A North East biomass energy specialist has made a key appointment to its business and, in the process, established a satellite office in the Midlands as it continues to realise ambitious plans for growth.
Experienced wood energy specialist Ewan Bent has joined Alnwick-based re:heat as principal consultant to enhance and strengthen the business’ comprehensive portfolio of services, supporting client demand for green heating and leading work to drive up industry standards in this still-evolving field.
Ewan brings over twenty years’ experience in renewable and wood energy to his new role. He boasts an impressive CV of relevant achievements, including establishing one of the first wood fuel supply companies in the UK; Midlands Wood Fuel. Founded in 2004, the business quickly became an exemplar and one of the best respected in its field.
After retiring from Midlands Wood Fuel Ewan worked as a freelance consultant for the industry, supporting a range of organisations and businesses at all stages of the renewable energy cycle, from forestry to wood fuel businesses and end users including public housing providers. Most recently, as part time Commercial Director of Afterwood Ltd, he secured significant new business and Woodsure accreditation for the firm.
Ewan approached re:heat about potential opportunities as he was keen to work with them based on his knowledge of the company:
“I wanted to join re:heat as they have an excellent reputation for the technical competency and quality of their work. They also have a varied portfolio of projects which was of great interest to me, with a variety of schemes.
“I was attracted by the intellectual challenges of involvement in all these different areas and am looking forward to meeting these as part of such a well-respected company.”
Ewan’s appointment marks yet another milestone for re:heat which last year established a Scotland office through the addition of principal consultant Steve Luker. Working with Ewan gives them a further base and ready coverage across the country, although the team are not restricted to the UK and regularly travel further afield for various aspects of their work, from Ireland to the former Soviet Republic of Georgia.
re:heat was founded in 2011 by Neil Harrison and Ben Tansey to assist businesses of all sizes convert from fossil fuels to sustainable, low carbon wood fuel heating systems. The firm’s team of experts help clients at each and every stage of the process; buying a boiler, designing systems, fuel supply logistics and material handling, fault-finding and problem resolution, and specialist training.
Director Ben Tansey said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ewan to the business and are really looking forward to working with him.
“Ewan has a wealth of experience in the renewable energy sector and is highly respected for his skill and knowledge in this area, particularly where wood energy is concerned.
“He brings with him multiple contacts in the field from his many years of involvement with various projects and a unique understanding of the opportunities and difficulties facing biomass energy at this time.
“Ewan will operate our Shropshire office which provides re:heat with a physical presence in the Midlands for the first time. Ewan’s excellent reputation makes him the ideal person to head up this new office as we continue to grow our business in the region.”