Source Energy

With escalating fuel costs and diminishing resources, ground and air source heat pumps are able to provide cost effective alternative systems with low maintenance, and are one of the fastest growing applications of renewable and sustainable energy in the world.

Grampound Road based Source Energy, is one company that understands this, and is capitalising on the phenomenon. Having initially being based in Roche, the company was sold to a Sheffield based business, only to be relocated to the St Austell area in 2009.

After a few early difficulties finding suitable premises and the right employees, the company was able to secure a great office and warehouse in Grampound Road as well as recruit staff from the region with relevant experience in the environmental sector. Today their technical engineers collectively have over 80 years experience in the plumbing and heating industry, 10 of those being dedicated to heat pump technology. Complementing these employees are two current Unlocking Cornish Potential graduates, one of whom was recently awarded with runner-up in the Project Manager of the Year category.

When we asked marketing manager Alison Hodges what the company’s biggest current challenge is, she responded, “Growing a small business in a tough economic climate”, and the biggest success? “Growing a small business in a tough economic climate!”

While this success may be partly due to the rise in renewable heat, and government incentives to make the switch, Source Energy believes the main driver of the success of the business is based on the fact that they meet clients and do business with them face to face. Heat Pumps are a large capital investment and the property needs to be accurately qualified as suitable for such a project before embarking upon installation – and this is done by their Area Sales Managers and Engineers to ensure complete success and peace of mind for their customers.

Along with this customer commitment, Source Energy remains committed to its staff. Employees have been able to access local business support through Oxford Innovation’s Growthmapping programme, and training through Resolve’s Environmental Skills Network.

With all the success in-house and in the field, we asked Alison what is the best thing about doing business in Cornwall? She explained that, “business is still done in a personal way in Cornwall and the County has a high awareness of environmental issues and is receptive to our sector. Nice place & nice people to do business with!”