An energy consultancy that monitors the performance of commercial solar systems has won a major contract from a US soft drinks brand.
Test Consulting has been commissioned to monitor solar installations at over 50 bottling plants throughout North America.
The company has raised £150,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to help it roll out the service, win further business in the UK and US and target the Spanish market.
Test Consulting was established in 2016 by John Swallow, who has over 30 years’ experience in electrical engineering and smart building integration. The Leeds-based company helps businesses to reduce energy use and carbon emissions and gain accreditations. It provides energy monitoring covering all fuel types for clients including brick manufacturer Ibstock, Thorn Lighting and Mid-Counties Cooperatives.
Test Consulting, which currently has a seven-strong team, expects to create three to four new jobs in the year ahead.
John Swallow, founder and CEO, said: “Solar power enables businesses to cut costs, reduce reliance on the grid and enhance their brand. However many fail to achieve the full benefits and in some cases, cannot claim carbon credits because the installations do not perform as well as expected. Monitoring gives complete visibility and quickly reveals any panels that are underperforming.
“The US contract is a real accolade for us and demonstrates the value of our unique service. We now aim to make further inroads in the US market and target other countries such as Spain with high uptake of solar energy.”
Gary Whitaker of Mercia Debt added: “Test Consulting’s innovative service could help businesses worldwide to maximise their use of solar power and reduce their carbon emissions. We are pleased to support John and the team as they roll out the service internationally.”
Moustafa Elgendy from the Department for Business and Trade worked with the company to support its international expansion and provided fundraising advice.
