A RENEWABLE energy entrepreneur is exploring new markets following a company merger.

Helios Eco Solutions, which was set up by Gerard Harrison with help from Newcastle Science City two years ago, is now trading under the name Rosedale Utilities after a merger with the firm, based at Chilton Industrial Estate, County Durham.

The newly-formed firm has expanded into installing electric vehicle charging posts and solar photovoltaic panels at business premises as part of not-for-profit organisation Tadea’s EVPV project.

The scheme promotes the installation of solar panels at the same time as electric vehicle charging points in a bid to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

To date, Rosedale Utilities has completed EVPV installations at Wearside Golf Club in Sunderland, Mickleton Service Station, near Barnard Castle, and NETA training group, in Stockton.

The company became involved in the scheme through Newcastle Science City’s business support team.

Mr Harrison said: “Electric vehicles are the future of transport and thanks to the foresight and networks of the business support team at Newcastle Science City, we are now playing a part in this emerging market.

“We have now become part of the North-East Renewables Alliance, which has allowed us to join forces with other suppliers to tender for larger projects and we are really excited about developing the company in this direction.”