Member Article

New biomass venture makes immediate impact

A recently formed biomass joint-venture is gearing up for a period of rapid growth in its first year after showcasing its products at a major event in the region.

Earlier this year, low carbon heating business Natural Warmth joined forces with Ed Milbank – owner of Barningham Estate, near Barnard Castle in Teesdale – to create a new biomass business on Mr Milbank’s estate.

The business was set up to tap into the soaring demand for sustainable woodfuel caused by rising energy costs and the opportunities presented by renewable heat subsidies.

The company installs biomass boilers which enable property owners to half fuel costs, with several customers – including its latest domestic clients in Thirsk and Hartlepool – already reaping the benefits of the low carbon technology.

The group is now hopeful of spreading its reach across the region following a well attended open day which enabled potential customers and clients to tour the Barningham Estate’s working biomass system.

Among the many visitors in attendance were architects, farmers, owners of large historic houses and people generally looking for a more cost effective way of heating their property.

Also a great success was the trial of a wood chip vehicle which enables Natural Warmth to deliver 10 tonnes in one single load. This will enable Natural Warmth to deliver fuel to clients throughout the whole of the North East.

Stephen Heslop, managing director of Natural Warmth, said: “We’re delighted with the response from attendees at our open day and look forward to what promises to be a busy year ahead as more and more people switch on to the obvious benefits of biomass.”

While the biomass boilers on offer can reduce fuel costs by 50%, they are also fitted with digital technology which alerts Natural Warmth via email or text in the event of a change in performance. The company can then correct it, often before its owner has even realised there is an issue in the first place.

A webcam is also installed in the hopper, meaning that Natural Warmth can monitor wood chip levels and arrange a timely delivery of more fuel when required.

Meanwhile, to facilitate its anticipated growth, Natural Warmth has expanded its workforce with the addition of specialist biomass installers James Gibson and Wayne Glover to the team.

The company has also teamed up with several mechanical and electrical consultancies in the North East, as it looks to grow its presence through third party partners.

Recent years have seen Natural Warmth evolve from supplying conventional heating systems through to renewables and now biomass. Supplying wood fuel came as a natural progression once the company added biomass boilers to its product range.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Harvey and Hugo .