Opus Energy LTD

B2B energy supplier Opus Energy has announced its sponsorship support for Northampton-born female boxer Chantelle Cameron.Chantelle will join Daniel Keatings, gymnastics World silver medallist and European champion, in a line-up of sporting talent being supported by Opus Energy as it looks to develop potential of all types in the local community.

Independent energy supplier to UK businesses, Opus Energy, has announced the signing of three new hydro-powered renewable energy generation plants in Scotland. Steve James, Director - Corporate Solutions, Opus Energy, comments on the new signings: “The renewables division at Opus Energy continues to perform strongly as businesses realise that generating their own renewable power makes sound economic sense, particularly in today’s economic climate. We’re thrilled to be adding hydro-generation to our portfolio. “We’ve found that many businesses aren’t aware that, by generating renewable power and therefore putting a lower demand on the grid to supply them, they are also cutting down on rising industry charges.” The first of the new hydro agreements, signed in May 2013, covers two plants - totalling 57kW in size - based at Auchencheyne Farm in Scotland. The third agreement is for a 190kW plant at a Selcoth Farm in Dumfries & Galloway, which is a mixed sheep and aquaculture unit.  The scheme will come online June 2013. The plants generate enough power to supply 58 small and medium enterprises. The plants are Opus Energy’s first hydro-powered generators, and complement its existing portfolio of over 650 businesses that are generating renewable power from wind, solar and anaerobic digestion. Opus Energy supplies its customers with the excess renewable power bought from these generators. The popularity of wind and solar generation in Opus Energy’s renewables division is in line with a recent survey it conducted of more than 1,000 business owners. Overall, 86% of respondents said their businesses would consider generating renewable power using solar technology. Wind power was identified as another popular choice, with 27% of all respondents saying their businesses would consider it as a source for generating energy. Steve James concludes: “The survey results were really exciting in showing that businesses are switched on to the idea of generating renewable power. The Opus Energy renewables team supports companies looking to move into renewable generation, in order to help them meet their goals of self-sufficient energy supply and generating additional income. We look forward to using our market expertise to help more businesses in the future.”

Opus Energy has been shortlisted in the ‘Most effective recruitment and retention’ category at this year’s HR Excellence Awards, which is in its 18th consecutive year of honouring companies with an outstanding strategy for recruitment and employee development. 

To launch its partnership with Mencap, employees from B2B energy supplier Opus Energy set themselves a week’s worth of weird and wonderful fundraising activities from 8-12 April, resulting in a grand total of £6,797.08 being raised for the charity to help progress its work for people in the local area who have learning disabilities.Teams from across the business rolled up their sleeves and took each other on in challenges ranging from a Man vs. Food chilli soup war to an Ant and Dec talent show. An egg and spoon race and bake off also proved very popular. In total the staff raised £3,398.54 for the charity, a figure which Opus Energy will then match. The money will go towards supporting Opus Energy’s aim to raise £20,000 for charity over the next year.

Opus Energy is thrilled to announce that it will be supporting Mencap throughout 2013/14, and aims to raise £20,000 for the charity to progress the work that it does for people with a learning disability.Around 5,000 people in Northamptonshire have a learning disability – Mencap supports them so that they can lead independent lives. Over the next year, Opus Energy’s employees will take part in a host of fun and exciting events in order to raise £10,000 for the charity. Opus Energy will then match any funds raised.To continue its pledge to power the local community, Opus Energy will also be supporting Rainbow Hospice. The East Midlands-based hospice offers specialist respite, palliative and end of life care to children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

Opus Energy has topped Datamonitor’s 2012 B2B energy buyer Customer Satisfaction Survey, published on 13th March 2013.In the survey, 1,000 small and medium energy users were asked how satisfied they were with their energy supplier. Opus Energy has consistently risen up the league table to reach position 1 in 2012.Commenting on the results, Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy: “This result is due to our innovative and customer-focused approach, which has enabled us to offer a real alternative for b2b energy buyers.“We attribute this continued rise up the league table to the strong emphasis we have been placing on training and development, ensuring our staff always place the customer first. To combine our commitment to account handling with nurturing young talent in the local community, we announced ten new apprenticeships during this week’s National Apprenticeship Week.”In order to fill the ten new apprenticeship positions, Opus Energy is working closely with Northampton College to identify local, talented individuals looking to work in the energy sector.

Employees from Opus Energy raised £26,911.80 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which they presented to the Trust on Tuesday 12th March at Opus Energy’s Northampton office.Four Opus Energy employees who each undertook fundraising activities presented the cheque: Gary, who was one of five employees who completed a bike ride from London to Paris in the summer, raising £4,377; Andy, who took part in a football tournament in February, raising £385; and Chris and Simon from the band Sons Of The Helots, who brought rock ‘n’ roll to Northampton on 8th March at the Opus Rocks charity gig night, raising £828. All funds raised were doubled by Opus Energy.Gary said: "I encourage anyone that gets the opportunity to take part in the London to Paris Bike ride. Not only will you be raising money for a great cause, and riding with others that are doing the same, but the sense of achievement in cycling 300 miles is a wonderful feeling. Opus Energy was kind enough to give me that chance and I will be forever grateful that they did!"Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, comments: “We are always thrilled to see that our employees are up for a challenge in order to raise money for charity. Their phenomenal efforts over the last few years have raised a total of £46,945 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which the Trust uses towards helping the 75 children and adults in Northamptonshire who are affected by the disease.”Sue Piper, Senior Corporate Fundraising Manager, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, commented: “We are so grateful to Opus Energy and its staff team, who have put a lot of effort into fundraising and reached this fantastic sum. Support from companies like Opus Energy makes such a difference to people affected by cystic fibrosis. It allows us to push forward with our exciting research plans and drive up the standards of care for people living with the disease.”Charlie Crossley Cooke concludes: “This is a real benchmark for our collective fundraising efforts for the next year. We have decided to support two charities in 2013/14, and are currently running an office ballot to find a national charity and a smaller charity to support, based on nominations put forward by our employees.”Visit the Opus Energy Challenge website to find out about the opportunities that Opus Energy offers its employees to achieve personal challenges.

Opus Energy has announced it will be awarding ten new NVQ Apprenticeship positions to local people in 2013, five of whom will start working at the company during National Apprenticeship Week on 11th March. The announcement follows the successful launch of Opus Energy’s apprenticeship scheme last year, when 11 apprenticeship roles were awarded. In order to fill the ten new positions, Opus Energy is working closely with Northampton College to identify local, talented individuals looking to work in the energy sector.Annamarie Petsis Jones, Head of HR, Learning and Development at Opus Energy, comments: “The majority of the apprentices that we took on last year were young, unemployed local people. We have been bowled over by the success of the scheme – not only has Opus Energy made such a positive impact on the lives of the apprentices, but they have brought a lot to the company.”The ten apprenticeship roles announced today will be filled during two intakes scheduled for the year - five in March and a further five in September – and will be awarded across two key roles within Opus Energy:Apprentice Customer Service Administrator - Diploma in Business Administration (Level 2)Apprentice Customer Service Advisor - Diploma in Customer Service (Level 2)Each NVQ Diploma has been tailored to suit Opus Energy’s specific requirements, with starting salaries double those of usual apprenticeship rates. Opus Energy has also made a pledge to track the successful candidates’ development closely and offer them the opportunity to move on to an NVQ Level 3 upon completion of their apprenticeship. The progress of the 2012 apprentice intake is also being followed via a series of videos, which are available from Opus Energy’s YouTube channel.Simon Stewart, Head of Enterprise at Northampton College, added: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of starting and building a career in today’s world. We’re pleased that Opus Energy is a local employer who is seeing apprenticeships as a strategic method of developing their business over time.”In addition to the NVQ Apprenticeship Scheme, Opus Energy has recently introduced a Coaching and Mentoring Certificate to allow employees to share knowledge and provide guidance to less experienced staff members, including the new apprentices joining the company. Prospective mentors are nominated by their line managers and are required to complete training in modules such as ‘Inspiring Communication’ and ‘Coaching & Giving Feedback’. Upon completion of the programme, they will be certified by Opus Energy.Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, said: “The enthusiasm that the apprentices have delivered over the last year has been outstanding. Their dedicated mentors have got almost as much out of the scheme as the apprentices have done themselves. We encourage other companies to get involved and set up their own apprenticeship schemes.”

A headline act from the Northampton music festival, Whiteroom, has announced that it will be joining other bands from Northamptonshire at a charity gig night - Opus Rocks - organised by Opus Energy, on Friday 8th March at the Picturedrome, Northampton.The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has been Opus Energy’s chosen charity since 2010, during which time over £40,000 has been raised for the cause. The money is used to help research cures and provide treatment for the life-threatening inherited disease, which affects 75 children and adults in Northamptonshire alone. Opus Energy’s support of the Opus Rocks gig night will see all proceeds being donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and any profits made will be matched by the company.Whiteroom, well-known for performing throughout the region, will be joined by Sons Of The Helots, The Fallows and Heather Adelle Jones.Chris, an Opus Energy employee and singer in Sons Of The Helots: “We’re thrilled to be playing, it’s a great way to raise money for a fantastic cause and bring rock ‘n’ roll to Northampton. The audience is in for a treat!”Ciaran, drummer in The Fallows and an Opus Energy employee: “We’re a great supporter of all charities - the Cystic Fibrosis Trust does great work and this gig was the perfect opportunity to show our support. We’ve been busy recording our second album, so the Opus Rocks gig will serve as an ideal warm up before we go on tour in the summer; we have more than a dozen festival performances lined up as part of a multiple date headline tour across England, Ireland and Europe.”Annamarie Petsis Jones, Head of Human Resources, Learning and Development, Opus Energy: “A great night is on the cards with this line up of established and up-and-coming Northampton bands, some of whom feature Opus Energy employees. Thanks to the bands and our employees for supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”

Opus Energy is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Industrial & Commercial (I&C) Most Innovative Consultancy category at this year’s Energy Live Consultancy Awards.The awards, launched this year, aim to recognise the work done by consultants and set a standard for best practice. The entry criteria are challenging and entrants will be judged by an independent panel of experts. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 27th June.The I&C Most Innovative Consultancy category, sponsored by Opus Energy, recognises consultants which strive to benefit their customers by implementing new ideas.Opus Energy prides itself on delivering corporate / I&C customers with market-leading and innovative products, developed to meet their needs. The company chose to sponsor this category as recognition of the crucial role that consultants play in the energy market.Steve James, Director – Corporate Solutions, Opus Energy, said: “We wanted to be part of the Energy Live Consultancy Awards in order to pay tribute to the hard work of consultants. They are a key part of the energy industry, as they help to facilitate innovation in an ever changing market.”The launch of Opus Energy’s internet-based buying tool - Opus Evolution - exemplifies the role consultants play in driving market innovation as it was developed following feedback from consultants. The flexible energy purchasing product enabled I&C customers with non half-hourly metered sites to access the wholesale market directly for the first time. Within a year of its launch, 3,000 customers had signed to Opus Evolution.Opus Energy attributes the growth of its corporate sales, which stands at over 56,000 sites, to the steady increase in customers signing up to Opus Evolution. This was strengthened by the launch of new product functionality last year - ‘Fix/Unfix’ - which allows customers to sell their already purchased power back to Opus Energy. This new functionality was also developed following feedback from consultants.Steve James concluded: “Opus Energy would also like to extend its thanks to the Energy Live team, who are bringing more attention to the energy industry – both internally and externally – through relevant and topical news articles. We are delighted to be able to partner with them and congratulate them for launching these awards.”To enter the awards, please visit the Energy Live Consultancy Awards website. Please note that all entries must be received by noon on 15th April 2013.

Opus Energy has experienced significant growth in 2012 with revenue growing by 38%, mirroring the company’s corporate customer base expansion to over 56,000 sites. The growth of Opus Energy’s corporate sales reflects the steady growth in customers signing up to its flexible electricity commodity purchasing product, Opus Evolution. This has been strengthened by the launch of new product functionality in the summer - ‘Fix/Unfix’ - which allows customers to sell their already purchased power back to Opus Energy.Opus Energy’s growth over the last year has also been fuelled by the increasing interest amongst companies in generating renewable power from their own businesses. Opus Energy enters into power purchase agreements (PPAs) with renewable energy generators across the UK, purchasing their renewable power to supply to its customers. Opus Energy has entered into PPAs with over 500 renewable generators. In recognition of its growth, Opus Energy was shortlisted in the ‘Company of the Year – Larger Firms’ category at this year’s Growing Business Awards. Judges noted Opus Energy for its fantastic commitment to customer service quality and innovation. Financial performance is strong, and the testimonials from its customers are brilliant.�Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, comments on the company’s achievements: We’re thrilled by Opus Energy’s success over the last 12 months, showing that we’re truly making a mark in the sector by offering a real alternative to business energy buyers. We’re honoured by our loyal customer base, and of course we are all proud of the hard-work and ongoing commitment demonstrated by Opus Energy employees. We’re very much looking forward to another successful year in 2013.�

Opus Energy has continued to champion good causes throughout 2012, including: The launch of a £10K video competition - Opus Energy Gift - which helped power the projects of charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations; Employee fundraising of over £10K for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, a figure which Opus Energy will match; and A sponsored race day and a shoot for the Heaton-Ellis Trust, a charity set up to help fund research into motor neurone disease. The events raised a combined total of £94K. The £10K prize from the Opus Energy Gift video competition went to ten great causes. Amongst the winners was the Oxford Food Bank, which won £3,000. The charity picks up fresh food that would otherwise get thrown away and delivers it to those in need. Opus Energy spoke to the Oxford Food Bank to find out how the money helped them move to new premises in November; the interview is available on the Opus Energy Gift website.Opus Energy has also continued its partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Trust, pledging that its employees would raise a further £10,000 for the charity this year, a figure which the company will match. Employees are delighted that their fundraising activities have exceeded this target, raising £11,000 to date. Of this, a staggering £4,377 was raised by five Opus Energy employees who cycled from London to Paris. One rider commented: "I recommend anyone to take part in the London to Paris Bike ride if they have the opportunity to do so! Not only will you be raising money for a great cause, but the sense of achievement in cycling 300 miles is a wonderful feeling. Opus Energy was kind enough to give me that chance and I will be forever grateful that they did." Information on the company’s fundraising activities is available on the Opus Energy Challenge website.During 2012 Opus Energy has also been proud to sponsor an adrenalin-fuelled charity horse race, which helped to raise £38,000, and a shooting event which raised over £56,000. The money will be used by motor neurone disease charity, the Heaton-Ellis Trust. Professor Christopher Shaw, who leads King’s College London’s research into discovering causes and cures for the disease commented: Money from the Trust is helping fund research into the genes that cause motor neurone disease. This means that my team can stay focused on their vital research, with the ultimate aim that one day we will find a cure for this devastating disease.â€? Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, comments: It’s fantastic that we have been able to champion so many good causes this year. I extend my thanks to Opus Energy employees for their innovation and dedication towards fundraising for the CF Trust. As we head towards 2013, I wish our employees the best of luck with their training for the next charity event: the Silverstone Half Marathon.â€?

Opus Energy would like to congratulate Paul Nicholls who trained Dodging Bullets, ridden by Ruby Walsh and bred by Frankie Dettori, for winning this year’s £25,000 Grade Two Opus Energy Novices’ Hurdle on the Countryside Day at Cheltenham’s Open Meeting on Friday 16th November.This is the second year in which Opus Energy has sponsored the Grade Two Opus Energy Novices’ Hurdle, which is known for unearthing future stars of the sport.Representatives from Opus Energy presented the connections with their winning prize. Speaking about the race, Steve James, Director - Corporate Solutions, Opus Energy commented: The Opus Energy Novices’ Hurdle was an exhilarating race to watch. On behalf of Opus Energy, I’d like to congratulate the connections.â€?Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director of Opus Energy, said: "We’re delighted to support the sport and charities by sponsoring the Opus Energy Novices’ Hurdle for the second year running. We hope that our sponsorship of Countryside Day will raise awareness of Opus Energy’s presence in the renewable energy sector, as both a buyer and supplier of renewable energy. Thank you to Cheltenham Racecourse for once again hosting such a well-run and exciting event.â€?

Opus Energy has awarded £10K from its Opus Energy Gift fund to help power the projects of local charities and community groups. Not-for-profit community groups in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire were invited to prepare and submit a short video identifying the aim and purpose of the group and what project they would use a stake of the £10K Opus Energy Gift fund for. Opus Energy can reveal the winning video entries are: • Oxford Food Bank, which picks up fresh food that would otherwise get thrown away and delivers it to those in need - awarded £3,000 to help them move to new premises; • Special Effect, which helps people with disabilities to enjoy computer games for inclusion and a better quality of life - awarded £2,000 to fund more Fun Day visits to its specialist games room; • BG Records and Young Women’s Music Project – awarded £2,000 to put on a music event for young people whilst offering them workshops, recording sessions, support and mentoring; • Liberty Drum Corps, a UK award-winning youth marching band based - awarded £600 to help fund their competitions in Europe; • The Porch Steppin’ Stone, which provides support for homeless and vulnerably housed people wanting to move forward with their lives – awarded £600 towards a new social enterprise project; • Messy Jam, a non-profit dance school - awarded £600 to help pursue initiatives in performances and competitions; • Campion School Athletics Club - awarded £300 towards the cost of a new long jump run; • Northamptonshire Breastfeeding Alliance, which aims to normalise, promote, support and protect breastfeeding - awarded £300 towards a breast pump loan hire scheme; • 2nd Oxford Scout Group, Oxfordshire’s oldest scouting group - awarded £300 towards the cost of fixing the guttering of their scout hut; and • Northampton Festival of Performing Arts, which encourages participation in performing arts - awarded £300 to fund ten sessions at the next festival. Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, comments: We are tremendously pleased to provide funding for such good causes in the local community. Opus Energy is firmly committed to investing in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire - alongside our charity work we intend to employ another 100 people across our Northampton and Oxford offices over the next year.â€? Councillor David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council and member of the Opus Energy Gift judging panel, comments: Across our town we have a strong network of charitable and community groups working hard to support people and communities. The Opus Energy Gift is a fantastic example of a Northampton based company giving back to and investing in our communities. And, with every entry deserving recognition for what they do it was difficult to pick winners.â€? Robin Aitken, Operational Director at the Oxford Food Bank, winners of the £3,000 gift, commented: The Oxford Food Bank relies on donations from local organisations and individuals to keep us going. We’re very grateful to Opus Energy for organising this competition which has resulted in us getting this generous donation of £3,000. Every £1 given to us results in at least £25 worth of direct benefit in food to the charities we serve. On their behalf, thank you.â€? To view all the video entries, please visit www.opusenergygift.com.

Opus Energy has been shortlisted in the Company of the Year category at next month’s Growing Business Awards, which rewards world-class independent UK companies.Run in association with Lloyds Bank, the Growing Business Awards are an established recognition of the UK's most innovative growing businesses. The Awards were launched in 1999 by Real Business, the UK's first magazine for entrepreneurs and growing businesses, and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the UK's top business lobbying organisation. Results will be decided by a panel of judges, and announced at a gala awards dinner at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, on November 27th.Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, commented: Operating in a sector that’s dominated by six giant energy companies, we feel that recognition of our achievements is well-deserved. By offering a real alternative to business energy buyers, we’ve seen continued growth over the last 10 years with our turnover increasing for 2011/12 by 38% to £272 million.â€?

Opus Energy has today announced the creation of 100 new jobs as it celebrates making The Sunday Times Top Track 250 league table for the second year running.Published on 14th October, the Top Track 250 league table ranks Britain's leading mid-market private companies with the biggest sales. This year Opus Energy ranked 129 in the prestigious table, a jump of 57 places from last year with thanks to continuing growth, with revenue for 2011/2012 increasing by 38%. To meet the rapid rate of growth Opus Energy has created 100 jobs over the past year. The company now employs 450 staff across its Northampton and Oxford sites. Opus Energy plans to create another 100 positions over the next year. Integral to its recruitment strategy was the launch of an apprenticeship scheme earlier in the year. The scheme offers talented individuals the chance to complete an NVQ, with starting salaries of more than double those of usual apprenticeship rates. Nine apprenticeships have been awarded at Opus Energy since the scheme was launched in February, and a further ten will be awarded next year.Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, comments: This year is particularly exciting for Opus Energy as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. We are extremely pleased to mark this milestone with recognition of our outstanding performance as a business over the last year. We look forward to another year of growth and the creation of new jobs to meet our continuing expansion.�Opus Energy is working with local recruitment agencies and is also encouraging people with a customer focus to visit the company website at www.opusenergy.com for more information.

Opus Energy was proud to sponsor an adrenalin-fuelled charity horse race last week, which helped to raise £38,000 for motor neurone disease charity, the Heaton-Ellis Trust.The Heaton-Ellis Charity race day was held on Friday 21st September 2012 at Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire. Opus Energy’s sponsored race – the Opus Energy Handicap Stakes - saw the W J Haggas trained Jawhar, ridden by Paul Hanagan, win the race after picking up its pace in the final 100 yards.Opus Energy’s sponsorship of the event helped to raise £38,000 for the Heaton-Ellis Trust. The money will be used by the Trust to fund research into discovering causes and cures for motor neurone disease, led by Professor Christopher Shaw at King’s College London.Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director of Opus Energy, said: After the success of the Opus Energy sponsored charity shooting events for the Heaton-Ellis Trust over the last two years, we were keen to show our continued support of the charity by sponsoring today’s event. The Opus Energy Handicap Stakes was thrilling to watch. I’d like to congratulate the connections and also thank Newbury Racecourse for hosting the event.â€?The Heaton-Ellis Trust was formed shortly before David Heaton-Ellis died of motor neurone disease in 2009, a year after being diagnosed with the disease. Sophie Heaton-Ellis, a Trustee of the charity, commented: On behalf of the Trust, we thank Opus Energy for all their financial support in helping us come closer to our aim of raising £1 million. The money means that the team at King’s College can devote their time to researching motor neurone disease, instead of spending time and money on raising funds.â€?Speaking at the event, Professor Christopher Shaw said: We are extremely grateful for the funds raised by The Heaton-Ellis Trust. These have been used to drive forward our research on motor neurone disease at unprecedented speed.â€?

Opus Energy has announced its 250th renewable generator agreement, signed with Milford Haven Port Authority this month.The agreement will see Opus Energy purchasing power from solar PV systems across 11 of Milford Haven Port Authority’s sites. This adds to an existing two sites owned by the group that were signed with Opus Energy earlier this year, including Milford Haven Port’s flagship 100.8kW Phoenix Power PV Station - the largest integrated solar PV system in Wales - located on the roof of a tenpin bowling centre. Tim James, Energy Development Manager, Milford Haven Port Authority, comments on the signing: Milford Haven Port has a long established tradition of working at the cutting edge of energy production. Renewable generation now makes up part of our energy interests and is set to grow considerably as we make the transition to low carbon energy generation. We now have over 800kW of renewable energy generators and Opus Energy’s speed and ability to deliver within our deadlines and targets made them a great choice.â€?Opus Energy is experiencing a growing level of interest amongst small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in generating renewable power from their own businesses, allowing them to power their own sites whilst reducing their carbon footprint. Generating renewable energy also provides SMEs with an additional income, as Opus Energy purchases their renewable power - via its power purchase agreements (PPAs) - to supply to its customers.Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, says: Our growing customer base is evidence that renewable energy generation can provide businesses with a much needed boost to their income. This also contributes to a company’s energy provision in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way, which in turn will help bolster CSR credentials.â€?Opus Energy’s 100th renewable generator agreement was signed with sustainable Devon crab fishery, The Blue Sea Food Company, after they installed solar PV panels onto the roof of their manufacturing sites. David Markham, Sales Director, The Blue Sea Food Company explains: We’re proud to process sustainable South Devon crab and try to instil this ethos throughout the business operation. Fitting solar panels is one of several initiatives the company has carried out in order to minimize our environmental footprint. We hope the new solar panels will supply upwards of 25% of our entire factories’ electricity requirements.â€?Crossley Cooke continues, So far, we’ve seen take-up of our renewables PPA across a range of different business sectors, from food manufacturers and suppliers to farms and community centres. Our challenge is to grow this customer base and the take-up of renewables generation amongst UK SMEs, despite decreasing subsidies. With the economic situation still so uncertain, any additional income will be invaluable for businesses. A 100kW solar panel on the roof of a factory, for example, will typically generate an income of over £16,000 per year, and will help reduce running costs, which makes sound business sense.â€?

To celebrate its 10th anniversary year, Opus Energy is launching a £10k video competition - Opus Energy Gift - to help power the projects of charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations.Not-for-profit community groups in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire are invited to prepare and submit a short video identifying the aim and purpose of the group and what project they would use the Opus Energy Gift money for. Details of the video submission process are available at www.opusenergygift.com. The £10k Opus Energy Gift will be divided into 10 and distributed as follows:-Four gifts of £300-Three gifts of £600-Two gifts of £2,000-One gift of £3,000Successful video submissions will be made available for public voting at www.opusenergygift.com and judged by a panel of Opus Energy executives and local representatives. In coming to a decision about which groups will receive one of the 10 gifts, the judges will consider the impact that each shortlisted project will have on the communities of Northamptonshire or Oxfordshire.Questions and requests for further information about Opus Energy or the Opus Energy Gift should be sent to gift@opusenergy.com or can be made by telephone on 0845 263 7214.

Olympics hopeful Daniel Keatings launched business energy supplier Opus Energy’s new workplace wellbeing campaign ‘Opus Energise’ this week, with an inspiring and motivational talk to employees.Having secured a ‘First class’ rating under the Best Companies accreditation scheme, Opus Energy has launched the Opus Energise employee scheme as a thank you for ongoing support. The scheme seeks to increase the overall mental and physical wellbeing of the company’s workforce, which has grown by more than 70 employees since last autumn. Employees will benefit from various Opus Energise scheme initiatives, including:•an online health and wellbeing information portal;•quarterly health challenges, starting with a pedometer team competition;•health checks and advice;•free access to occupational health;•cycle to work initiatives;•volunteering days; and•discounted gym membership. Valuable feedback from an initial survey helped to shape and drive the Opus Energise scheme, which aims to create a healthy and motivating work environment.Speaking at the launch, Daniel Keatings - a pommel horse gymnast, sponsored by Opus Energy - commented: It’s great to work with a company that realises the value of getting its staff involved in sports and thinking about being healthy. I know it’s not an easy thing to do, particularly when you work all day, so I hope that my talk inspired Opus Energy’s employees to stay fit and healthy and get the most out of the new Opus Energise scheme.�Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director of Opus Energy, said: Opus Energy has experienced phenomenal growth of late; we now employ over 400 people across both our Northampton and Oxford sites. Opus Energise is another way for us to show our commitment to our employees and thank them for all their hard work.�Annamarie Petsis Jones, Head of HR, Learning and Development, continued: Seeing Daniel Keatings talk to our staff to kick-start the Opus Energise launch is one of the highlights of this campaign. I’m thrilled to be part of such a strong and growing company that is willing to provide the financial backing to support initiatives that benefit its employees.�

Opus Energy, a business-to-business energy supplier, sponsored a one-day shooting event last week which raised over £56,000 for The Heaton-Ellis Trust, a charity set up to fund research into a cure for motor neurone disease.The 4th Heaton-Ellis Shooting Challenge was held on Friday 25th May 2012 at The Royal Berkshire Shooting School where 23 teams took part in 10 competitive clay pigeon shooting drives. An auction was also held, with prizes including: a day’s entertainment at the British Grand Prix, a 4-night skiing and polo trip in the snow at Klosters, a track day at Silverstone racecourse, tickets to the Paralympic Games at the Olympics, a helicopter lesson, and rugby tickets to the Autumn Internationals at Twickenham.Through Opus Energy’s sponsorship of the event, £56,512 was raised on the day for the Heaton-Ellis Trust to fund research into discovering causes and cures for motor neurone disease, led by Professor Christopher Shaw at King’s College London.For every £1 that was raised a further £3 will be contributed by the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association, and the Medical Research Council (MRC) in the gene hunting effort. Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director of Opus Energy, said: Opus Energy has supported the Heaton-Ellis Trust’s shooting events over the previous two years, raising over £111,000 for the Trust. We’re always thrilled by everyone’s generosity.â€?Christopher Shaw, Professor of Neurology and Neurogenetics, commented: Money from the Trust is helping fund research into the genes that cause motor neurone disease. This means that my team can stay focused on their vital research, with the ultimate aim that one day we will find a cure for this devastating disease.â€?

Opus Energy, the sponsor of local European Champion gymnast Daniel Keatings, visited two Northamptonshire primary schools on Wednesday with Dan to talk to over 300 primary school children about his exciting summer ahead and how he got to where he is today.Children from Chiltern Primary School and Little Houghton Church of England Primary School were left awestruck as they got an exclusive viewing of his pommel horse routine and also an opportunity to ask him about what inspired him to become a gymnast.The school children were enthralled when Keatings - who is regarded as one of the leading talents of British gymnastics - invited some of their classmates to take part in forward rolls, handstands and cartwheels with him.Mrs. Penny Howell, Head Teacher at Chiltern Primary School, said, The children were over the moon when we told them that a famous gymnast was going to visit the school. They couldn’t wait to take part in the routines with him, and it was great that all their classmates got to watch as well.�Mrs. Carolyn Fairbrother, Head Teacher at Little Houghton Church of England Primary School, commented, We’ve been talking about the Olympics a lot at school; the children are getting quite excited. Daniel performing a routine and answering the children’s questions was the icing on the cake for them!�Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, said, It’s great that Opus Energy’s sponsorship of Daniel means he’s got time to visit schools and chat with the children. His passion for gymnastics will be so motivational to lots of youngsters who are keen to try new sports.�For further information on Daniel Keatings and Opus’ sponsorship of him, please visit the Opus Energy Challenge website at: http://opusenergychallenge.com/.

New research from independent UK business-to-business energy supplier, Opus Energy, suggests that UK SMEs are turned on to the benefits of having smart meters installed in their premises, supporting the company’s ambitious target to install 40,000 smart meters at customer sites by the end of this year.15% of the SME business leaders polled said they currently had a smart meter installed, compared to 25% (16,000) of Opus Energy’s existing SME customer base that are already operating on smart meter technology.Of the panel of 500 leaders questioned by Opus Energy, many saw the benefits related to having a device installed:•38% thought the main benefit of installing a smart meter was that it provided real time visibility of their business’ energy consumption;•36% saw the main benefit as accuracy of meter readings and bills; and•31% believed smart meters encourage business owners to think more about energy saving. Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, commented on the findings: Smart meters are the big industry innovation for the next decade. Customers with smart meters are five times less likely to have a complaint as a result of bill transparency. This means that we can reduce our service delivery costs, in turn enabling us to continue to offer competitive prices to our customers.�TriRunning, a Northampton-based sport and athletics shop, was a start-up business when it signed up to Opus Energy. Gabrielle Deere, Managing Director of TriRunning, wanted to know how much TriRunning should budget for its energy consumption, and so was keen to install a smart meter. Using this data, Opus Energy will bill TriRunning for its actual energy consumption every month. Gabrielle comments: As a start-up business I didn’t know what to expect my energy bills to be. Everyone knows that estimates can be wildly under or over actual energy usage, so I wanted to make sure I was in control of my energy bills right from the start. But how can you get control of your energy usage if you don’t know what it is you’re controlling? That’s why I wanted to get a smart meter installed as soon as possible, so I could plan my usage. Opus Energy’s offering really suited me because they installed the smart meter for free.�Opus Energy is ramping up its smart meter installation programme for SMEs, with the ultimate aim to install meters in all customer premises, and is offering free smart meters to existing customers who have not already converted. Crossley Cooke concluded, Our research also shows that more than half – 59% - of our panel of business owners are looking to their energy providers to seek information about switching to a smart meter. Due to the success of our own ongoing smart meter roll-out, we were surprised that more SMEs haven’t yet made the switch. It’s only when the industry can be seen to be working together to roll-out smart meters that we’ll see a more dynamic energy market offering customers the control they need over their usage and pricing.�More information, including an FAQ and details on costs, can be found at http://smartmeter.opusenergy.com

New research from business-to-business energy supplier, Opus Energy, suggests a growing level of interest among small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in generating renewable energy from their own businesses, with one third (32%) expecting to introduce solar panels, wind turbines or anaerobic digestion for example, and 38% expecting to be generating their own renewable energy within five years. To read the story in full, please visit the Opus Energy website: http://www.opusenergy.com/module/page-166/nID-150/item_action-view_item/item-opus-energy-survey-finds-smes-turning-to-renewable-energy-generation/

Opus Energy has announced the creation of new jobs alongside the launch of a bespoke NVQ Apprenticeship Scheme. The launch marks National Apprenticeship Week and celebrates Opus Energy's recent Best Companies award win. From its base in Northampton, Opus Energy is working closely with one of the UK’s biggest training providers, First4Skills, to launch the scheme which will assist Opus Energy in recruiting and training talented individuals looking to work in the energy sector. Five apprenticeships will be awarded across two key roles within Opus Energy: - Apprentice Customer Service Administrator: Diploma in Business Administration (Level 2) - Apprentice Customer Service Advisor: Diploma in Customer Service (Level 2) Annamarie Petsis Jones, Head of HR, Learning and Development at Opus Energy, commented on the launch: We’re very excited about our new NVQ Apprenticeship Scheme, which we hope will bring new, local talent into the company. We’re looking for a complete range of applicants, so not just school leavers but anyone with a genuine interest in working in the energy sector, a true passion for excellent customer service and an ambition to learn and develop within Opus Energy.� Each NVQ Diploma has been tailored to suit Opus Energy's specific requirements, with starting salaries double those of usual apprenticeship rates. Opus Energy has also made a pledge to track the five successful candidates’ development closely and offer them the opportunity to move on to an NVQ Level 3 upon completion of their probationary period. In addition to the NVQ Apprenticeship Scheme, Opus Energy has recently introduced a Management Development Programme – a further incentive for those looking to break into the energy sector and climb to a senior management position. Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, said, We are entering another exciting year of planned growth, and this could not have been achieved without our employees. Our aim is to be one of the best employers in the energy sector, and our recent Best Companies award demonstrates the commitment Opus Energy shows to its workforce. We believe that these new qualifications will help our employees excel in their roles and move up the ladder.� Clare Green, Account Director, First4Skills, added; First4Skills is delighted to be working in partnership with Opus Energy to be able to support all employees, currently and in the future, by giving them access to a wide range of nationally recognised qualifications. These will bring out the best in Opus Energy employees, making the most of their potential, and in doing so will provide the building blocks for a stronger, more successful business.� For further information about the Apprenticeship Scheme, please visit the Careers section on the Opus Energy website: http://www.opusenergy.com/careers/.

Opus Energy has entered cooperation with Danish energy company, Nordjysk Elhandel (NEAS), specialising in renewables for the balancing and trading of wind power production from wind turbine generators in the UK. "Wind power generation is expanding rapidly in the UK and we at Opus Energy want to secure the best possible set-up in production management for wind power generators. The cooperation with NEAS gives us access to state-of-the-art services in scheduling and balancing of wind power, and competencies in trading of wind power. This will provide UK wind power generators with the best service and maximum value for their production and associated certificates. We believe this cooperation will give us a competitive edge to enable us to expand our market for wind power generation�, explains Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, of Opus Energy. Today there is approximately 5,970 MW installed capacity of wind power in the UK. However, this number is expected to rise dramatically to more than 10,000 MW in 2015 and well over 20,000 MW in 2020, based on the figures for wind turbines presently under construction, approved and planned.At NEAS we have invested many resources in building up the strongest possible set-up in production management and trading of wind power. For example, we have our own meteorologists and analysts forecasting production volumes, and we have developed specialized IT systems for balancing and scheduling of wind power generation. Also, we have years of experience in trading of wind power in Denmark, Sweden and Germany. The cooperation with Opus Energy provides us with a highly competent partner to market our services for wind power generators in the UK�, says Bo Lynge Rydahl, CEO at NEAS. Opus Energy and NEAS expect to sign the first wind power production purchase agreements (PPAs) in the UK within the first quarter of 2012. They will market their services to wind power generators on the basis of competitive and dynamic pricing structures and outstanding balance responsible party services.

Opus Energy, proud sponsors of Daniel Keatings, wish to congratulate Daniel and Team GB for their success at January’s London Prepares event, in which Team GB qualified for London 2012.Opus Energy is pleased to release a video featuring the champion gymnast powering through his pommel horse routines in front of a wind turbine.The video was filmed at Beech Tree Farm, near Melton Mowbray. Opus Energy helped complete the installation and connection process of the turbine to enable the farm’s owner, Craig Birch, to generate energy for his green waste composting business.You can view the video on You Tube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEhUFMq1WtM

Opus Energy, the Northampton and Oxford-based energy supplier, has raised a grand total of £20,034 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust which its employees will present to the Trust in Opus’ Northampton office (Royal Pavilion, 2 Summerhouse Road) at 11am on Monday.Presenting a cheque to the Trust will be Cara Kelly, Luke Spencer and Jamie Cooper, Opus Energy employees who each undertook fundraising activities, contributing to the total sum raised of £20,034.Credit Co-ordinator Cara Kelly completed a 10-day trek in the Peruvian Andes this November, raising £1,713; ten members of the Opus Sales team, including Luke Spencer, donned their running gear and took part in The Run Northamptonshire this October, raising £1,270 which Opus Energy then doubled; and August saw the first annual Opus Energy Charity Golf Tournament, at which Jamie Cooper was on the winning team, raising £220.Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, comments: We chose to support the Cystic Fibrosis Trust because the charity is one that is close to our hearts – one of our colleagues has a son who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, so we wanted to do what we could to show our support for them and help others with the funds raised. We’re delighted with the amount we’ve raised for the Trust. It’s an extraordinary achievement, pulled off by a collection of some of our most adventurous and game employees.He added, This is a great way to end the year, and a real benchmark for our collective fundraising efforts in 2012 which will see us continue our support of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. We’re pledging that our employees will raise another £10,000 for the Trust which Opus will match – that’s another £20,000 for this great cause.â€?Sue Piper, Senior Corporate Fundraising Manager, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, "On behalf of all at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust we want to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the support of Opus Energy. It has been hugely inspiring to witness how the staff have embraced numerous challenges and opportunities, and each has demonstrated huge commitment and given their time and energy in different ways. She continued, By extending the original 12-month partnership the target has far exceeded our original expectations so we are delighted with the results. We are truly grateful for such a significant contribution and wish to extend our thanks to all at Opus Energy for helping to make a big difference to the lives of all those with Cystic Fibrosis. We’re thrilled that Opus have decided to support the Trust again in 2012."

Independent energy supplier to UK businesses, Northampton and Oxford-based Opus Energy, has announced the appointment of Annamarie Petsis Jones as its new Head of HR, Learning & Development. Annamarie took up her position on 10th October.Having recently secured a placement in The Sunday Times Top Track 250 league table, Opus Energy experienced an unprecedented 31% growth on 2010 sales figures in 2011, and has continued to see a rapid rate of growth for the first six months of this financial year, leading to the creation of 100 new jobs.Annamarie’s appointment coincides with an enhanced commitment to learning and development that is planned to include the introduction of an NVQ apprenticeship scheme to the business, and a bespoke management development programme.Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, comments: We are delighted to welcome Annamarie to the business and look forward to refining our recruitment strategy so that we continue to attract high calibre candidates to support our business as we enter another exciting year of planned growth.�Annamarie Petsis Jones commented on her appointment, I’m thrilled to be joining Opus at such a critical time for the business. We recently announced the creation of 100 new jobs by the end of 2012, Opus Energy’s 10th anniversary year, so I’m looking forward to a busy year in particular in implementing a recruitment strategy to support the business growth.�Annamarie joins Opus Energy from Denticare Ltd in Bedford where she was Head of HR for the last three and a half years. Prior to joining Denticare Ltd, Annamarie worked in employment law for five years, having completed her legal training with More Fisher Brown Solicitors, London in 2002.

A poll of UK SMEs by business-to-business energy supplier, Opus Energy, points to the sector being switched on to buying energy from renewable sources but put off by cost and perceived complexity. Nearly three quarters of small businesses that are not currently on a specific renewable energy tariff (72%) said they would consider it in the future, with the rest ruling it out as a result of cost (47%) and complexity (18%). One third (29%) claimed to be not interested.Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, believes the findings provide a useful insight into the real impact of current renewable policy on UK small businesses: "We estimate that around 10% of every customer’s bill is made up of green subsidies and that the proportion of renewable subsidies that all UK businesses pay will rise by around 25% over the next 12 months. SMEs are paying for renewable energy whether it’s clear of the energy it supplies to its customers from cleaner, low-carbon sources. to them or not. There needs to be more transparency for small businesses around the contribution they are already making to renewables – and perhaps then there’ll be greater take up by SMEs.� Over the last few years Opus Energy, a major supplier of electricity and gas to businesses in the UK, has sourced a large proportion of the energy it supplies to its customers from cleaner, low-carbon sources.

Independent energy supplier announces jobs creation to meet accelerated growthIndependent energy supplier to UK businesses, Northampton and Oxford-based Opus Energy, has today announced the creation of 100 new jobs as it celebrates making The Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league table of Britain’s leading mid-market private companies.Published on Sunday 16th October, the Top Track 250 league table ranks Britain's private companies with the biggest sales. Opus Energy’s success in achieving a placement in the Top Track 250 was based on sales figures to March 2011 which show 31% growth on the previous year to £198 million. A typical Top Track 250 company is owned and run by established families and entrepreneurs, and has between 100 and 13,000 staff. Currently employing 360 staff at both its Northampton and Oxford sites, Opus Energy has continued to see a rapid rate of growth for the first six months of this financial year and expects to create 100 new jobs by the end of 2012 to meet the demand.Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, comments: ‘We are extremely pleased with this recognition of our performance over the last year but are now very much focused on the future. We are creating these new jobs to meet our continued level of growth.â€?He continues: We’re proud of our workforce in both Northampton and Oxford and expect that most of the new jobs will be filled by local people.â€?Opus Energy is working with local recruitment agencies and is also encouraging people with relevant industry experience and a customer focus to visit the company website at www.opusenergy.com.

Independent energy supplier to UK businesses, Opus Energy, has today announced the signature of its 100,000th business site, Virgin Media. The business joins a portfolio of market-leading brands which includes Paperchase, Allied Irish Bank (GB), University of Cambridge, Halfords and KPMG, amongst others. Opus’ success comes at a time when the energy regulator, Ofgem, is looking for ways to decrease the dominance of the ‘Big Six’ energy providers and demonstrates that independent suppliers can thrive. The company’s Corporate division, experienced 28% growth from this time last year and continues to expand rapidly.The stellar performance is due to Opus’ market-leading solution for larger corporates, Opus Evolution, which has seen a 122% increase in customers. Opus’ corporate customers are making the switch away from traditional fixed price contracts, displaying a growing appetite for flexible purchasing solutions which enable them to take advantage of fluctuating electricity prices. Opus expects the growth to continue into 2012, as demand for Opus Extra, which gives the smaller corporate customer access to flexible purchasing on the wholesale market, grows.Steve James, Commercial Director, responsible for the Corporate division commented:We are delighted to have hit the 100,000 mark, and welcome Virgin Media to our roster of customers, the latest in a long line of flagship brands to join us. Our growth demonstrates that there is an alternative to the Big Six suppliers and is a result of our commitment to developing innovative and flexible products driven by our customers’ needs.� We work with our customers to provide individual billing solutions, contract types and reporting functions tailored to their requirements, rather than by trying to squeeze them into a ‘one-size fits all’ approach.�Opus Energy’s growth has also been driven by the rapid expansion of its gas supply business. Launched in October 2009 the service now has over 8,000 live sites, an uptake or more than 75% over the business’ initial target. Designed to offer customers an affordable and reliable alternative to existing suppliers, the service allows them to access competitively priced, fixed-term contracts, shielding them from price fluctuations. Charlie Crossley Cooke, Opus Energy’s Managing Director comments; The last 12 months have been very exciting for Opus Energy. Our continued growth and investment in our customers is reflected in not only the successful introduction of new products, services and partners but also in the increased employment of customer facing staff to help deliver the services we provide our business customers. We now look forward to continuing to expand over the next twelve months.�

Opus Energy, the UK’s leading business energy supplier, has increased its pledge to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. After setting out last June to raise £10,000 for the charity, fundraising has been so successful that the company has chosen to increase their 2010/11 pledge to £15,000.Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the UK’s most common, life-threatening inherited diseases and claims two lives a week in the UK. Money raised by Opus Energy will help to fund research into treating and curing CF. It will also help provide support, advice and appropriate clinical care to the 8,500 babies, children and adults with cystic fibrosis in the UK. So far Opus Energy’s staff have been getting involved in team and individual challenges, fun days in the office, and making personal donations to raise the money. Highlights have included Adam Kelly’s 7 marathons in 7 days, and the recent London to Paris bike ride.Opus Energy’s Managing Director, Charlie Crossley Cooke said:The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has proved to be a very popular charity with our employees, and we’ve had no trouble persuading them to throw themselves into all manner of events and challenges for the cause.Opus Energy is serious about giving back to the community, and after the great success we’ve had reaching our original pledge total, it was an easy decision to keep on raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.â€?Sue Piper, Senior Corporate and Trust Fundraising Manager for Cystic Fibrosis said:"We are delighted that Opus Energy have chosen to extend their partnership with us. The staff have clearly committed to supporting us and appear to be enjoying their fundraising and will certainly smash their original target at this rate. It is a pleasure to work with Opus Energy and their much valued support will go a long way to helping us continue our care, support and research.

A clay-pigeon shoot sponsored by leading energy supplier Opus Energy has raised over £55,000 for the Heaton-Ellis Trust, a Berkshire charity funding research into motor-neurone disease.The Opus Energy Shooting Challenge saw over 100 patrons, from across Europe, together with Opus Energy staff taking part in the team-based competition at the Royal Berkshire Shooting School in Pangbourne.A charity auction on the day accounted for £25,000 of the final total, with 11 lots including helicopter lessons, a skiing holiday, and Saracens rugby tickets.Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones; the cells that control voluntary muscle movements such as breathing, walking, swallowing and speaking. MND leads to weakness and wasting of these muscles and can affect any adult at any age.The money raised by Opus Energy will contribute towards medical research into a cure for this life-changing disease, and improve technology to identify the defective genes that cause it. Romilla Arber, from The Heaton-Ellis Trust fundraising committee, said:The day was a huge success for the Trust. A lot more money was raised this year than last and the event was well attended. There was a warm atmosphere despite the chilly conditions and everyone had a good time, whilst raising money for a very worthwhile cause.â€?Opus Energy’s Managing Director, Charlie Crossley Cooke, said:This was the latest event in Opus Energy’s community outreach work, something which we continue to take very seriously. We are therefore very pleased to have raised such a large total for the Heaton-Ellis Trust. Thanks to all that showed their support at the event and to the Royal Berkshire Shooting School for helping us organise the day.â€?

20 year old Adam Kelly from Kidlington near Oxford will embark on the ultimate challenge later this month, when he runs 7 marathons in 7 days, from Cardiff to Silverstone. Setting off on Monday 28 February, Adam is raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, contributing to a £10,000 pledge by his employer and main sponsor, Opus Energy, who chose the CF Trust as their charity of the year in June last year.Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of the UK’s most common, life-threatening inherited disease and claims two lives a week in the UK. Money raised by Opus Energy will help to fund research into treating and curing CF. It will also help provide support, advice and appropriate clinical care to the 8,500 babies, children and adults with Cystic Fibrosis in the UK. Adam’s first marathon will be from Cardiff to Chepstow, from there he heads eastwards until he arrives back in Oxford on day five. On day six he runs from Oxford to Silverstone, and on his final day he will run a half marathon in the morning before lining up to start the adidas Silverstone Half Marathon with fellow CF Trust runners at 12 noon. Adam will start each marathon at 9am and aims to finish each one within 4½ - 5 ½ hours.Full Itinerary Day 1: Cardiff - ChepstowDay 2: Chepstow - BristolDay 3: Bristol - ChippenhamDay 4: Chippenham - Swindon (1 mile away)Day 5: Swindon - Oxford (Kidlington)Day 6: Oxford - SilverstoneDay 7: Silverstone & Silverstone Half MarathonAdam said: I’ve run several marathons over the last two years but I felt like I wanted to take on something even more challenging, and something not many people have done before.Although it’s a daunting proposition I’m very excited to be taking on this huge challenge for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. I’m not sure what doing seven marathons will do to me physically or mentally, but I am lucky to have support from my friends all the way along. They will be running, cycling and driving support vehicles with me throughout.â€?I’m actually running 180 miles overall, so some days I will have to run a few extra miles on top of the marathon.The training is going well, I’m up to doing four 15 mile runs a week but it’s so difficult to know how my body is going to react when I’m on the road, especially in the latter stages of the challenge, but that is all part of the excitement I suppose! In the meantime my appetite has gone through the roof so I’m trying to take in 4000 calories a day which means eating anything and everything!I’d like to thank my main sponsors Opus Energy for providing the money to cover the costs of my run. Having their support means I can really focus on the challenge; I won’t have to worry about things like where I’ll sleep or what I’ll eat on the run, which is a huge help. Their support also means that 100% of the money I raise will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.â€?Sue Piper, Senior Corporate and Trust Fundraising Manager for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust: We were amazed to hear that Adam was taking on the huge challenge for us and we wish him the very best of luck. The support of Opus Energy and their employees like Adam will make a real difference to people living with Cystic Fibrosis, allowing them to look forward to a brighter future.â€?Opus Energy’s Managing Director, Charlie Crossley Cooke, said: Opus Energy takes its role within the community very seriously and therefore we are pleased that Adam has embraced such a challenge in support of the company’s chosen charity, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Opus Energy has a tradition of supporting athletes, having sponsored European Champion gymnast and Northamptonshire local boy Daniel Keatings for a number of years, so to now be able to support one of our own employees in a similar vein is fantastic. We wish him the best of luck as he nears the end of his training and look forward to congratulating him on a terrific achievement.â€?To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/adam-kelly. You can also get constant updates on Adam’s twitter - @7MarathonMan.

Opus Energy, the leading independent supplier of electricity to UK businesses, has expanded its portfolio of smart meter providers. Already working with another major player in the market, IMServ, Opus Energy has today revealed new partnerships with UPL and National Grid owned OnStream. Opus Energy is the first energy company to make smart meters available to all of its customers, free of charge.The agreements will cover the delivery and operation of meters and remote data-collection from them, and will allow Opus Energy to further ramp-up its customer roll-out. Having already installed over 12,000 meters in 2010, the company now expects to fit a further 3,000 by spring 2011, nearing 20% of its client base. Planned installations include all of its maximum demand ‘Profile Class 5-8’ users, who will have their meters fitted well in advance of the Government’s 2014 target.Smart meters have been recognised by the Government as a key tool in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions, allowing businesses to proactively manage their electricity consumption by providing accurate meter readings, as well as facilitating a range of wider energy efficiency measures.Commenting Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director of Opus Energy said,Smart metering is clearly an easy win for UK businesses. Since becoming the first energy company to offer meters to its customers at no cost, we have seen huge interest from SMEs and corporates looking to reduce their energy spend and carbon emissions.Our agreement with OnStream and UPL not only increases our capacity to service this demand, it also reiterates the major role that Opus Energy is playing in the roll-out. We remain committed to ensuring that as many as possible of our customers can enjoy the benefits of smart metering, as quickly as possible.â€?Case Study: Dulux Decorator CentresMany of Opus Energy’s customers have already been able to take advantage of these benefits. One such customer is Dulux Decorator Centres. Since the installation of smart meters in 2009, the company has benefited from Opus Energy’s tariff optimisation scheme. The company’s smart meter consumption data has been analysed and tariffs amended to reflect its detailed consumption use, which has enabled the company to reduce its energy bills by switching to the most cost-effective tariffs. As a direct result, Dulux Decorator Centres has been able to make savings of between £23,000 and £42,000 per month.Commenting Mike Dwyer of Dulux Decorator Centres said;In today’s uncertain economic climate, there is clearly more pressure on businesses than ever before to reduce their costs. Smart metering has at a stroke allowed us to make a step-change in our energy spend. It has also laid the foundations for us to look at introducing a range of other efficiency measures that will continue to improve our financial and environmental performance.â€?Sharon Rodriguez, Director of OnStream added: We are delighted to be partnering with Opus Energy as their smart metering provider. It is an excellent opportunity to utilise our wealth of asset and installation experience to support their smart ambitions and allow Opus Energy’s customers to access the benefits of smart metering.â€?

Opus Energy celebrated winning the Independent Energy Supplier of the Year award at last week’s inaugural Energy Excellence Awards.The result was decided by both a popular vote and a panel of judges. The awarding panel acknowledged that: "[Opus Energy] has shown major growth and a rising profile in the past year, with new and flexible products introduced for smaller companies. [Opus Energy] offers smart meters for free, helping companies be greener and drive emissions down.�The awards, run by Edge Business Media, aim to showcase the energy industry’s best buyers and suppliers.Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director of Opus Energy, commented:This award reflects the significant successes of Opus Energy through our innovative products, low pricing and high standards of customer care. We are thrilled to have been recognised for our efforts by our customer base and peers for products including Opus Extra, our flexible electricity purchasing platform for small and medium corporate customers and the newly introduced gas supply for our business customers. Our free smart meters initiative has gathered pace, and we’ve also played our part in supplying energy generated from cleaner sources.�

Opus Energy has been shortlisted for the Independent Energy Supplier of the Year award at next month’s Energy Excellence Awards.The award goes to companies showing fresh ideas or market-leading behaviour, or to newcomers with a groundbreaking approach.The inaugural Energy Excellence Awards, run by Edge Business Media, aims to showcase the energy industry’s best buyers and suppliers.Results will be decided by vote, and a panel of judges, and announced at a gala awards dinner at the Langham Hotel, London on 25 November.Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, commented:We’re very pleased to be nominated for this award and feel it is deserved recognition for the success and progress we are enjoying every year.In the last year we have launched Opus Extra, our flexible electricity purchasing platform for small and medium corporate customers, and introduced gas supply for our business customers. We’ve rolled out our free smart meters initiative to thousands more sites and also played our part in generating energy from cleaner sources.Innovative new products, low prices and high standards of customer care have always been at the centre of what we do. With high rates of growth through recession and now this nomination, I’m glad that both our customers and our peers are sitting up and taking notice.�To vote, visit www.energyexcellenceawards.com before the closing date on 19 November 2010.

Opus Energy, one of the UK’s leading business energy suppliers, has pledged to raise £10,000 throughout 2010/11, for one of the UK's most common, life-threatening, inherited diseases, Cystic Fibrosis. Over the next year the employees of the Northamptonshire based energy company will embark on a calendar of fundraising and volunteering activities in and around the community. They will organise fun days in the office, take part in individual and team events, make personal donations and take part in some of the challenges organised by the charity. By pledging to raise £10,000 the energy supplier will be helping sufferers in and around Northamptonshire receive the daily treatment they need. Charlie Crossley Cooke, founder and Managing Director of Opus Energy comments;The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is a charity that is very close to the heart of an Opus employee who has a young child living with the disease. Due to the comparatively low numbers of people suffering from Cystic Fibrosis it is often overlooked but, because of our personal exposure, the need to assist the charity with the invaluable work they do really has really struck a chord. Opus will be donating the money to help provide support and care for those affected in the Northamptonshire area and also to help raise awareness of the disease.â€? The Cystic Fibrosis trust is the UK's only national charity dealing with all aspects of the disease. The fundraisers and Expert Patient Advisors throughout the UK, fund research to treat and cure the disease and aim to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for people suffering. Sue Piper, Senior Corporate and Trust Fundraising Manager for Cystic Fibrosis comments:We are absolutely delighted that Opus Energy has chosen us as their charity of the year.The disease claims so many young lives. The money raised will help to fund treatment and equipment that Cystic Fibrosis sufferers in Northamptonshire need, as well as raise awareness in the area. It will also help us to provide information, support and the necessary treatment to families in Northamptonshire and ensure that young people get the appropriate clinical care. We very much look forward to engaging Opus employees in lots of fundraising opportunities, events and campaigns throughout the year to ensure they put the 'fun' into fundraising.â€?Over the past two years, Opus employees have held a number of fundraising activities to succeed in raising over £20,000 for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and the NSPCC.

After 12 months of fundraising, Opus Energy employees have exceeded their original £10,000 target in aid of the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice. The business energy supplier, based in Northampton, took part in a variety of fundraising activities such as the New York Marathon, It’s a knock-out and charity fun days to reach their goal.Andy Nash, Operations Director at Opus Energy, commented:Opus Energy is thrilled to present this donation to the Cynthia Spencer Hospice. It’s an organisation that provides people across Northamptonshire an exceptional level of bereavement and spiritual care at the end of life. They provide a comprehensive service for mainly cancer patients, and their families, for whom a cure may no longer be possible. We hope that our contribution to this worthy cause will go a long way to help support the hospice and care for those affected.â€?The hospice relies heavily on the generosity of donations to help maintain an exceptional quality of care. Although primarily funded by the NHS, they have to raise a further £650,000 each year through charitable donations and fundraising activities, to continue the services they offer at a time when people need it most. Sue Bownass, Community Fundraiser, added:The Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice were absolutely delighted that Opus Energy chose us as their charity of the year and have very much enjoyed working alongside them on some of their fundraising events. The money has helped the hospice to continue employing staff for the benefits of patients; making sure their stay is as comfortable as possible. We wish Opus Energy luck on next year’s charity challenge and look forward to working with them again in the near futureâ€?.Opus Energy will continue to actively fundraise for the Cynthia Spencer Hospice by taking part in local events. Now they have reached the end of their pledge for the hospice, the energy supplier has announced their new primary charity for the forthcoming year as The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, pledging to raise a further £10,000 and continue their support within the local community. For more information on Opus Energy’s pledge to the Cynthia Spencer Hospice, and other fundraising events please visit www.opusenergychallenge.com.*Photograph Courtesy of Northampton Chronicle and Echo

The winner of the training session with an Olympic hopeful from Corby has been announced, by his sponsors, Opus Energy. Zoe Parker, aged 8, won the training session with Gymnastics World Championship silver medallist, Daniel Keatings, plus four tickets to the European Gymnastic Championships, after entering the competition run by business energy supplier, Opus Energy. Competition winner, Zoe Parker commented: I am so excited about my training session with Daniel and I get to see him compete at the European Championships too. He is a very good gymnast and I hope I can learn some new techniques from him to help with my gymnastics.â€? The competition was launched by Opus Energy, to offer young gymnasts the opportunity meet a local gymnastics’ hero and to experience the world of European gymnastics first hand. Zoe’s Senior coach, Marie Mitchell from Kettering Olympic Gymnastics Club, said:We are delighted that Opus Energy has created this fantastic opportunity that will inspire young gymnasts to excel in the sport. The club is thrilled at having an Olympic standard gymnast, such as Daniel run a training session with Zoe.â€?Daniel is showing huge potential for the 2012 Olympics having already won Britain’s first ever medal at the men’s All Around event at the 2009 World Championships. Despite suffering from two dislocated fingers after falling in a training routine, Daniel has been confirmed to represent Great Britain at the European Championships and is confident about team GB’s performance; The preparations for the Europeans have been tough. The whole team has been working really hard and hopefully we will get a place on the podium for the first time as a team at a major championship,â€? says Daniel. He adds, I am looking forward to meeting Zoe. It’s good to know I can help young gymnasts, through opportunities such as these, to achieve their aspirations to become a professional athlete.â€? Opus Energy is committed to working within the Northampton community and supports many local initiatives, including, a pledge to raise £10,000 for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

Opus Energy is giving young gymnasts in Northamptonshire the opportunity to win four tickets to the European Gymnastic Championships, and a training session with Olympic hopeful Daniel Keatings. Opus Energy, is the UK’s largest independent business energy supplier and the official sponsor of 20 year old Daniel. They have launched the competition to offer keen youngsters the opportunity to experience the world of Europe’s gymnasts first-hand. Senior coach of Kettering Olympic Gymnastics Club, Marie Mitchell, said:We are delighted that Opus Energy has created a fantastic opportunity that will inspire young gymnasts to excel in the sport. The club is thrilled at the prospect of having local hero Daniel run a training session. Who knows, one of the competition winners may one day emulate Daniel and be in with a chance of Olympic success.â€?Daniel is showing huge potential for the 2012 Olympics having already won Britain’s first ever medal at the men’s All Around event at the 2009 World Championships. Having trained hard in Mexico for the European Championships, Daniel is hopeful for this year’s competition, commenting: Hopefully we will get on the podium for the first time as a team at the major championships.â€?Opus Energy has supported many local initiatives including a pledge to raise £10,000 for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

In response to customer demand, the UK’s largest independent business energy supplier, Opus Energy, has expanded its market portfolio to offer a new gas service to small and medium (SME) businesses. The gas service offers customers a clear alternative to existing market suppliers and includes many of the popular benefits already available with Opus’ successful electricity products. Customers will have access to competitively priced, fixed-term contracts, shielding them from gas market price fluctuations. Existing electricity customers will continue to receive the same high standard of customer care with the ease of only having one supplier. Opus Energy currently provides electricity to over 60,000 sites across the UK and entry into the gas market is proving successful. Since the first supply went live in the middle of October 2009, sales have exceeded expectations, with over 1,000 customers already signed up. Opus Energy has the flexibility to buy gas from a number of market sources and is therefore able to respond quickly to market price changes, and pass cost-savings directly onto customers. The gas service will initially be marketed to existing and new SME customers. Charlie Crossley Cooke, founder and Managing Director of Opus Energy, said: Opus Energy has successfully been supplying electricity to the business market for seven years. We’ve experienced significant growth based on our competitive pricing, exceptional level of customer service and an incremental growth strategy. We have responded to the high level of customer demand for gas products and will apply the same principles to ensure that we become a first rate gas supplier. The expansion of the gas service will be developed to ensure we continue to see overall company growth and maintain the high levels of customer service expected from Opus Energy.â€?Businesses can receive a competitive online quote for gas services by visiting www.opusenergy.com or calling 0845 0405810 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0845 0405810      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Opus Evolution is a unique energy product that has been specially tailored for use within the commercial market. Designed for large businesses using more than 5GWhs, it offers a flexible purchasing plan that allows customers to choose when and how often they purchase their power. By offering access to the wholesale energy market, companies can receive savings when energy prices fluctuate. Since being launched in 2007, Opus Evolution has provided consumers with access to real-time and historical data through its online platform. This plan is unique in the non-half-hourly metered market. A Key Account Manager is assigned to each Opus Evolution customer for continuity and smooth running throughout their contract.

Opus Fixed is a traditional fixed power product plan, perfect for any size of company. Fixed clients can expect the same great electricity prices coupled with flexible and attractive terms. Contracts are usually 12, 24 or 36 months, but Opus Energy are flexible and will tailor contracts based on individual needs. Opus Energy endeavours to build long-term partnerships with open and honest communication between the consumer and provider.