Four specialist companies that deliver services to the offshore wind industry have set up bases at Lowestoft to be part of its rising profile in the UK’s clean energy landscape.
AEP Global, Skanwear, Clean Power and Vectur Energy Services have joined some of the sector’s most high-profile names at renewables hub OrbisEnergy.
The four-storey building at Britain’s most easterly point has a a prime site overlooking the North Sea where a pipeline of new windfarms will be built, joining the hundreds of offshore turbines already generating clean energy for the UK.
James Baker, director at AEP Global, said setting up an office at the 3,300sqm building was a logical move to network across the renewable energy industry.
“OrbisEnergy houses all the major renewable players, so for us – it was a must.”
The company, that provides specialist contractors to the offshore energy and nuclear industries, is part of the supply chain for Sizewell, so Lowestoft’s proximity was key.
“All our four directors previously worked offshore as commissioning and operations managers, so we are not your usual labour agency. Our on-hand experience means we understand business needs.”
Chris Reeder, global account manager for wind for SKANWEAR®, suppliers of specialist arc and flame protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE), said it had chosen OrbisEnergy for an east of England base for its close connections to the wind industry and the networking opportunities, conferences, and facilities the hub offered.
“The pull to become office based was to set up a mini showroom and somewhere we can hold stock locally, so if customers need items they can come and get it, or we can make same day deliveries.”
“Our headquarters are in Doncaster, and we have further offices across Europe, USA and Australia and now Lowestoft. We deliver to 85 countries and 76% of our deliveries are either to a home address or site location, as opposed to a central office.”
For new start-ups like Clean Power Lab, which launched in May, a virtual tenancy offers a cost-effective launch pad, said founder Mike Watson.
“I found the virtual office package really appealing.”
The company analyses how to reduce renewables waste and use electricity at its greenest with multiple renewable sources such as wind and solar.
“Choosing when you use power can make things greener and cut carbon emissions. We are building technology to do that for businesses to use and OrbisEnergy fits in with what we are trying to achieve. “
Vectur Energy Services, set up two years ago to provide well integrity surveys for offshore late life and decommissioning projects, is developing camera technology for wells and pipelines to detect fugitive gases, has opted for a virtual tenancy, using OrbisEnergy for meetings and training.
Suzanne Allen, senior administrator, said: “From an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) perspective, we are reducing our emissions by not having an office space. OrbisEnergy is great for networking. It’s also real conversation starter.
“We’re a very 21st century company, all working in different places. The staff at OrbisEnergy are fantastic, they really understand our needs for the energy sector.
“Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth are massive areas for this sector so having a virtual base here is so useful. It’s also very cost-effective for a new company.
Ian Pease, OrbisEnergy business development manager, said there had been a rise in virtual tenancies since Covid.
“Our permanent office spaces are always sought after, but we’re finding our virtual tenancies are becoming increasingly popular with smaller companies looking to network with industry leaders.”
“We’ve been offering virtual tenancies since OrbisEnergy opened in 2008. We have several local virtual tenants, as well as companies from all over the world, including Denmark and Germany.”
Businesses were attracted by the close contact tenancy gave them to tenants like ScottishPower Renewables, SSE Renewables and 4C Offshore.
“OrbisEnergy has become a hub for clean energy in the East of England, a real asset to the town. As well as our office-based residents we’ve had a big uptake in virtual tenancies – which enable both large and small companies to have a presence in the region.
“It gives them a footprint, an address, a telephone reception service and more importantly when they are visiting the region on business, they can use the facilities for clients.
“2022 has been a strong year in terms of new tenancy, both office-based and virtual. Our latest tenants are a real boost for the area and the rising profile in the national energy landscape.”
OrbisEnergy is owned by Suffolk County Council and managed by Ipswich-based Vertas Group Limited, an award-winning facilities management company that prides itself on its people-centric culture and servicing clients, from schools and police forces to leisure and forestry sites, in a safe environmentally friendly way.
OrbisEnergy supports tenants to develop business opportunities and generate work, projects, and contacts in wind, tidal and wave renewable energy.
Services include flexible tenancies, networking and business support, access to finance and investment and conference facilities.
Photograph: CHPV Offshore Film and Photography
Four specialist companies that deliver services to the offshore wind industry have set up bases at Lowestoft’s iconic OrbisEnergy to be part of its rising profile in the UK’s clean energy landscape.
