By Scott Wright
A CLYDEBANK-based energy company has launched a recruitment drive in the north west of England after it attracted major investment from Warrington Borough Council last year.
Together Energy, which was founded by former British Gas executive Paul Richards, said it is looking to recruit at least 20 members of staff for a new office it plans to establish in the area this spring.
Its expansion comes shortly after the English local authority invested £18 million to secure a 50 per cent stake in the Scottish firm in September.
READ MORE: Scots energy firm sells huge stake to English council for £18m
Mr Richards founded Together in 2016 on a philosophy of providing unemployment opportunities to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in his hometown of Clydebank. It now has more than 140 employees serving around 150,000 customers, and turns over £85 million.
Mr Richards said: “We want to replicate that in Warrington and create opportunities for personal growth. Investment in training and learning is also a big part of our business and no matter the stage of a person’s career we provide learning support whether that be participation in a Modern Apprenticeship or a university access course, but it’s not just about academic learning as we recognise that’s not for everyone. We offer support and advice on a variety of lifestyle issues.”
READ MORE: Clydebank energy firm insists it is on track as losses rise
Mr Richards added: “We’re looking at opening a new office in the town in the spring and are hoping to have staff in place within six weeks. No experience is required as training is provided but a desire to make a change and learn is.”
The deal with Warrington Borough Council was billed as the prelude to Together becoming an exclusive supplier of energy from renewable sources. The Warrington authority has built a reputation for its green credentials, and invested £59m in two solar wind farm projects in Yorkshire in 2018 in a bid to cut energy costs and relieve fuel poverty. It is understood the solar farms will in the long term supply the electricity for Together’s customers, with the council also intending to sell energy to the open market to generate revenue. Between them the two solar farms are expected to generate 60MW (megawatts) of renewable electricity.
Councillor Russ Bowden, leader of Warrington Borough Council said: “Offering local young people who might not find a job easily in the job market was one of the reasons for our investment. We are delighted that the new Warrington office will provide this opportunity.”
The investment from the Warrington council came after Mr Richards had revealed in June he had been holding talks with investors to raise around £15m.
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