A FAST growing bio energy company has established a new depot at Forcett, near Scotch Corner, to supply wood fuel to customers across the region.

VerdEnergy, based near Harrogate, was set up in 2015 with the mission to become the north’s pre-eminent supplier of wood pellets – and since then turnover has trebled.

The latest expansion has been supported by a grant of £200,000 from NPIF–Mercia Debt Finance, which is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

Together with the new supply outlet, two more specialised delivery trucks have also been added to the company’s fleet.

Mark Duncan, VerdEnergy’s managing director, said: “Woodfuel is the world’s oldest renewable resource and allied to modern processing techniques and boiler technology it is experiencing a new dawn.”

Once a niche sector now hundreds of homes, farms, schools, offices, leisure centre and hotels across the region are heated with wood pellets. Using woodfuel is a virtuous circle. Harvesting timber means woods can be more actively managed which is good for wildlife. Jobs are created in the processing industry and greenhouse gases reduced compared to fossil fuels.

Mr Duncan added: “During last winter’s bad weather we used all our local knowledge to cope and ensure fuel supplies got through. It also means that as a general rule we can guarantee that new orders will be fulfilled within 48 hours which provides users with the confidence they need.”

The UK woodfuel market has consolidated into a few national players, but VerdEnergy is bucking the trend and proving that customers prefer to deal with a local, family-owned business.