We had the very great pleasure of being invited to the tenth anniversary of the British Renewable Energy Awards on Thursday, by our client BELECTRIC UK who were up for three awards.
This prestigious event, held at The Savoy Hotel, London, celebrates excellence in the fast growing UK renewables industry, and shines a light on the individuals, teams and companies who work so hard to make a significant difference to the industry and our planet’s future. Made especially difficult in a year where both politics and policy were uncertain leading up to the General Election.
In sophisticated surroundings, over a delicious three course dinner, the excitement was palpable as team BELECTRIC UK perched on our seat edges awaiting the results. The competition was no push over, and winner after winner graced the stage to receive their coveted award.
BELECTRIC were short-listed for three awards. The Financial Product Award however was of particular interest to us on the Voyage team as we have worked hard alongside BELECTRIC to help them market and deliver a financial product that accelerates the deployment of renewables in the UK. One by one the nominees were announced, and the Highly Commended place went to Trillion Fund, the UK's biggest social crowdfunding platform. All breath on our table stilled as the host for the evening, comedian Jim McAuley, announced BELECTRIC UK - winner of the The Financial Product Award!
Our whole table erupted with excitable whoops and cheers, hugs and congratulatory handshaking, before Toddington Harper (CEO), Duncan Bott (MD) and Frank Bechmann (Chairman) made their way on stage to receive this coveted trophy.
The reason for their win is Big60Million. A community benefit energy company created by BELECTRIC UK that offers local people in the communities around their solar farms the chance to engage and benefit from solar in three ways. Firstly financially as it give local residents the first opportunity to invest in Big60Million Solar Bonds - Europe’s first accredited Climate Bond Scheme – in a way that is accessible financially with an attractive rate of return. Secondly environmentally, as each solar farm has a unique and enhanced habitat for endangered farmland wildlife from hedgehogs to pollinating insects. Thirdly social, as solar farms are an experiential platform that engages local schools and community groups raising their awareness of biodiversity issues and sustainable values.
Having just closed three of their latest Bond offers, offering 7% interest over 5 years, Big60Million has big plans for the future of solar in the UK, and we at Voyage are so proud to be a part of it.
We’ve supported the team at BELECTRIC UK across different media including marketing strategy, messaging, creative delivery of brochures, press advertising, supporting collateral digital websites and much more. We are excited about the future and working with people who are committed to growing the renewable energy economy and ensuring the UK’s energy destiny is moving into the hands of the people and their communities it affects most.
We raise a glass and salute you and believe this will be the first of many more awards for Big60Million & BELECTRIC UK.