Crisp Farm Holds Renewables Open Day
2012-10-08

Manners Farms Ltd of Coniscliffe Grange, has taken the crunch decision to cut its energy costs by installing a 55kW wind turbine and is holding an Open Day at Coniscliffe Grange, Darlington on Thursday 18 October to share the experience with other landowners and farmers.

Coniscliffe Grange wind turbine

Mr Michael Manners, who produces potatoes for Walkers Crisps, worked with George F White’s renewables team on the project and the turbine is expected to cut the Manor Farm’s energy bills significantly. The Manners family are pleased to welcome all interested parties on the day.

As part of his contract with Walkers, Mr Manners agreed to look at ways of cutting his farm’s carbon footprint and came up with the idea of putting up a wind turbine after looking at a number of options.

‘George F White advised me to look at wind for a number of reasons.’ said Mr Manners: ‘The turbine will give us lots of “green’ electricity” for the farm business and tariff payments represent a good investment in the long term. But my main concern is to work alongside Walkers to make sure I have a sustainable business for the future. I employ a number of local people and don’t want to be vulnerable to rising energy costs.’

Mr Manners’ turbine has been operating since August 2012: ‘I’m very pleased that I took this step’, he said: ‘It’s always a risk when you take on a big project like this but I am delighted with the turbine. It produces more than enough electricity for the farm and is going to give us a good alternative source of income for the next 20 years.’

George F White, working with the turbine suppliers, Earthmill Energy and funders, Yorkshire Bank, have arranged an Open Day at Mr Manners’ farm, Coniscliffe Grange, Darlington on Thursday, 18th October form 10am to 3pm. Refreshments will be available throughout the day and all interested parties are welcome to come along.

Renewable Energy is a hot topic for many landowners throughout the UK, predominantly driven by the attractive tariffs offered to invest in such schemes. In addition, pressure is being applied on all businesses to contribute to the reduction in greenhouse gases. gfw Renewables was set up to service this growing market.

Louis Fell, Partner at George F White says: ‘A lot of our clients are getting more interested in renewables as a source of reducing costs and diversification and this wind project was one such. It’s really important to look at all the options and we try to make it as smooth a process as possible, ending up with the best system for our clients. Like most projects, we help clients with feasibility (avoiding the elephant traps), planning control, funding, turbine selection and suppliers, and ensuring a successful project from start to finish. Our business is about maximising value to all our clients living, working and investing in the rural economy. With the roots of our business firmly planted in the agricultural sector we are well placed to offer a comprehensive service to the residential, commercial, leisure and renewable energy sectors, all within the rural economy.’

For further information on the Open Day please contact Victoria Lancaster at George F White on 01665 511988.

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