Our Sector

South west England has thriving renewable energy and energy efficiency industries collectively accounting for up to a quarter of all jobs and half of the estimated turnover in the region's environmental technologies sector.

The region is home to over 230 businesses and organisations working in renewable energy, employing up to 2,900 people and contributing up to £288 million to the economy.  The industry has seen employment levels increase by up to 158 per cent  in the region since 2005 as existing companies grow and new companies start-up.

The region's energy efficiency industry consists over 110 businesses in the region directly employing up to 4,300 people and contributing up to £606m to the regional economy. 

Over half of all these businesses expect to see very strong business growth over the next three years, with another third expecting to see gradual growth.  All this means that the south west is the perfect environment for a renewable energy or energy efficiency business.

Resources for growth

South West England boasts companies with expertise across all the main renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. 

With a strong base in renewable energy consultancy services, our region is home to Garrad Hassan and ESD, among others, supporting companies and projects throughout the UK and around the world as well as . We are also the base for a number of developers, including Npower Renewables and Ecotricity, and research-and-development-intensive companies.  Bristol alone is home to two leading tidal turbine device developers, reflecting our world-leading status in marine renewables.

Our energy efficiency industry has a strong manufacturing base in the region, including established companies such as Baldor and Anstee Ware, providing products and services to a global market.  It is also home to new companies such as Zenex and Fuelstretcher that are providing innovative products and services into this expanidng market place as well as designers using new technologies and processes to reduce energy use in all aspects of life.

Our innovative companies are supported by world class expertise, resources and graduates from 14 universities and outstanding research at organisations such as the Met Office and Plymouth Marine Laboratories.

Investment opportunities

The South West offers a strong investment climate for renewable energy and energy efficiency, being the UK base for Triodos Bank, and the Ernst and Young renewables team, and an extensive network of Business Angels and other investors. We are also fortunate to have one of the most highly qualified and productive workforces in the country.

To find out more about our industry, visit our on-line directory of South West renewable energy companies.