RED Engineering
RED Engineering, a trailblazer in engineering innovation, has marked a significant stride in both its capabilities and environmental efficiency with the construction of a Technology Centre at their Hexham base. The new 750 sqm facility, adjacent to their headquarters, boasts a 10-tonne lifting capacity overhead crane and specialist test rigs to allow the efficient assembly and testing of innovative equipment. The £1.3 million investment is part of RED Engineering’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions across diverse technologies to Client’s operating in hazardous environments. This was supported with a £136,504 grant from the North of Tyne Rural Business Growth Service towards the build.
The construction of the new building mandated compliance with the Park L building code (Conservation of fuel and power), requiring a minimum of 6 kW of solar power to offset electrical heating. However, RED Engineering, led by Managing Director Joe Orrell, seized the opportunity to surpass the regulatory requirements with help from BEST. Joe Orrell emphasised the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and fostering a sustainable energy strategy.
“We were already making a significant investment in the new site but wanted to take the opportunity to go beyond,” said Joe Orrell. “With the help of BEST (Business Energy Saving Team), we were able to see a viable way forward with a grant towards the solar PV element of the project.”
BEST, an energy support initiative for businesses in the North of Tyne area and Gateshead, was able to support the investment by providing a grant of £7,658 for the installation of solar PV. BEST is delivered by Newcastle City Council on behalf of the North of Tyne Combined Authority and Gateshead Councils, through UK Shared Prosperity Funding.
Mayor Jamie Driscoll said: “RED Engineering is a great example of the Green New Deal in action in the North East. They provide engineering solutions to companies that operate in high-risk environments, such as the offshore wind sector.
“My Combined Authority not only helped them build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hexham, but through our BEST programme we supported them to make sure the building was super sustainable. Our investments are boosting the North East economy and delivering good green jobs right across the region’’
RED Engineering had already conducted extensive research on solar requirements, and BEST further validated the investment, ensuring the project’s viability and facilitating Red Engineering’s commitment to sustainability.
Joe Orrell added, “BEST’s support goes beyond just compliance; it aligns with our broader sustainability strategy. The grant allowed us to create our own sustainable energy source and significantly reduce our environmental impact.”
The BEST initiative offers a comprehensive suite of commercial energy support, from basic advice on reducing energy consumption to detailed energy audits, reviews, and grants for implementing energy-efficient technologies.
For organisations seeking guidance on energy efficiency and accessing grants, visit www.best-ne.co.uk and complete the Apply Now section.
BEST is funded through The North of Tyne Combined Authority and Gateshead Council. The North of Tyne Combined Authority is a partnership of three local authorities:
Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, and Northumberland County
Council and the North of Tyne Elected Mayor.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling
Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.
The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK
investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and
skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukshared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
