Business Angel Peter adds sparkle to Solar Business
Local entrepreneur Peter Saunders is to be a Business Angel to an up-and-coming solar energy company. He has agreed to invest in Bright Light Solar, a company that delivers a range of products and services within the solar energy market.
The company was created in 2003 by Ian Tansley, a design engineer with more than 20 years experience of solar technologies. Ian has designed and deployed solar solutions for a wide range of clients worldwide. Prior to forming this company he worked at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth before becoming a founder member of Dulas, a leading Wales-based renewable technology company.
Bright Light Solar specialises in the delivery of off-grid solutions worldwide and numbers the World Health Organisation and UNICEF among its many clients. The company has developed a wide of solar powered products, including water heating systems, water pumps, electric panels and lighting systems. In the developing world its solar powered refrigerators are acclaimed and are widely used by medics to preserve precious vaccines at an optimum room temperature.
To date the company has been operating from Ian's home at Eglwysfach but as a result of Peter's investment the company is to move to dedicated premises at Pendre Enterprise Park in Tywyn, which coincidentally is just next door to Peter's former company, Halo Foods.
After selling Halo in 2004, Peter joined the mid-Wales branch of Xenos, the Business Angel Network. Part of Finance Wales, Xenos introduces Business Angels to companies seeking investment and the expertise of seasoned businessmen. In true 'Dragon's Den' style Peter snapped up the opportunity to invest in Bright Light Solar, with the money being used to develop the business further.
Said Peter: "The alternative energy industry is set for major growth in the coming years. Ian's company has the expertise and track record to develop the UK market and just requires some additional investment and guidance to set it on the road to stellar success."
Added Ian: "I am delighted that someone with Peter's business acumen has recognised the potential of Bright Light Solar and I will welcome his wise counsel in the coming months. Being sited next door to Halo Foods is an ideal reminder of how, with the right support, a fledgling company can, in time, reach great heights."
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Environmental Goods and Services Innovation
Bright Light Solar, established three years ago, offers products and services that enable
businesses and organisations all over the world to harness solar power to provide street lighting, refrigeration, telecommunications and water pumping solutions, particularly to developing countries.
From its base in Eglwysfach, near Machynlleth, where it employs a staff of four, Bright Light Solar’s electric and hot water solutions have been implemented worldwide from city centre roof tops to the remotest corner of the planet.
Company Director Ian Tansley, with more than 20 years in the industry, believes that solar power is the future. While much of the company’s business is carried out in such places as Nigeria, Ghana and parts of South America, the UK is becoming far more comfortable with solar technology, particularly as energy prices continue to soar.
Assistance through the Environmental Goods and Services Innovation project has allowed the company to develop and test a new solar vaccine refrigerator which is installed by the United Nations and registered with the World Health Organisation.
The company also provides systems for self installers, as well as a quick install Plug n Play
system. The recent launch of its website, with a new online store, has also generated more business.
EGSi provides support to small to medium size businesses in Objective 1 areas in Wales that are offering or developing goods and services within the environmental sector. |
