources based in the South of the United Kingdom. He has first class leadership talents honed from his time in the Army, with these coupled to his project delivery skills proven across a range of large electrical installations Ben is ideal to drive the rate of high quality solar energy installations through our new and expanding operational capabilities.”

Ben went on to say “ The green energy sector has something I have had an interest for many years from when I started working on renewable energy deployment in both the domestic and commercial sectors. With Centreco I’m looking forward to helping more corporate clients realise the environmental and commercial benefits that a solar energy system brings. I have been impressed by the support and training I have received so far at Centreco – they are very professional and have given me everything that I need to thrive in this role and to deliver for our clients.

If you’ve ever considered working in the renewable energy sector why not get in touch with Centreco today on 01257 208 943 today and see how a role in delivering the future of energy could offer a rewarding career.

15th June 2022

Centreco Talent Shines In Operational Expansion

Centreco (UK) Limited the leading installer of commercial solar energy systems in the U.K. has further strengthened its operational leadership with the promotion of Steve Coyne to a new Senior Operational Management role.

The creation of the two Operational management positions, one in the North and one in the South of the country, comes on the back of the Company’s commitment to trebling its installation capacity over the coming twelve months to in excess of 30MW per annum.

Steve Coyne is appointed as the Company’s Northern Operations Manager. Steve has a wealth of Solar Energy experience having worked in the sector since 2008 and operating as a senior electrician with Centreco over the last four years. Having this hands on experience of Centreco installations, means Steve brings with him a thorough understanding of what is required to deliver commercial solar energy systems on schedule, on budget and in a safe manager.

Steve said “Being selected to lead a very skilled team of installers in an industry where the future has never looked brighter is not an opportunity that is presented often, so I was very pleased to accept the new position. Having worked with the organisation for a few years, I feel that I am in a good position to help drive things forward at pace at Centreco. I know the nature of our commercial installations and the high standards we need need to work to. I am looking forward to picking up the rate of solar system installations over the coming weeks and months through our expanding and talented work force.”

Centreco Managing Director, Jon Williams said “Steve is an excellent choice for the promotion to Operations Manager. From Steve’s initial appointment over four years ago, he has proved on numerous occasions that he is willing to go above and beyond for our clients to ensure deadlines are met within a customer’s onsite operational requirements and our systems are delivered exactly to specification. Steve will lead our growing number of installation teams in the North of the United Kingdom.”

20th June 2022

Centreco Strengthens Team with Marketing Appointment

Centreco (UK) Limited, a leading commercial solar energy installation business, is pleased to announce it has appointed Nathan Keogh as it’s Marketing Manager.

Nathan joins the business with a strong communications, digital content and client relations background in business-to-business sectors having undertaken lead marketing roles in the design, logistics and online sectors.

As Centreco manage a period of substantial growth for the business within a burgeoning sector, so the Company is seeking to drive its market communications and customer services function forward with this appointment.

Nathan is responsible for all external communications through traditional, on-line and social media channels. He also takes up the mantle of managing Centreco’s client satisfaction and feedback function with the aim of building on the Company’s premium reputation within the commercial solar energy market and assisting a client to promote their positive environmental initiative with the installation of a Solar Energy System from Centreco.

Commenting on Nathan joining the business, Tom Knox, Centreco’s Business Development Director says “The appointment of our Marketing Manager is another key step in our Company’s development. The position will ensure our communication in the market is frequent and consistent mirroring the high level of business development and project installation across the business.

The role will also provide a link to our client base to ensure our work remains of the highest standard and our high client satisfaction standards are measured and maintained. Nathan’s positive attitude and enthusiasm, with his wide marketing and customer relations experience make him an excellent candidate for this position and we welcome him to the Centreco team.”

Nathan Keogh said of his appointment “I am really pleased to be joining an ambitious Company like Centreco. They occupy a premium position in a business-to-business market which provides meaningful cost savings and real environmental benefits for their clients. I am looking forward to shouting about this, Centreco’s excellent work shouldn’t be kept a secret, my job is to let the market know about the good work Centreco and their clients are doing together.

With a strong marketing background and a passion for social media I hope to embrace a wide range of communication channels and add real value to the Centreco operation.”

If you’ve ever thought about installing a Commercial Solar Energy system, why not get in touch with Centreco today on 01257 208 943 and see how a solar energy system can benefit your business.

11th July 2022

Centreco Deliver Strong Growth in Solar Energy Installations and Plan for Further Increased Demand

Image: A section of a 1,040kWp project installed by Centreco for a client in Dorset.

Centreco deliver 9.6MW of new solar energy capacity in last six months
Three-fold increase in commercial solar energy system installation run rate
The company invests further in increased installation resources
Committed future developments at over 30MW
Long term demand for self-generated solar energy very strong
Development teams growing to deliver further expansion for Centreco

Centreco, a market leading provider of solar energy systems to businesses in the U.K., have delivered 9.6MW of new renewable energy generation capacity across the first six months of their financial year.

This represents a three-fold increase in installed capacity year on year being driven by increased demand from businesses with escalating energy costs and environmental pressures addressed by the financial benefits of a Centreco solar energy system, which delivers immediate payback and long-term cost savings, combined with substantially reducing CO₂ emissions.

Centreco have invested heavily in bolstering their operational capacity across the U.K. in the last twelve months to meet this increased demand with additional installation teams recruited and trained, backed by new in-house scaffolding, logistics and project management resources.

The business sees this growth rate continuing at pace with over 30MW of installations already committed from their clients over the coming months. This is aligned to Centreco further developing its project delivery teams to meet this run-rate and to allow for significant further incremental expansion during 2023.

Adrian Dunleavy, Chairman of Centreco, says “the business is well positioned being a dedicated provider of solar energy systems for companies that are mid to high end users of electricity in their facilities. This sector has been hit by energy cost increases and continued sustainability pressures on their operations and self-generated solar energy is the perfect solution to address these demands.

For example, the capacity brought to the market by Centreco just in the last six months will deliver 1,300 Tonnes of CO₂ savings per annum, in excess of £50 Million of electricity cost savings over the next 25 years with clients benefitting from an equivalent price hedge of only 4.5 pence per kilowatt hour versus the commercial market average at 35.0 pence per kilowatt hour today.

The Centreco proposition is a compelling offer, and we are pleased to be able to bring an increasing number of solar energy systems on stream to drive down cost and reduce emissions for businesses across the United Kingdom.”

Jon Williams, Managing Director of Centreco, says “we offer a full turnkey solution for our business clients with design, modelling, logistics, installation and project management all being undertaken through in house resources. To that end we have invested in the recruitment and training of new staff, in capital equipment and resources and the development of our systems to meet the increasing demand and maintain our quality installation processes.

We are seeing these Operations delivering now with installations undertaken across 43 sites over these past six months. Centreco continue to invest in our reach with a further increased number of installation teams coming through over the next few months building capacity to deliver accelerated growth bolstered by a strong forward book of confirmed projects.

Longer term demand looks strong with the financial pressures of electricity usage forecast to continue and environmental considerations increasing within supply chains a growing number of operations will be looking to self-generated sustainable power as a way of countering these factors.

Centreco are building our client services and development teams to work alongside new clients to release the potential of their redundant roof space and develop their own solar energy installations with our help. Our aim is to be the largest provider of solar energy systems to businesses in the UK and Centreco look forward to being able to work with an increasing number of leading UK businesses over the coming months.”

19th December 2022

Centreco further increases solar energy deployment

Image: Centreco installation at M-Tech Engineering (93kW Solar System)

Continued growth in Centreco’s solar energy installation rates in third quarter of financial year
Strong progress in contracted project development for the Company
Environmental and financial factors drive long-term growth in the sector
Investment made in installation capacity and operational resources in the period to drive further expansion

Centreco, a principal commercial solar energy systems installer for businesses in the United Kingdom, is pleased to announce further increased installation deployment through the third quarter of its financial year.

Now with thirteen operational installation teams throughout the country Centreco delivered 6.1MW of new solar energy system capacity across 26 client sites in the three months to end February 2023. This deployment represents a future CO₂saving in excess of 30,000 Tonnes over the 25-year warranted performance cycle of the tier one panels specified across these energy systems.

Centreco anticipates its solar energy deployment to increase further into the final quarter of its financial year as improved weather conditions and the roll out of further operational resources accelerates the installation rates against the range of contracted and approved projects the Company has in place.

The financial proposition from on-site self-generated solar energy for a business in the UK is extremely compelling, with systems delivering immediate pay-backs to clients through an equivalent fixed electricity price of 2p to 4p per kWHr hedged over the 25-year warranted term. This price position offers substantial savings to a business who are now paying upwards from 25p per kWHr in the open commercial electricity market.

A Centreco solar energy system will protect a business against electricity price inflation, will deliver premium financial returns and enhance the market value of any commercial premises.

The attractiveness of the proposition and Centreco’s dedicated premium approach to the business market has additionally seen its project development teams secure 9.1MW of contracted installations during the third financial quarter. This bodes well for the Company’s installation run rates through the latter period of the 2023 calendar year when these projects will reach grid approval stage and the Company’s installation resources are aligned accordingly.

Jon Williams, Managing Director of Centreco commented “Centreco are pleased with the solar energy deployment rates delivered during the last three months, notably as this Winter period has seen poorer weather conditions for our operations and despite this, we have delivered a very strong installation performance across the business. We are also encouraged by the project development out-turn in the quarter, this contracted work aligns well to our continued roll out of installation capacity through 2023.

The three-months has also seen investment in our vehicle fleet, operational equipment and an increase in our commitment to staff training and quality initiatives as we expand our installation teams throughout the country.

With continued environmental pressures on property conformance and across supply chains coupled with long-term energy price impacts on businesses we see the commercial solar energy systems market continuing to grow at pace over the coming years. We are laying a strong foundation to lead the sector for the long-term and our increased installation reach and project development resources will be the catalyst to deliver an increasing number of premium systems for our growing client base across the United Kingdom.”

31^st March 2023

Centreco Awarded Best Solar Energy Systems Consultancy

(Centreco UK Limited)

Based in Chorley, Lancashire, Centreco UK Limited is a fast growth company formed in January 2014 which specialises in providing high-quality commercial solar energy systems across a range of business sectors throughout the United Kingdom. We find out more as the firm gains notable recognition in the Midlands Enterprise Awards.

Leading provider of solar energy systems to businesses in the UK, Centreco UK Limited provides companies with the opportunity to cut their electricity costs and improve their environmental footprint by generating their own electricity from their own site.

A Centreco system offers immediate payback and compelling long-term returns over an installation’s guaranteed performance lifetime of 25 years and beyond. Centreco’s solar energy systems generally occupy redundant roof space and, as such, add value to a client’s business and property.

With entrepreneurial high-performance culture, Centreco is a dynamic high-growth business with a very open and can-do ethos. It specialises in the commercial and industrial sectors and operates to tight controls and procedures, with a keen focus on safety and quality through its operations.

“We’re passionate about the work that we do,” enthuses Matt Gerrard of Centreco. “The ability to deliver low-cost green energy to UK businesses is a compelling proposition for our clients and we take pride in working with some of the country’s most forward-thinking businesses in support of their sustainable futures.”

As Centreco only focuses on the business market, concentrating on commercial installations with clients who spend more that £30,000 per annum on electricity, this has allowed to build an unrivalled skill in design, modelling, installing, and managing mid-to large-scale renewable energy installations.

Centreco has developed industry-leading supply and project management systems, it installs only tier one top quality products and, with control of the installation process through its own employed operations teams, it delivers a high-quality and very cost-effective solar energy solution to customers.

Currently, the burgeoning commercial solar energy systems market is undergoing a period of high growth, driven by increasing environmental awareness across businesses, along with the significant impact of increasingly high energy prices.

A Centreco Solar Energy System will deliver fixed price electricity in the region of 4ppkWHr across a 25 year-plus timeframe, versus the current grid supply market at above 30ppkWHr. A Centreco system will protect against any long-term inflationary pressures on this core overhead and will deliver nil carbon electricity to a business for the long-term.

“As you can imagine, the sustainability and cost pressures on businesses are driving strong demand for Centreco’s systems,” elaborates Matt. “The midlands has always been a core market for Centreco; with strong manufacturing, production, engineering, and industrial sectors the region has a wide range of progressive high-end users of electricity, perfect for Centreco to work with going forward.”

Indeed, the firm has undertaken 65 installations in the midlands to date and with its regional operations team being based from Worcester, this region offers the perfect location for Centreco to provide its services, as a result of excellent logistic and transport routes.

Recently, in recognition of its dedication to enabling businesses to enjoy high-quality solar energy systems, Centreco was named Best Solar Energy Systems Consultancy 2023 in the Midlands Enterprise Awards.

Now, the firm is committed to embracing the increasing sector demand and remaining at the forefront of the commercial sector, it will continue to recruit and train its own high-quality project development and installation staff.

“We have a strong pipeline of projects ahead of us, building our reach and capacity whilst maintaining our focus on safety and service are key to our continued leadership of the sector. We look forward to working with businesses throughout the midlands to deliver them self-generated, low cost renewable electricity for the long-term.”

23rd August 2023

Switching on UK businesses’ solar potential, together: Certas Energy acquires leading B2B solar energy installer Centreco

Certas Energy, the UK’s leading fuel and lubricants distributor, has taken another major stride on its mission to empower businesses with their energy transition journey, following the acquisition of the UK’s leading installer of B2B solar energy systems, Centreco.

Based in Chorley in the North West of England, Centreco is a specialist provider of commercial solar energy systems to businesses across the UK. Over the past decade, the company has grown rapidly, gaining significant success in the commercial rooftop sector.

The acquisition of Centreco not only accelerates Certas Energy’s renewable energy ambitions and capabilities but signals a significant milestone on its roadmap to a lower carbon future.

Centreco is the first specialist commercial solar provider to join Certas Energy’s growing portfolio of renewable energy solutions and services within its Energy Solutions Renewables Division. It will play an integral role in Certas Energy’s renewables offering, providing a complete turnkey solution to switch on the UK’s commercial solar potential.

Mark Deeney, Renewable Energy Director for Certas Energy, said: “This acquisition represents a major milestone for both Certas Energy and Centreco. As demand for self-generated solar energy systems continues to grow, powered by energy security concerns, electricity cost mitigation, and environmental legislation, Certas Energy and Centreco will be perfectly poised to meet this need. Together, we can help customers to optimise and evolve their energy mix.

“We are delighted to welcome the Centreco team on board and have no doubt that their technical skills, business development and operational capabilities will further enhance our expanding range of renewable solutions and elevate Certas Energy’s position as the energy partner of choice.”

Centreco’s systems deliver immediate energy cost savings, offer protection from electricity price inflation, and minimise the environmental impact of client operations. Its customer base primarily consists of medium to large scale B2B businesses, including industrial, manufacturing and commercial companies.

Focusing on the B2B rooftop market, Centreco’s 85-strong team of committed and experienced employees oversee every aspect of the solar project, from design and approvals to installation and project management.

Adrian Dunleavy, Chairman of Centreco, said “Thanks to the efforts of all our staff, Centreco has positioned itself as a market leader in the commercial solar energy systems market. We are a high growth, entrepreneurial company with an ambition to help UK businesses reach their environmental sustainability goals and reduce their energy costs.

“We have been successful in building a strong platform from which to develop Centreco at pace. We’re excited to welcome a new chapter which will combine our compelling renewables proposition and in-house capabilities with a highly reputable and market leading energy brand.

“Being part of Certas Energy offers the opportunity to bring our solar energy offering to a wider customer base and to new markets with the strength of an established industry player behind us.”

Certas Energy’s acquisition pipeline is a core part of its strategy to become a leader in the UK’s renewable energy installed services space. The partnership with Centreco closely follows the acquisition of Hafod Renewable Energy, one of the UK’s fastest growing renewable energy businesses, as well as the purchase of Freedom Heat Pumps, one of the UK’s leading distributors of air source and ground source heat pump equipment.

“As a business, we have our sights firmly set on bringing together the UK’s energy powerhouses to drive meaningful change and ensure our customers’ journey to lower carbon operations is as smooth and seamless as possible,” added Mark. “By expanding our portfolio, growing our renewables division and harnessing industry-leading expertise, we are confident that we can achieve and exceed this ambition.”

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