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Deal for Ecopod inventor
Carillion to push heating system that cuts CO²
AN INVENTOR of a heating system that reduces carbon emissions and energy costs has struck a deal with Carillion Energy Services. Ecopod was the brainchild of Keith Rimmer, managing director of Warrington-based building and maintenance company, the Belfry Group. The roof-based system uses a combination of renewable technologies in a self contained system retro-fitted to existing and new buildings. Clients already using Ecopod include local authorities, housing associations, trusts, commercial and industrial property owners and schools. Under the deal, Carillion Energy Services, part of construction giant Carillion, will have the exclusive right to market, sell and, in conjunction with Belfry Group, install the Ecopod. The newly-formed company will trade under the name EcoPod Heating Systems. The deal sees Brian Kerr, director and shareholder of Belfry Group, retire from the business. Mr Rimmer said: “Following discussions with various third parties, we determined that Carillion Energy Services shared our vision for the future of Ecopod and are excited at the prospect of driving it to the forefront of the renewable energy market.” Lawyers Ruth Jones and Simon Lewis, from Liverpool law firm, Brabners Chaffe Street, were advisors to Belfry on the deal. Ms Jones said: “The innovative Ecopod has been causing quite a stir in the renewables sector. “This deal recognises Keith Rimmer’s commitment to creating an ingenious green technology product affording him a distinct advantage in a competitive marketplace. “This investment will allow the business to expand upon its sound business model and continue the growth of its market share within the UK and internationally.” Accountant John Beaumont, of Beaumont Associates, also advised Belfry Group on the licence agreement.
Ecopod inventor Keith Rimmer, front, at a housing development in Manchester where it has been installed
Wirral Council urges businesses to get on their bikes BUSINESSES in east Wirral are being urged to take advantage of a workplace improvement grant that can help towards the cost of installing cycle parking, clothes lockers and showers for staff. The grant is designed to make it easier for people to cycle to work so that they can improve their quality of
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life and their bank balance, as well as providing business with the benefits of a healthier workforce. The grant, which can be up to £2,500 for each business, is part of a successful bid by Wirral Council as part of the Merseyside Transport Partnership for funding from The Department of
Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund to promote sustainable transport and stimulate economic growth in Wirral. The fund is available to businesses within east Wirral to help them improve how their employees travel to work and travel during the working day on business.
Cllr Dave Mitchell, cabinet member for streetscene and transport services at Wirral Council, said: “Providing sustainable travel options for employees and customers makes good business sense. “This grant can also be used to remove barriers to growth.”
Cllr Dave Mitchell – says providing travel options makes sense for firms