The South West economy is predicted to change substantially over the next decade with significant growth in the number and scale of businesses involved in renewable energy generation.

Bob Meier, newly appointed Energy & Renewables Senior Manager at the region’s leading independent firm of chartered accountants Francis Clark, says: “The UK is expected to see a very significant increase in the deployment of renewable energy over the next 10 years and we expect the South West at least to mirror that.

“As medium term energy costs inevitably rise, businesses increasingly will look at their energy use and many will see diversifying into energy generation as an interesting commercial opportunity – and one which mitigates some important business risks.

“We expect many more companies to start generating electricity both for their own use and for export to the grid, together with a ramp up in the number of companies whose business is solely renewable energy.

Currently, the South West’s deployment of renewable energy is below the UK average but its overall capacity is greater than many regions. It has favourable wind, marine and solar resources and less dense land usage than many other parts of the UK offering outstanding opportunities to those prepared to grasp them.

Positioning itself to support clients through the challenges and opportunities of the new energy economy, Francis Clark has recruited energy and renewables specialist Bob Meier to its corporate finance team.

Bob has extensive experience as a corporate finance adviser with both Lazard Brothers and Greenhill & Co. He developed a particular reputation in energy and utilities and has advised companies of all sizes in the energy sector throughout the investment cycle.

Mark Greaves, Francis Clark’s Corporate Finance Partner, says:  “We are continually alert and responsive to economic trends so that we are always fully prepared to support our clients with market leading advice and expertise. Bob Meier will lead our service in the energy and renewables sector, with full support from our corporate finance and other teams as required.

“His remit will include existing and start-up energy companies as well as businesses wishing to plan for future energy challenges by exploring the option of generating their own renewable energy.”

Bob will offer corporate finance advice to help clients through their decision making processes, helping them understand the risks, implications and potential financial benefits of making – or not making - investments in renewable energy. His extensive knowledge base will enable him to point clients in the right direction in terms of technology options.

For start-up energy companies, Bob’s assistance will include confirmation of their overall business plan and assistance with fundraising and negotiating key commercial contracts. His sector expertise integrates neatly with the comprehensive corporate finance, taxation and accountancy services offered by the Francis Clark team as a whole.

Bob added:  “Businesses cannot ignore the forthcoming energy challenges. The UK is re-engineering its energy supply industry with profound medium term implications for the costs we will all pay through our bills. It is increasingly important that companies of all sizes prepare for the issues this represents and, more positively and rewardingly, engage with the opportunities it can offer.

“For example, the Feed in Tariffs proposed by the government will offer companies (as well as individuals) a straightforward and lower risk option when looking to establish their own energy generating enterprises.

“I believe this will be the decade when renewable energy comes of age, offering real business opportunities to the South West.”

For further information:

If you would like to speak with Bob Meier on any of the issues in this news item please call 01752 301010.

Francis Clark has offices in Exeter, Plymouth, Salisbury, Taunton, Tavistock, Torquay and Truro. Francis Clark is the winner of the ‘Auditor of the Year - Mid Tier’ in the National Financial Directors’ Excellence Awards 2011, and LexisNexis Best General Tax Practice Award 2009. More information is available by logging on at our Online Information Centre