Member Article

Bradford energy equipment firm trebles turnover after help from Rising Stars

A Bradford business specialising in energy renewal equipment has trebled turnover thanks to support from a business growth programme.

Based in Little Germany, Hub Renewable Energy designs, supplies and installs solar panels and other renewable technologies to homes, businesses and farms across Yorkshire, and has recently won a £600,000 contract.

Entrepreneur Andrew Hields approached Rising Stars, a joint programme delivered by the Bradford Council and Bradford Chamber of Commerce, in January 2012 and with the help of business advisor Thomas Knight planned and then started trading later that year.

Rising Stars business services manager, Carolyn Coleman, said: “We have kept in contact with Andrew and taken an interest in how the business is progressing, so it’s not surprising that Andrew came back to us when he was ready to take on staff and needed to find training.

“It’s brilliant for Bradford that the business is now growing the workforce and expanding to bigger premises.”

Andrew, director of the firm, said: “The support from Rising Stars has been great and has aided our development from the outset.

“Our business adviser knew exactly how to get us started, which networking events we should be attending and what training our staff needed to undertake to help us expand the business.

“With their support we’ve now got the knowledge and skills to attract new business. We’ve just taken on a new employee and by the end of 2014 we plan to have doubled both our turnover and staff numbers.”

“Additional funds will also be invested into expanding our products and services to further provide to our clients demand. We will be employing specialists in each field to drive and develop the additional services.”

Rising Stars is part of Bradford Council’s enterprise programme and was set up to support and mentor entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses in the Bradford District, where experienced business advisers are on-hand to provide free, dedicated and personal advice.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council’s executive member for employment and skills, said: “I am delighted that by working with Rising Stars, Hub Renewable Energy has been able to develop as a business and is now winning big contracts. It’s great to see such an innovative and dynamic business succeeding in Bradford.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .