Member Article

Yorkshire festive focus: David Elcombe, TRG Wind

As Christmas is only weeks away, and the businesspeople of Yorkshire are preparing to hang up their stockings, Bdaily is catching up with the region’s business leaders to reflect on the highlights of 2016 and how they plan on spending the holiday period.

For the series’ next instalment, we are speaking with David Elcombe, managing director of Hull-based TRG Wind.

What were the three biggest highlights for your business in 2016?

Opening our Hull service centre, which puts us at the heart of the growing Yorkshire renewables sector.

Growing the business to the point where we expect to increase our 2015 turnover of £1.5 million by 150 per cent or even more.

Becoming the number one supplier of installation supervisory services to one of the world’s biggest wind turbine manufacturers.

What are your business’ goals going into 2017?

Continuing growth. Based on current order books we will at least double in size during 2017. Creating more jobs. Recruiting experienced technicians and investing heavily in training to build the region’s biggest pool of wind turbine technicians.

Anything you/your business would have done differently over the past year?

We operate in 16 countries, most of them across Europe, and we would have prepared more for Brexit. In common with many other people we were surprised by the outcome. Unlike many other people we’re ready now!

Why do you think Yorkshire is a great place to do business?

The Dogger Bank wind zone, which will make Hull the wind capital of the UK. Also the fantastic resource of hard-working people and the terrific support that we get from Hull City Council and Green Port Hull. It’s unlike anything we have experienced anywhere else.

Any other company/companies in the region stand out for you?

Obviously Siemens. It’s fantastic to see everything they’re doing in Hull, investing in jobs and the community.

What does Yorkshire want to see happen in the future/next year?

From the places I go to and the people I speak to I think Yorkshire wants to develop more Yorkshire people and more Yorkshire businesses rather than just see companies move personnel from elsewhere.

What individual goals did you achieve personally/professionally in 2016?

Achieving such a high level of growth for the business without compromising quality. We are a young company and we have earned a good name in the industry. We’re on the radar now.

How to you unwind after a stressful day at work?

I do a bit of gym but not that much. I am into eastern philosophies and if I can find 15 minutes a day to meditate it helps to clear my head and makes everything in my life so much easier. That and a good single malt.

What would be the perfect Christmas gift for you?

More supportive policies from Theresa May for renewable energy so we can ditch fossil fuels and leave a better planet for our children.

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