AlternEnergy is powering ahead

On target for £1.8m turnover

A ROYTON company is leading the way in helping businesses throughout the region dramatically reduce their energy bills.

AlternEnergy, a division of F T Gordon Ltd, was established two years by Anthony Hall to exploit new technology and government initiatives.

The enterprise has been remarkably successful in raising awareness of the issues surrounding energy and has become the leading player in the North-West in this growing market.

Mr Hall, who joined the family business now based at Salmon Fields Business Park, Royton, in 2002, has led the emergence of the division.

He said: “When I first started looking into renewable energy sources and commercial applications, no one knew anything about it, literally.

“I spoke to people at the North-West Development Agency and they admitted that we were ahead of the game. I went on courses and became a qualified energy assessor and read up as much I could.

“There is legislation out there which is driving this sector and also lots of grants which companies and, increasingly, the domestic market, can take advantage of.”

Two years on, AlternEnergy is comfortably on target for a turnover of £1.8 million in the current financial year and Mr Hall is confident that, as the social housing market becomes more aware of the benefits, this will increase.

Currently, contracts in South Manchester are driving the domestic side — which is now generating 20 per cent of turnover — and the potential is vast.

AlternEngergy has just completed a project at a four-storey house in Bowdon, which saw them drill into the ground to install a heat source pump, which taps into natural energy.

The technology will provide free heating, hot water and heat the outdoor pool for free once the initial £60,000 installation costs have been met — within four years.

Mr Hall added : “All our projects will pay for themselves eventually by reducing energy bills. Obviously, the greatest savings are made in operations which work around the clock, such as large warehouses and factories.

“There is obviously a much quicker payback than, say, at a school which is not used all the time. But savings can be made.”

The domestic market is a growing source of business, with neighbours and word of mouth recommendations proving effective, said Mr Hall, who is eagerly awaiting results for a government pilot of 12 areas — all in the south — where councils are monitoring results.

AlternEnergy is well placed to take advantage of new technology, be it solar panels, wind turbines or underground heat sources.

Two businesses in Oldham, who have benefited from the company’s expertise, are examples of the savings that can be achieved.

Mr Hall said: “When we started out there was a credibility issue, but now we can take customers and show them that real and meaningful savings can be made and this has made a significant difference.”