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November 26th, 2008
Forest Fuels ltd wins Green Energy Award

North Devon wood fuel supply company, Forest Fuels, has scooped the Best Business Innovation Award at the South West Green Energy Awards 2008.

In just two years the company, which employs 12 people full time, has grown to become the foremost quality woodfuel supplier for the South West and has played a significant role in cementing the region’s reputation as the model for biomass development in the UK.

Sam Whatmore, Managing Director of Forest Fuels, based in Shebbear, explains how the company successfully identified a gap in the woodfuel market.

“Biomass technology is dependent on a reliable source of woodfuel and although there was a range of half a dozen biomass boiler installers in the South West, no single company was acting to provide fuel supply contracts throughout the region. Instead there were companies which were producing wood chip but only as a waste or by-product.

Forest Fuels was born from the realisation that there was a need to act entrepreneurially to deliver all the elements of a dedicated energy supply company by providing long term, reliable, quality, professional contracts.”

Forest Fuels now has six depots in the region enabling it to provide a reliable fuel supply and delivery service and is forecast to supply 5,000 tonnes of fuel to the region this year, thereby instilling total confidence in this renewable energy supply.

Forest Fuels has also pioneered the development and engineering solution for a highly flexible mobile chipping service based on a hookloader lorry which means wood chipping can be done anywhere in the South West and then delivered immediately. In addition to long-term contracts it also provides a fuel conversion service for owners of woodlands and consultancy advice covering all aspects relating to the fuel.

“The feedback we are getting is that similar entrepreneurial fuel supply companies nationwide and regional development agencies see the South West model as one to be emulated,” says Sam Whatmore. “Forest Fuels has successfully instilled confidence in biomass in the region through our expertise and reliability of supply. Without the presence of the company it is probable that many of the projects would not have gone ahead. It is a fantastic endorsement of what we are doing to receive this award and we are delighted to be acknowledged as a beacon for woodfuel supply good practice.”

Forest Fuels currently supplies woodchip to many businesses, organisations and domestic customers including the Eden Project, Paignton Zoo, Bristol City Council and Guys Marsh Prison. Devon County Hall will be joining the extensive roster of clients in the New Year.

This has been a particularly good week for the Forest Fuels team. On Friday 21st November they also won the annual Merton village quiz in aid of the local toddler group. With the accounts department providing most of the critical points.