It’s only three months since Peterlee-based Clear Climate featured on the cover of EDB issue 8. But in that short space of time, so many positive things have happened that we knew we had to catch up with them again to find out more.
East Durham Business editor Leanne Fawcett chats to members of the Clear Climate team who explain what’s been going on…
There’s no doubt it’s all hands on deck for the team at Peterlee-based Clear Climate. The renewable energy specialist is in high demand, having won several high profile contracts for both the commercial and residential property market.
And as the Race to Zero drive gathers even more momentum, there’s only one way things are going to go for the business. Co-founder and director Andy Smith said: “Things are absolutely crazy busy at the minute, but in a good way. “We’re seeing an increased demand for all of our services, as many property developers, local authorities and businesses look at their energy consumption and, where they can, make changes which will not only save them money but also reduce their carbon footprint, which is a big thing for everyone.
“There’s no getting away from the fact energy costs are going through the roof but a few small changes can make a huge difference so it’s’ no wonder we’re all thinking about what we can do.”
Clear Climate recently secured a lucrative contract to supply and install air conditioning systems at the £100m Bank House development in Newcastle city centre. The contract is one of several that the company has secured this year, which has helped them smash their turnover target of £5m by the end of 2022.
Many of Clear Climate’s most experienced engineers are involved in the project, which will see 26 systems consisting of 300 units installed throughout the Grade II listed building, which is being converted into luxury office space.
Lee Peachey, who co-founded the company with Andy in 2017, said: “This contract win to supply, install and commission the air conditioning systems for the Bank House development is huge for us. “Our business was founded as an air conditioning company, and while in recent months the focus has been on the growth of the renewables sector and air source heat pump installations, this contract demonstrates our strength within this area.
“Bank House is the biggest commercial development project on the go in our region so to be playing a part in it is fantastic and really highlights how far we’ve come as a business in a relatively short space of time.” Clear Climate, which now employs over 10 office staff and 50 engineers, is also delivering a number of projects for Durham County Council. Recently the company was commissioned to install solar PV panels at a number of properties at Chilton, and already the results are impressive, with some residents seeing a sharp decline in their energy bills. Clear Climate also won a contract at Low Carrs Residential Park near Aykley Heads in Durham.
This project involved the fitting of external wall insulation and fresh rendering, which has not only made the properties more energy efficient but also transformed the way they look. Through the final months of 2022, Andy and Lee are confident they’ll be successful in securing several more six figure contracts which will support their bid to become a £10m turnover company by 2025. Lee added: “It’s such an exciting time for the business.
In the five years since we launched, we’ve grown rapidly, far quicker than Andy and I could have imagined, and what’s encouraging for us is that our growth is across all areas of the business. “The focus recently has been on air source heat pumps, because of the Government’s pledge to replace all traditional boiler systems and eventually ban them, but that’s just one element of what we do. “So, winning contracts like the Bank House development and those with Durham County Council are massive for us as it shows our strengths within our other core areas of business.
“If we’re to achieve our aim of becoming a £10m turnover company, growth across the board is crucial.” Clear Climate works with businesses and organisations including Bellway Homes, Tolent, Darlington Borough Council and Barker and Stonehouse.