A hospitality supplies business has invested in a solar energy installation at its premises near Bristol, as it looks to push on with its post-pandemic recovery.
Yate Supplies, which provides a range of more than 10,000 items including cookware and cleaning products, has fitted 170 panels at its site on Stover Trading Estate in Yate, South Gloucestershire.
Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.
READ MORE: {}
The 40-year-old company said the system is expected to produce just under 60,000 kWh per year - equivalent to half of the energy used at its warehouses.
The firm said it had seen a 90% drop in turnover during Covid, when the hospitality industry was impacted by national lockdowns, but it had since recovered, with turnover sitting at more than £25m.
Commercial director Colin Massie said: “We’ve emerged stronger from the pandemic and are embarking on an ESG plan to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. “We think reducing our carbon footprint is the right, ethical thing to do.
“In addition, many of our customers – among them major high street brands in the hospitality industry – are looking for suppliers who can help them with their own sustainability responsibilities. So this installation is a clear statement of intent from us as we look to reduce our own emissions, as well as offering us a commercial and competitive benefit.”
The solar array was installed by Source Electrical, based in Worle in North Somerset, near Weston-super-Mare.
Ian Rogers, managing director of Source Electrical, said: “In the case of Yate Supplies, they have a south facing roof with no shading around, so it was perfect for the installation. And they work 24 hours a day so were keen to minimise their energy use as much as possible. They’ve been a pleasure to work with and of course we were pleased that they chose us to engage with.”