ENERGY
Green credentials – Anelec managing director Andrew Porritt .
WORDS : LIZ ATKIN PICTURE : TOM BANKS
Energy firm ’ s winning fusion of new technology and traditional values
GREEN CHAMPIONS
When you first meet Andrew Porritt , managing director of Anelec , you get a real sense of why his business is thriving . As a leading electrical contractor based in Stokesley , Andrew and his team are a force for good …
Q . From one electrician to Anelec the company , what ’ s behind your success ? A . My team . I have high standards when it comes to who represents Anelec . They ’ re all great and I feel lucky to have them . I know that when they ’ re on a job , they give all our customers the same level of respect and service , whether a big company or the lady down the road .
Q . It must be exciting for Anelec to be part of the region ’ s green agenda ? A . Definitely ! I ’ m really proud our area is booming . The renewables industry is attracting investment and everyone ’ s becoming more connected to it . We ’ ve just exhibited at a process industry event , letting big companies know that we don ’ t just fit solar panels on houses . They were keen to learn about our industrial and commercial capabilities . Green energy is also a personal passion of mine with my farming background and since having my own family , I think more about everyone ’ s future .
Q . If a business or individual wants to save on energy costs , what would you advise ? A . Giving good honest advice is why I get a lot of business . Assessing how businesses use their energy and calculating the most cost-effective solution is what I love to do . Solar PV is one of the easiest , most affordable ways of reducing energy costs and carbon footprint but all businesses differ . I also take commercial clients to some of our projects to see the quality of our workmanship and what the final outcome might look like for their project .
Q . What type of businesses are showing the most interest in renewables ? A . Manufacturing and fabricating . Being energy intensive , it makes commercial sense . Plus , they need to be seen to do it in tenders to show sustainability . They may as well invest in a product rather than pay double on energy bills , for example .
Q . What quantifiable outcomes can your customers expect ? A . It ’ s different for everyone but the result is always cost savings ! We assess when and how much energy they ’ re using , what they ’ re paying per kW , then calculate exactly what type and size of system and battery storage they need . We ’ ve just saved a customer £ 8K with a better option . We don ’ t sell people what isn ’ t needed .
Q . It sounds like Anelec offers great customer service ? A . Absolutely . There are times when people have been let down and we ’ ve been able to step in and take over a job . It ’ s the right thing to do and we ’ ve been rewarded with happy , long-term relationships .
For Anelec ’ s full range of services , visit anelec . org .
Q . Is there an unusual project location that stands out ? A . There are so many . One was a project in Easby . The sun was shining all day with stunning views of Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook ’ s Monument . The lads loved it .
Q . Tell us about some of the personalities that make up the Anelec team . A . Well , there ’ s Josh and Sam , who don ’ t particularly like heights ! Luckily , they really love their jobs so they just get on with it . And there ’ s Gill , our accounts manager . She ’ s great fun . We think it ’ s the three sugars she takes in her tea that powers her energy ! And don ’ t get me started on her trail of biscuit crumbs .
Q . So what ’ s on the horizon for Anelec in 2023 and beyond ? A . We ’ ll be helping businesses with flexible container battery storage to maximise their energy rather than costly importing from the grid , and we have some off-grid hybrid power generation projects planned . We ’ ll need more people , so our team of 10 will grow . It ’ s been a fantastic year working with some great people . As long as we ’ re working , balancing our lives and doing a great job for customers , I ’ m happy .
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