Six-figure funding boost fuels green energy firm

A Swindon-based renewable energy installer is set to accelerate its regional growth after securing six-figure backing to expand its team and delivery capacity.

Wiltshire Energy has received a £150,000 loan from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund through fund manager The FSE Group to support the next phase of its development.

Established in 2016, the company designs, installs and services renewable and energy efficiency systems including solar PV, heat pumps, biomass and solar thermal heating, alongside underfloor heating and ventilation solutions.

The company has also secured FCA approval to offer finance options to customers, helping to manage upfront installation costs, and is accredited to deliver Eco4 grants.

It has built a strong reputation across the region through word-of-mouth referrals.

Bosses say the funding will allow Wiltshire Energy to strengthen its in-house workforce and training provision, reducing reliance on subcontractors and increasing capacity to deliver projects under Government-backed schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Eco4 and the Home Upgrade Grant.

Barney Westbrook, founder and technical director of Wiltshire Energy, said: “This investment from FSE and the South West Investment Fund comes at a pivotal point for us.

“Demand for renewable solutions continues to rise as more people look to lower their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

“With FSE’s support, we can expand our in-house expertise, create more local jobs, and ensure we maintain the high standards our customers expect.

“It’s an exciting step in our journey to make sustainable living more accessible across our communities.”

Amanda Sheppard, investment manager at The FSE Group, added: “We are excited to back Wiltshire Energy at this stage of its journey.

“Barney is a well respected, dedicated and experienced leader in the renewable energy space.

“He has over 25 years of expertise in delivering sustainable technology solutions, and through him, Wiltshire Energy has built a strong regional reputation.

“With this investment, we believe the business can scale its operations, build in-house capability, and better meet the growing demand for low-carbon solutions.”

The South West Investment Fund offers loans from £25,000 to £100,000, debt finance up to £2 million, and equity investment up to £5 million, helping smaller businesses access funding they might otherwise struggle to secure.

Paul Jones, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, added: “Wiltshire Energy is a good example of a business helping to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy while creating skilled local jobs.

“By backing companies like this, the South West Investment Fund is not only supporting sustainable economic growth in the region but also enabling businesses to play an important role in the UK’s net zero ambitions.”

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