Here at Shawton Energy, we’re proud to be leading the charge in commercial solar solutions.
Collectively, our team has over 100 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, having worked on a range of large-scale solar installations for industries such as education, warehousing, manufacturing, hospitality, retail, and farming.
Each of our solar specialists is passionate about the environment and about helping our clients to decarbonise their operations – reducing their carbon footprint, saving on energy costs, and futureproofing their business.
In this blog series, we speak to the people behind the panels, getting to know more about their industry experience, and their hopes for the sector.
Next up, we have Nick Elson our Senior Contracts Manager.
- Describe your role and what a typical working day looks like for you:
As Senior Contracts Manager, my time is split evenly between networking and managing customers’ accounts.
It’s one of my key responsibilities to talk to potential clients and establish their wants and needs. This then ensures that we’re able provide the best solar energy solution for their business.
My role means that I’m involved with clients along the entirety of their commercial solar journey. As part of our end-to-end service, I also work closely with our clients on their internal comms – helping to communicate to stakeholders about the importance of solar energy and the positive impact it can have on their business.
My days vary hugely, some days I’m sat at my desk and others I’m out and about on the road. That’s one of the things I love about it.
- How long have you worked in the solar energy field and what drew you to it?
I’ve been at Shawton Energy for over two years, and I’ve loved every minute of it.
Having amassed years of sales experience across a range of sectors, including bathrooms and agriculture, it was my brother-in-law, Jamie – the CEO of Shawton Energy – who inspired me to join the solar industry.
Seeing his passion for the industry and the family values he has instilled in the Shawton Energy business, it was a no-brainer for me to join the team.
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the client interaction. I am, and always have been, a people-person, so being able to build strong relationships with inspiring and influential people across the country is great.
The number one highlight of my job is helping businesses to not only start their solar journey, but also become energy independent and more sustainable, while also reducing their business costs – it’s incredibly rewarding.
- Sum up the culture at Shawton Energy in three words:
Driven, unique, and fun.
- What has been one of your favourite projects to date and why?
My favourite project I’ve worked on is actually a very recent one.
I replied to a social media post a few months ago from the owner of a large chain of health clubs, discussing its energy costs and the challenges they brought. In my reply, I highlighted the strengths of our offering at Shawton Energy, and from that first interaction, we have established a multi-site project, with eight solar installations, and a view to installing many more.
I’ve been managing this account from the very beginning, and it’s been a real source of pride for me – seeing such a fantastic project emerge from a social media interaction. Since day dot, we’ve built a strong relationship with our client, and I can’t wait to see the project continue to grow and deliver significant environmental and financial results.
The project – and client – is set to be announced very soon.
- What piece of advice would you give to businesses looking to explore commercial solar solutions?
Be proactive, not reactive.
Over the next few years, the pressure on businesses to decarbonise will only increase as we get ever closer to the UK Government’s target of net zero by 2050.
These pressures will be put on businesses of various shapes and sizes, at different points of the supply chain, and with vastly differing budgets. Therefore, it’s important businesses get ahead now – taking advantage of the benefits – both financial and environmental – solar can offer.
- What is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK’s solar industry and how can this be overcome?
One of the biggest challenges is the misconception that businesses must have the capital expenditure to be able to invest in solar infrastructure.
This isn’t true. There are fully funded PPA options out there that enable businesses to access high-quality green, renewable energy, without impacting cash flow.
- Investing in commercial solar panels is a big decision – why do you think clients choose Shawton Energy?
It’s a huge decision, but make sure you work closely with a strong, technical business that prioritises turning your needs and objectives into realistic projects that deliver exactly what you need.
Shawton Energy provides this service for clients – looking after the whole process, from initial consultation and design, through to gaining all the necessary agreements and installing the system safely – all with minimum disruption to your business.
I think many businesses partner with as, as unlike many other solar companies, our care and attention continues after the sale.
We look after clients’ installations through a Monitoring, Operational and Management process for the entire life of the system, and we’re always on hand to support our clients – at any stage of their solar journey.
- Tell us a fun fact about yourself that other people may not know:
I once did a skydive in New Zealand!
- Finally, what are your hopes for the sector over the next five years?
For all local businesses to feel that they have a reliable, trustworthy solar partner to help them on their renewable-energy journey.
Smaller businesses feel the pinch of insecure, fluctuating energy costs, so it’s vital for them to take control of their energy production and create a more predictable and reliable source of electricity.
Closer to home, we’re incredibly proud of where we’re from and to be leading the charge in solar energy. Over the next five years, we’re looking forward to helping even more local, and national, businesses to achieve their ESG goals. If you’d like to find out more about how solar energy can help your business to decarbonise and save money, get in touch with our team via email hello@shawtonenergy.co.uk or phone 01925 794 874.
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