Ardenham Energy, a developer and installer of renewable energy projects, has secured an initial £2 million investment from growth investor Bridges Ventures to fund the company’s expansion across the UK.

Ardenham Energy, a developer and installer of renewable energy projects, has secured an initial £2 million investment from growth investor Bridges Ventures to fund the company’s expansion across the UK.

The businesses installs renewable energy projects in homes, farms and businesses with a focus on solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and heat pumps, wind turbines and solar thermal systems.

Founded in 2007 by Harry Shepherd-Cross and James Hoare, Ardenham Energy has installed nearly 1,000 individual technology installations across the residential, public sector, agricultural and commercial markets in the UK. It was the first installer in the UK to be issued with a Micro-generation Certification Scheme certificate.

Bridges’ investment, which Ardenham Energy plans to use to grow from their base in England’s South-East, has been made through the firm’s Venture Funds and marks their fifth investment within the clean technology sector.

Ardenham Energy director Shepherd-Cross comments, ‘This is a landmark moment for Ardenham Energy. Our ability to secure substantial financial backing from such respected finance providers at a time when capital is so constrained is testament to the strength of our business model.

‘With the backing of Bridges Ventures, Ardenham Energy can now expand its provision and installation of renewable energy projects beyond the South East to a much wider market and use the added financial strength to generate additional comfort over the business’s ability to deliver large scale and long term contracts across all sectors.’

Bridges Ventures is a sustainable growth investor established in 2002 with a mission to use its commercial expertise to achieve focused social or environmental benefit. The firm has raised five funds to date that total £187 million. It typically invests up to £10 million.