60 new jobs are a ray of sunshine

SIXTY new jobs are up for grabs in Oldham as a start-up company seeks to corner the market in solar energy.

Working with recruitment partner The Oldham College and NatWest Bank, Solar Energy4Free Ltd, which has offices in Delph and a warehouse in the new units at the Wellington Business Park, Greenfield, expect to have a staff of 85 when the business begins installing panels on properties around the North-West.

Established by managing director Matthew Pomfrey, from Uppermill, and finance director Adrian Cunningham, from Diggle — with Lisa Pomfrey as company secretary and David Pomfrey as marketing director, — the business already employs 10 people.

The recruitment process starts tomorrow when people are invited to submit CVs and applications between 10am and 1pm at Pennine House in Union Street, Oldham, opposite Sainsbury’s.

The jobs on offer include office administrators, warehouse operatives, roofers, electricians and apprentices.

Mr Pomfrey said: “We have already invested substantially to get this far — now we need to find the right people.

“We have a robust business plan which sets out completing 6,000 solar panel installations by the end of 2013 — and that’s only the start.” Solar Energy4Free Ltd is one of a number of companies taking advantage of the Government’s commitment to cut carbon dioxide emissions in the Climate Change Act 2008.

The business model allows the company to install free solar panels on homes which fit the criteria in terms of roof space and whether they are south-facing.

Added Mr Pomfrey: “People always ask ‘What’s the catch?’ but there isn’t a catch. The Government has committed this country to renewable energy and any home with a solar panel will receive free electricity and we will claim the subsidy.”

Alun Francis, principal of The Oldham College, said: “We are committed to working businesses in our community to train staff in green technology.

Mr Pomfrey has been working closely with NatWest relationship director Steve Lowe.